Homecoming
Family Friendly. Building Community. Reconnecting.
Join us for Homecoming & Family Weekend
October 16-17, 2026
Celebrate your Manchester spirit at Homecoming 2026, October 16–17! Alumni, students, families, and friends are invited to enjoy an exciting weekend of campus traditions, special events, and meaningful opportunities to reconnect with the Manchester community.
This year’s reunion classes are 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021, and 2026. Browse the resources below for the schedule of events, lodging information, and registration details. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus!
After You Register
Just for You!
When you arrive on campus, stop by the Registration tent located by the entrance to Spartan Stadium to pick up your name tag, tickets, a final schedule with the most up-to-date event locations, and additional information. The online Schedule of Events can also be referenced during Homecoming & Family Weekend for final event details.
Schedule of Events
Virtual 5k | Throughout the Week
Alumni from near and far are invited to run, walk, or bike in Manchester’s Virtual 5k any day the week of Homecoming. You will receive a digital bib number via email and are encouraged to share pictures on social media using #spartansforlife
FRIDAY | OCT 16
Class of 1976 Registration and Welcome Reception | 12 - 4:30 pm | 2nd Floor JYSC Alumni Office
Welcome back, Class of 1976! Kick-off your reunion weekend here! Whether you pre-registered online or are a walk-in our registration desk can get you all the information you need to have a great weekend. Light refreshments will be served.
Alumni Honor Award Recipient Q&A Panel 1:15 - 2:15 pm
All alumni, students and families are invited to hear more in depth about the careers and accomplishments from this years’ alumni award recipients. There will be time for Q&A.
Now and Then Student & Alumni Panel | 2:30 - 3:30 pm
A lot has changed at Manchester in the last fifty years! The panel will include alumni from the class of 1976 and current students who will share all about life at Manchester now and then.
Campus Tours 3:30 and 4:30 pm
Join us for a campus tour, relive your time on MU’s North Manchester Campus, reflect, and hear more about the future of Manchester’s student life.
Alumni Honor Award and Hall of Fame Induction Banquet | 5 pm Reception 6 pm Dinner and Program | 2nd Floor JYSC
All are invited to celebrate this years’ alumni award recipients and Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Alumni Honor Award Recipients:
- Dr. Howard Petty ’76
- Keith Strauss ’74
- Shawn Kobb ’96
Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients:
- Andrea Mekonnen ’12 ’16PharmD
- Erica Hedges ’10
Albertin Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
- Trey Forbes ’12 (baseball)
- Kristin Frick ’05 Flory (women’s tennis)
- The 2015-2016 Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Team
Adults: $28.00
Children age 12 and under: $14.00
SATURDAY | OCT 17
Registration | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | PERC parking lot & Spartan Stadium
Bring the whole family! There’s something for everyone—you won’t want to miss out! Whether you pre-registered online or are a walk-in, stop by the Registration Tent, located by the entrance to Spartan Stadium, to pick up your name tag, tickets, a final schedule with the most up-to-date event locations, and additional information.
Athletic Alumni Events | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Football Alumni Breakfast | 8:30am | Toyota Round | Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center
Wrestling Open Practice and Alumni Cookout| Women 9 am, Men-10 am | Stauffer-Wolfe Arena
Join the current team and their families for a cookout behind the PERC following the open practice session.
Women’s Basketball Alumni Game | 11 am | Stauffer-Wolfe Arena
Softball Alumni Game | 11 am | Spartan Field
Men’s Soccer Game | 3:30 pm | Good Field
Alumni are invited to watch the game and then join the team and their families for a meal afterwards.
State of the University | President Stacy Young ’96 | 9:30 am
Hear from President Young about the current plans and future of Manchester University. There will be an opportunity for Q&A following the session.
Academic Department Activities | 10 am - 12 pm
Peace Studies Plaque Dedication | 10 am | Muir Peace Gardens
Join the Peace Studies Institute as the honor and recognize the work of professor emeriti, Dr. David Waas ’48.
Environmental Studies Meet Up | 11 am – 12 pm | Teaching Garden along East Street by the entrance to PERC parking lot
Literacy Lab Open House | 11 – 11:45 am | 2nd Floor Funderberg Library
Kids Zone | 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Fun, games, bounce houses, face painting and more!
Alumni Authors Corner | 11:00 - 1:00 pm
Class Reunion Luncheons | 11 am - 6:30 pm
Class of 1976 50th Reunion Luncheon | 11 am | 2nd Floor, Jo Young Switzer Center
Golder Class Reunion Luncheons | 11:30 am | 2nd Floor Jo Young Switzer Center
Reunions for the classes of ‘56, ’61, ’66, ’71
Class Reunion Luncheons | 11:30 am
Class photos: Wine Recital Hall
Luncheon: Reunion Tent on East Street Reunions for the classes of ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’06, ’11, ’16, ’21
Class of 2026 Zero Class Reunion | 2 pm | Beer Tent
Class of 2026 are invited to celebrate your first Homecoming as alumni! Meet in the Beer Tent and receive a complimentary drink package. Includes 2 drink tickets, food, and a commemorative Homecoming koozie. Class photo will take place at 2:15pm.
Pharmacy Class Reunions | 6:30 pm
Classes of 2016 and 2021 are invited to celebrate their reunions at Manchester University Fort Wayne.
Women’s Soccer vs. Hanover | 1 pm | Good Field
Women’s Soccer vs. Hanover 1 pm Good Field
Football vs. Capital | 1:30 pm
Spartan Stadium Kids ages 5+ are invited to run out onto the field with the team. Meet at the entrance to the track at by 1:15pm.
Tickets: $10 or free with Homecoming and Family Weekend nametag.
Book Club with Lily Qi ’91 | 1:30 pm
Hear from alumni author and Board or Trustee member, Lily Qi, who will share about her book, Elected American.
Men’s Soccer vs. Hanover | 3:30 pm | Good Field
Men’s Soccer vs. Hanover 3:30 pm Good Field
Volleyball vs. Hanover | 7 pm | Stauffer-Wolfe Arena
$8 or free entry with Homecoming and Family Weekend nametag
DINING OPTIONS
Dining Options
Sister’s Café, Cunningham Academic Center: Starbuck’s coffee, wraps, salads, and pizzas.
Friday: 7:30am-3:00pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Wilbur’s, Funderberg Library: Hamburgers, Tex-Mex
Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Haist Commons, Jo Young Switzer Center
Friday Lunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday Dinner 4:30p.m. – 7p.m.
Saturday Lunch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday Dinner 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Price
All: Lunch $11, Dinner $12
Sunday Brunch: adult $10, children $7.50
MU Student with a meal plan: Entry with ID
Food Trucks, East Street
Saturday lunch only! 11am-1pm
Weenie Wagon
Hogs R Wild
SHOPPING
- University Gear Shop: Jo Young Switzer Center (lower level)
Stock up on new MU gear at the bookstore.
Friday 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm - Pop-up store: at the football field
Saturday 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Accomodations
A block of rooms have been reserved for Homecoming and Family Weekend at:
- Hampton Inn
Wabash 1610 N. Cass St. Wabash, IN 46992
Discount Code: Cut-off date: 9/16/26
Other lodging options
Wabash:
North Manchester
Fort Wayne
- Hampton Inn Fort Wayne/Dupont Road 3520 East Dupont Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 260-483-3999
- Hilton Garden Inn Fort Wayne North 10650 Diebold Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 260-399-6000
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne North 10650 Diebold Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 260-399-6000
- Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown 1150 S Harrison St . Fort Wayne, IN 46802 260-490-3629
Photos From Previous Events
Every year we upload our best images into a photo library for you to enjoy! Follow the link and download some of your favorites from Manchester Homecoming!