Vermont State University Hosts First Homecoming Weekends

A group of people smiling at each other and the camera.

Vermont State University Celebrates Inaugural Homecoming & Family Weekends Across Multiple Campuses

Events taking place across all Vermont State campuses, September 15-17 and September 22-24.

Athletic Hall of Fame events planned for Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon campuses. 

Vermont State University announces its inaugural Homecoming & Family Weekend celebrations that bring together students, alumni, families, friends, and our local communities for a vibrant and memorable experience across its campuses – Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, and Randolph. Vermont State welcomes alumni from its previous institutions, Castleton University, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will also be held on the Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon campuses. 

“We are thrilled to launch our very first Homecoming & Family Weekend, creating an occasion for students, alumni, families, and friends to come together and celebrate the spirit of Vermont State University,” said Mike Smith, interim president at Vermont State University. “This event underscores our commitment to fostering lifelong connections, sharing experiences, and building a strong sense of community among all members of the Vermont State family.”

Set to take place over two weekends in September, the Homecoming & Family Weekends mark a significant milestone in the university’s history, uniting the diverse Vermont State community for a weekend filled with festivities, connections and reminiscences. Specifically, campus celebrations will take place on the following dates:

Castleton campus: 

  • Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 15-17, 2023
  • Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, September 16, 9:30 a.m. Reservations are required, $25 per person. Breakfast will be served.
    • •2023 Inductees: Richard Reilly ’08, Jamie Lemieux Durkee ’10, Stuart Stefan ’11, and Ryan Zielinski ’13

Johnson campus: 

  • Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 15-17, 2023
  • Johnson Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, September 16, 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required, $25 per person. Dinner will be served.
    • 2023 Inductees: Claudia Martineau Burnham ’12, Kylie Aither Hadfield ’18, Brittany Robertson ’15, Breanna Laughlin Turco ’16, Andrea Williams ’16

Lyndon campus: 

  • Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 22-24, 2023
  • Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, September 22, 6 p.m.
    • 2023 Inductees: Chris Gobeille ’95, Patrick Hilton ’13, Robert Dickerman ’86 (honorary, posthumously), Timothy Hagerty ’04 (honorary). Special Team Recognition: 1977 and 1978 Men’s Ski Teams, Reservations are required, $40 per person.
  • Lyndon 2023 Alumni Awards and Reunion Brunch, Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. Reservations are required, $25 per person.
    • Distinguished Alumni Award: Catherine Beattie Toll ’81
    • Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Taylor Young ’15
    • Faculty and Staff Recognition Award:  Michaela Stone
    • Award of Special Merit: Rick Williams ’00

Randolph campus: 

  • Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 23, 2023

The events promise an array of engaging activities, including campus tours, alumni awards and reunions, alumni and varsity athletic events, family activities, live performances, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet President Smith, engage in discussions about the university’s progress and future plans, and celebrate the collective achievements of its alumni.

The Homecoming & Family Weekends showcase the distinctive character of each campus – Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon and Randolph — with attendees able to experience the unique essence of each campus.

“This celebration is not only a homecoming for our alumni, but also a warm welcome for families and friends into our extended Vermont State family,” added Smith. “We look forward to creating lasting memories, strengthening bonds, and laying the foundation for a tradition that will carry forward for years to come.”

Lauren Philie, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement added, “While we recognize that our alumni are most connected to the campus from which they graduated, all are welcome on any of our campuses, so if you are not able to attend Homecoming at your alma mater due to distance or other conflicts, please join us at another campus for a day of fun!”

Vermont State University’s Homecoming & Family Weekends embody the university’s dedication to fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and camaraderie among its community members. As attendees come together to celebrate their shared journey and the university’s achievements, they contribute to the ongoing success and legacy of Vermont State.

Learn more about Vermont State’s 2023 Homecoming & Family Weekends.