Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Celebrates 2023 Homecoming

The Lock Haven University Alumni Association and Commonwealth University-Lock Haven celebrated 2023 Homecoming festivities from September 20-23, with numerous fun-filled events organized for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the local community.

The festivities began on Wednesday, Sept. 20, with The Haven's 12th annual Lawn Party and Golf Cart Parade. This year's theme was "Haven & Homecoming in Harmony."

A total of 50 golf carts decorated by campus clubs and organizations, as well as alumni groups like the LHU Alumni Association and the LHU Foundation, made their way down North Fairview Street before transitioning to Ivy Land and onto the Poorman Commons to enjoy food, lawn games, music and more.

Activities on Thursday, Sept. 21, shifted to Main Street in downtown Lock Haven for the joint Keystone Central School District and CU-Lock Haven Parade. This year's theme was "Night at the Movies."

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 22, the 29th annual Alumni Classic Golf Tournament took place at Belles Springs Golf Course in Mill Hall, while a pressed-flower-candle craft-making event was simultaneously held in the Belles Springs clubhouse.

The winning foursome of Frank Condino '72, Scott McLean '72, Jeff DeCoen '78, and Todd Shawver, dean of the Zeigler College of Business, finished 11 under par.

On Friday, Sept. 22, the events shifted back to campus, as members of the campus community celebrated recently-retired head field hockey coach Pat Rudy '77 prior to the Bald Eagles' match against No. 13 St. Joseph's.

Later that day, an alumni mix and mingle and Greek reunion were held that included a live deejay and performances by the Bald Eagle Marching Band and Lock Haven cheerleading squad. More than 100 people attended the events in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center for a nostalgic evening of reminiscing and togetherness.

At the same time, in a private ceremony at Haywood's on the Green, the Lock Haven Athletics Department honored Mark Waite '94 (soccer), Blair Wynne '07 (field hockey), Ward Hile (1897 - baseball), Dr. Kenneth Cox (boxing/wrestling) and the 1957 football team as the newest inductees into the Lock Haven Athletics Hall of Fame.

Events kicked off on Saturday, Sept. 23, with tailgating in the Hubert Jack Stadium parking lot before the Bald Eagles took on East Stroudsburg University at 1 p.m.

Haven Homecoming 2024 dates are set for September 25-28.