Manchester University held its Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026 festivities on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17.
At the Alumni Honor Awards and Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday evening, five alumni were recognized with awards, and two alumni and one team were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Keith Strauss, Howard Petty and Shawn Kobb all received Alumni Honor Awards. Erica Albertin and Andrea Mekonnen received Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Awards. Trey Forbes, Kristen Flory and the 2015-16 women’s cross country and track and field team were welcomed into the Hall of Fame.
More than 800 alumni from 22 states and two countries were in attendance on Saturday, tying Manchester’s record attendance in 2022.
Reunions were held for the classes of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021 and 2026.
The annual Peace Studies Plaque Dedication honored the late Professor Emeritus David Waas, who taught history at Manchester for 27 years. Leonard Williams, professor emeritus of political science and colleague of Waas, and Katy Gray Brown, professor of peace studies and philosophy, spoke about Waas’ legacy.
Married couples who met at Manchester, affectionately referred to as Manchester Mates, renewed their vows in Petersime Chapel at the third-annual vow renewal ceremony, officiated by Rudy Rolle, director of multicultural affairs.
Alumna and trustee Lily Qi held a discussion and reading of her book “Elected American,” which explores her adolescence in Shanghai during China’s Cultural Revolution, her journey to America for college, and her experience as a state legislator in Maryland.
Open houses were held for the Literacy Lab and the Teaching Garden, and alumni were invited to socialize and reconnect with their academic programs and faculty at the Donuts and Departments event.
Final scores for the day’s athletic events were:
- Football versus Franklin: 7-19
- Women’s soccer versus Hanover: 0-3
- Men’s soccer versus Hanover: 0-2
- Volleyball versus Hanover: 3-1
See photos from Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026 here.
For the media
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., and online, offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Our mission and values
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
