Homecoming 2024: All Roads Lead Back to Yellow Jacket Country
October 3-5, 2024
CLICK HERE to register!
Thursday, October 3rd
6:00 – 6:45 PM
Jan J. Younger Colloquium Reception
Women’s Commission Art Gallery
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Jan J. Younger Colloquium
Schomburg Auditorium
Joe Mathews, DC Class of 1974 and current international arbitrator and mediator based
in Miami and Washington, D.C., will present “Student Athletes: Are they an endangered
species, or are they essential for the future of small colleges in America?”
Friday, October 4th
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Event Registration Open
Check in for events, register for additional activities, and purchase food and drink
tickets under the big tent on Webster! Need new Yellow Jacket gear? The Swarm Shop will be under the tent from 5:00 – 7:00
PM.
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Yellow Jacket Jamboree*
Join the Alumni Executive Board, DC alumni, and friends to kick off Homecoming 2024
under the big tent on Webster. Enjoy our taco and margarita bar for $17 per person, and bring extra cash for wine
coolers, beer, water, and soft drinks. Raffle prizes will be given out throughout
the evening, and free popcorn will be available.
Special group gatherings include 2013-14 Volleyball HCAC Conference Championship Team, 2004 Softball HCAC Conference Championship Team, Class of 1974 Reunion, Craig Rutter & friends, Ben Davis & friends, TKE Reunion, Residence Life Alumni/ae, and Speech & Debate Alumni/ae. To reserve a table for your own special gathering, please contact the Advancement Office.
7:00 PM
DC Women’s Volleyball vs. Saint Mary’s of the Woods
Karl H. Weaner Community Center, Hohenberger Court
All volleyball alumnae will be recognized at the beginning of the match, and the 2013-14
HCAH Conference Championship Team will be recognized between sets.
Saturday, October 5th
8:30 – 10:30 AM
All-Alumni Breakfast*
George M. Smart Athletic Center
The program during breakfast includes the retirement of Ben Davis’ football jersey,
and the presentation of the Alumni Achievement, Emerging Alumni, and Schauffler Legacy
awards. We will also induct new members to the Hall of Fame and recognize the Coach
of the Year recipients.
Alumni Achievement Award Recipients: Kim Shepherd Ford '89, Amanda Misencik '07
Emerging Alumni Award Recipient: Harvey Hyman '16
Schauffler Legacy Awards: Rebecca Sanford '04, Rev. Jan Bechtel
Hall of Fame Inductees: Terence Seikel '79, Kirk Seeman '90, Fran Wahrman '90, Anthony
Pettaway '09, Emili McCluer King '97, Craig Rutter
Coach of the Year Recipients: Jerry Kiefer '88, Adam Hall '14, Eric Sprague '05, Tim
Held '96, Mike Weaver '98, Matt King '10, Joe Frank '83
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
“Be ArtSee” Show
Women’s Commission Art Gallery
The Defiance College Women’s Commission Art Gallery will host the 2nd Annual “Be Art See” show, which features fine art submissions by area artists. The
gallery is open every Sunday from September 22 – October 6 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, with
special Homecoming hours being added on Saturday, October 5th. Awards will be given by Defiance Mayor Mike McCann, DC President Richanne C. Mankey,
Defiance County Commissioners. Gallery attendees will also have an opportunity to
select a People’s Choice artist.
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Yellow Jacket Tailgate
Meet up with friends under the big tent on Webster, and grab lunch from one of the food trucks lining the street (cash only). Cash bar
with wine coolers, beer, and soft drinks will be under the tent.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Campus Tours*
Take a tour from a DC Admissions Counselor, and see how much campus has changed over
the years. Tours depart from the Serrick Campus Center Lobby at 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM,
and 11:30 AM, and registration is preferred.
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Future Yellow Jacket Kidstravaganza!* – Hosted by Alumni Executive Board
Karl H. Weaner Community Center, McMaster Gymnasium
Kids of all ages are encouraged to join us for corn hole, bracelet making, face painting,
stickers, pictures with “Buzz!”
11:30 AM
Women’s Softball Alumni Game
Sal Hench Field
Registration is preferred for this alumni competition. Free parking behind Rutter
Field.
1:30 PM
DC Yellow Jackets vs. Manchester
Free admission for REGISTERED alumni! Halftime includes retirement of Ben Davis’ football
jersey, induction of new Hall of Fame members, acknowledgement of Coaches of the Year,
and recognition of 2004 Women’s Softball and 2013-14 Women’s Volleyball HCAC Conference
Championship Teams. Limited parking is available near the field for $10 per vehicle.
Additional free parking at the Karl H. Weaner Community Center.
1:30 PM
DC Alumni, Students, & Friends Euchre Tournament* - Hosted by Alumni Executive Board
If football isn’t your thing, join us under the big tent on Webster for Euchre! Entry fees of $20/team or $10/individual apply, and half the proceeds
go back to the DC Annual Fund.
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Post-Game Alumni Gathering*
Dark Horse Restaurant & Social Club, 651 Clinton St, Defiance, OH
Limited to 70 individuals, this gathering is open to all alumni. The Dark Horse Restaurant
& Social Club is owned by DC alumna, Trish Sanford Speiser (’96), and her husband,
Mark Speiser. Dinner and drinks provided with $25 registration fee.
5:00 – 7:00 PM
2004 Women’s HCAC Championship Softball Team Gathering*
Serrick Campus Center, Hubbard Banquet Room
Dinner is free for 2004 team members, and $17 per guest.
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Golden Reunion – Class of 1974*
Home of President Richanne C. and Michael Mankey
Special remarks and campus updates will be provided by President Richanne C. Mankey
at 6:15 PM.
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Alumni Social – Downtown Defiance DORA
Grab a drink from the Dark Horse Restaurant & Social Club, or another of the designated
DORA establishments, and carry it outside as you explore historic downtown Defiance
with other DC alumni.
Information about Downtown Defiance DORA can be found here.
