2026 Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming Weekend 2026
October 16 – 17
Calling all Gaels! Save the Date!
Homecoming Weekend is happening from October 16–17, 2026.
We look forward to welcoming alumni, families, current students and friends back to campus. We’ll have an array of activities for everyone!
Visit this page often for updates and until then, Go Gaels!
CELEBRATE
Homecoming Weekend is a vibrant celebration of Iona school spirit, accomplishments, and traditions, highlighted by our spirited athletic events, performances, and reunions. It's a time to honor our rich history and the lasting impact an Iona education has on the lives of our students, their families, and our 55,000+ alumni community. Whether you’re a current student, a family member, or an alum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during Homecoming Weekend.
REUNITE
This weekend is a particularly fitting time for alumni to return to campus, reconnecting with old friends, faculty, and the University community. It offers a unique opportunity to relive cherished memories and rekindle the bonds that were formed during their time at Iona.
CONNECT
This weekend is an opportunity to foster new connections between students, their families, and our alumni. Iona is a place where lasting relationships are made and, whether you’re a student, family member, or alum, Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and connect over our shared Gael spirit.
Schedule of Events: 10/16 & 10/17
Friday, October 16
Noon-1 p.m.
1966 & 1976 Jubilarian Reunion Toast & Check-in
Location: Tea Room, Spellman Hall
Audience: Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels*
Registration is required. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Kick off your 50th & 60th reunion weekend by checking in, receiving your welcome materials, and reconnecting with classmates. Parking is available in the parking garage located behind the LaPenta School of Business.
1-2:30 p.m.
1966 & 1976 Jubilarian Reunion Luncheon
Location: Burke Lounge, Spellman Hall
Audience: Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels
Registration is required. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Celebrate decades of memories with fellow alumni over a special luncheon in honor of the Class of 1966 and 1976. All Golden Gaels (alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago) are welcome to attend.
2:30-3 p.m.
1966 & 1976 Jubilarian Reunion Class Photos
Location: Spellman Steps (Outside Main Entrance of Spellman Hall)
Audience: Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels
Registration is required. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Following the Jubilarian Reunion Luncheon, guests will gather for a group photo on the steps outside of Spellman Hall to commemorate the occasion.
3-4 p.m.
1966 & 1976 Jubilarian Reunion: State of the University Interview with Seamus Carey, Ph.D., President
Location: Hynes Institute, Spellman Hall
Audience: Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels
Registration is required. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Join us for an engaging interview with Seamus Carey, Ph.D., ninth President of Iona University, on current priorities, progress, and vision for the future.
4-5 p.m.
1966 & 1976 Jubilarian Reunion Optional Campus Tour & Refreshments
Location: Tea Room, Spellman Hall
Audience: Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels
Registration is required. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Enjoy a tour of campus and/or light refreshments and the opportunity to connect with fellow reunion attendees in the Tea Room immediately following the State of the University interview.
5-6 p.m.
Golden Gaels Mass
Location: Arrigoni Center
Audience: Open to All (Bus transportation will be available for Golden Gaels.)
Registration is required for Class of 1966, 1976 and all Golden Gaels. Register here for all Jubilarian Reunion events.
Join fellow Golden Gaels for a meaningful Catholic Mass to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate common faith.
5:15 p.m.
Swimming & Diving Tri-Meet vs. Sacred Heart/Wagner (Day 1)
Location: Hynes Center Pool
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Cheer on the Gaels as our men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams compete against Sacred Heart University and Wagner College in an exciting start to Homecoming Weekend at the Hynes Athletics Center pool!
5:30-8 p.m.
Parent & Family Reception
Location: Murphy Green
Audience: Parents/Families & Current Students
Registration is required. Register here for the Parent & Family Reception.
Enjoy an evening of refreshments, raffles, lawn games, photo station, music and great company as we celebrate a key part of Gael Nation: parents and families! The evening will include a brief program featuring remarks from Iona leadership, as well as an opportunity to connect with representatives from across campus in a resource-fair-style setting. This is an ideal time to ask questions, explore available student opportunities and engage more deeply with the Iona community. Join us for this pre-party to Maroon Madness as we celebrate the kickoff to the 2026-27 basketball season. Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles of all current students are welcome. Students are encouraged to attend with their families!
6 p.m.
Alumni Awards & Homecoming Dinner
Location: Mulcahy Gymnasium
Audience: Alumni
Registration is required.
Honor outstanding alumni achievements and enjoy an evening of celebration, dining, and dancing with the full alumni community.
6–8 p.m.
Women’s Lacrosse Homecoming Weekend Alumnae Game & Gathering
Location: LaPenta School of Business Atrium
Audience: Alumni, Parents & Current Team
Registration is required. Register here for the Women's Homecoming Alumnae Game & Gathering. (Proceeds Benefitting WLAX)
Reunite with former teammates and meet parents, coaches and student-athletes from the 2026-27 women’s lacrosse team! The weekend begins with a Friday night cocktail reception in the LaPenta School of Business Atrium. Saturday morning, former Gaels can lace up against their teammates for the program’s annual alumnae game on Mazzella Field.
8-9:30 p.m.
Maroon Madness
Location: Hynes Athletics Center (HAC)
Audience: Open to All
Registration is required via IonaTickets.com. More information coming soon.
Show your Iona pride at a high-energy pep rally to kick off Homecoming Weekend!
9:30 – 11 p.m.
Maroon Madness Afterparty
Location: Mazzella Field
Audience: Open to all
Registration is not required.
The celebration doesn’t stop after the final buzzer! Join the Gaels Activities Board for the Post-Maroon Madness Student Afterparty — a high-energy, basketball-themed hangout packed with games, music, snacks, and prizes. Whether you’re coming for the games, the music, or just the post-game vibes, this is your chance to keep the energy going and celebrate like a champion. Let’s keep the madness rolling — see you on the field!
*"Golden Gaels" are Iona alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. Learn more about our Golden Gaels Society here or contact Katelyn Burns at kburns@iona.edu.
Saturday, October 17
10 a.m.
Homecoming Mass
Location: Mehmel Green (Rain Location: Arrigoni Center)
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Join our campus community for a meaningful Catholic Mass to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate common faith. Homecoming Mass will be offered as a special Mass of remembrance for all deceased members of the Iona community, including alumni, board of trustee members, and family members & relatives.
11 a.m.
Homecoming Breakfast
Location: Burke Lounge, Spellman Hall
Audience: Open to All
Registration is required.
Start your Homecoming Saturday with a buffet breakfast and great company with fellow Gaels. Open to all alumni, families, friends, and members of the Iona community, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to reconnect before a full day of Homecoming festivities.
11 a.m.
Men’s Soccer Alumni Gathering & Watch Party
Location: LaPenta School of Business Patio
Audience: Open to all with a particular focus on MSOC alumni and parents of current team.
Registration is required. Register here for the men's soccer alumni gathering and watch party.
Reunite with former teammates as part of a special Iona University men's soccer alumni gathering! Enjoy a pregame brunch with refreshments before watching the Gaels battle Fairfield in a key MAAC conference game in front of the Homecoming Weekend crowd. Attendees will have exclusive access to the LaPenta School of Business Atrium for the entirety of the event and will have a prime viewing location to watch the game.
11:30 a.m.
Swimming & Diving Tri-Meet vs. Sacred Heart/Wagner (Day 2)
Location: Hynes Athletics Center Pool
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Cheer on the Gaels as our men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams compete against Sacred Heart University and Wagner College as part of Homecoming Weekend!
Noon
Men’s Soccer vs. Fairfield
Location: Mazzella Field
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
12:30 p.m.
President’s Circle Reception
Location: McGrath Room & Balcony, LaPenta Student Union (2nd Floor)
Audience: Invite only
Registration is required. Upon receiving an invitation, please RSVP to events@iona.edu.
Members of the President's Circle Giving Society are invited to enjoy an exclusive reception in recognition of their leadership support of Iona. Join fellow President's Circle members, University leadership, and special guests for an afternoon of conversation and appreciation. This event is by invitation only.
Noon-4 p.m.
Homecoming Carnival
Location: Murphy Green
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Enjoy a fun-filled carnival with games, activities, and entertainment for all ages, perfect for students, alumni, and families alike.
12:30-5 p.m.
Gael Gate
Location: Montgomery Lot
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Take in the excitement of Homecoming while enjoying food trucks, a beer truck, and the energy of game day on campus. Whether you're cheering on the Gaels or reconnecting with fellow alumni and friends, the Homecoming Gael Gate offers a fun and festive gathering space throughout the afternoon. Please bring cash for purchases from the beer truck and either cash or a credit card for food truck purchases.
3 p.m.
Iona Rugby vs. University of Buffalo
Location: Mazzella Field
Audience: Open to All
Registration for the game is not required; however, guests who would like to attend the Rugby Alumni Reunion are required to register in advance. Registration link coming soon.
Cheer on our rugby team as they take the field in a match up with Buffalo that’s sure to thrill!
3 p.m.
Swimming & Diving Alumni & Family Gathering
Location: Burke Lounge, Spellman Hall
Audience: Alumni, Parents & Current Team
Registration is required. Register here for the swimming & diving alumni & family gathering.
Join the Iona University swimming & diving programs after their Homecoming Weekend tri-meet with a special alumni and parents reception on Saturday afternoon. Following the conclusion of their tri-meet against Sacred Heart and Wagner, alumni are encouraged to join parents, coaches and student-athletes from this year's team in an intimate post-meet gathering in the Burke Lounge. The event is free to attend, but donations to the program are encouraged and appreciated!
9-10 p.m.
Jukebox Bingo
Location: University Commons (LaPenta Student Union, Ground Floor)
Audience: Open to All
Registration is not required.
Gather your family and test your knowledge in a fun and friendly trivia challenge!