With looming wet and windy weather, Western New England University alumni, fans, friends, and family returned to campus October 21 to celebrate Homecoming 2023.

Golden Bears in attendance did not let the rain dampen their spirits, as there was still a lot to celebrate here on Wilbraham Road, including a milestone reunion for the class of 1993, various sport reunions, alumni games, varsity games, U&ME dinner dance and reunion, the Downes Hall of Fame dinner, and the first ever Homecoming Brew & Gold event held at Loophole Brewing in downtown Springfield.

Relive, experience, and enjoy a look back at Homecoming 2023 at alumni.wne.edu/homecoming2023.

Downes Hall of Fame

The Downes Hall of Fame awards ceremony kicked off the weekend festivities on Friday night with Golden Bear alumni athletes Kara (Acken) Landon '03 (field hockey), Jim Bayne '08 (men’s basketball), Matt Rogers '11 (baseball), and Jeffrey Wagner '12 (men’s cross country) honored as Class of 2023 inductees.

Golden Bear Boulevard

While Golden Bear Boulevard looked a bit different this year, the wide variety of food trucks, kid zone games, Golden Bear gear and giveaways, and so much more remained the same. Alumni, friends, and fans were able to shop Golden Bear Boulevard for the first time ever, with several WNE alumni- and student-owned shops, as well as an athletics table and school store.

Golden Bear Athletics Scoreboard

On Saturday, despite heavy rains and strong winds, Golden Bear football was able to secure a last-minute touchdown to ensure a 10-9 victory over Husson University. Sunday, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams took on Endicott College. After a full 90 minutes, the women finished their game with a 0-0 tie and clenched the first-seed moving into the CCC tournament, while the men took home the 1-0 win, which helped set them upon the top of the CCC standings.

Alumni games for field hockey, men’s ice hockey, women’s basketball, and men’s lacrosse also took place.

Check out the results of all the weekend athletic action at wnegoldenbears.com.

Homecoming Brew and Gold

Capping off Homecoming with a celebration that highlighted what it truly means to be a Golden Bear, over 100 alumni and friends gathered at Loophole Brewing. The Class of 1993 celebrated their 30th reunion at the event at the alumnus-owned brewery in downtown Springfield.

United and Mutually Equal Dinner Dance

Alumni and students from United and Mutually Equal (U&ME) reconnected with fellow Golden Bears, faculty, staff, and current students while dancing the night away.