Homecoming
October 16th – 17th, 2026
INSIDE Homecoming
Homecoming at West Liberty University is a time to reconnect, relive memories, and make new ones. This fall, the Hilltop becomes a tropical paradise for Homecoming 2026 as we celebrate a luau-themed week.
We’re welcoming everyone back for a fresh lineup of events that blend tradition with a bit of tropical fun. We’ll have special events and swag for alums with class years ending in ’1 and ’6.
No matter your connection—student, alum, parent, or fan—there’s something for everyone. Grab your shades, gather your favorite Hilltoppers, and ride the wave back to the Hilltop.
The schedule of weekly events is subject to change as new events will be added. Check back often! Campus map for locations is available here.
Schedule of Events
- Sunday, October 11
- 4:00 PM
- Homecoming Kickoff | Hogue Quadrangle
Kick off the week by supporting our homecoming candidates and enjoying a delicous dinner from local food trucks. During this event, each set of candidates will create a banner that reflects the theme of this year’s Homecoming, and they will present them to the student body.
- Monday, October 12
- 9:00 PM
- Serenades | Elbin Auditorium, College Hall
Join us in a fun night of performances from your Homecoming candidates! Each set of candidates will create a dance to a mashup of songs and perform them for all of West Lib to see!
- Tuesday, October 13
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Paw Cookie Decorating | Union Ballroom
Show off your confectionary skills while you display your Topper pride.
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Celebrity Servers | Bear’s Den
Dinner time, served to you by your Homecoming candidates. Stop by the cafe to say hi to the candidates and get a great meal.
- Wednesday, October 14
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tent Day and Voting | Hogue Quadrangle
Today’s the day! Vote for your favorite set of candidates today! Each tent will hand out fun goodies, given to you by the candidates and the organization they are representing.
- 5:00 PM
- Women’s Soccer vs. Frostburg State | West Family Athletic Complex
Support the women’s soccer team as they compete against Frostburg State. Chic-fil-A of the Highlands will provide concessions.
- 7:30 PM
- Men’s Soccer vs. Frostburg State | West Family Athletic Complex
Stick around to cheer on the men as they take on the Bobcats.
- Thursday, October 15
- 6:00 PM
- Pep Rally | Hogue Quadrangle
Join us for the Pep Rally and show your Hilltopper pride as we gear up for the weekend!
- 7:00 PM
- Hula Dance Instruction | Union Ballroom
Step into the rhythm of Homecoming with a lesson in Hula dancing. Bring your friends, learn a few moves, and celebrate the Hilltop tradition in style.
- 7:30 PM
- The WLU Hilltop Players present “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh | Kelly Theatre
McDonaugh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” is a darkly comic tale set on the remote Irish island of Inishmaan in 1934. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, Billy Claven, a young man with a physical disability, sees an opportunity to escape the limitations of his small community and pursue a dream of becoming an actor. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores what happens when people who feel trapped are suddenly given the possibility of a different life.
Inishmaan is being directed by Alexandra Burdick, adjunct faculty in Theatre.
- Friday, October 16
- 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Blood Drive | Boyle Room
Give the gift of life during Homecoming Weekend by donating blood and making a difference in our community.
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Class Year Reunion Registration | Elbin Library
Enjoy a light continental breakfast, pick up a commemorative gift, and reconnect with classmates. Registration link
- 12:00 PM
- Class Reunion Luncheon | Elbin Library
All alumni celebrating 50 years or more since graduation are invited to join us. Alums celebrating their 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th reunions will be recognized. Registration link
- 1:00 PM
- Basketball Alumni Golf Outing | Oglebay Park
Join us for the first-ever West Liberty Men’s Basketball Alumni Golf Outing. Registration link
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Speech and Hearing Clinic Tours | Campbell Hall, Fourth Floor
Tour the Speech and Hearing Clinic and learn about the services they provide.
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Alpha Xi Delta Alumni Event | Alpha Xi Delta House
Reconnect with fellow sisters and celebrate the legacy of Alpha Xi Delta at our Alumni Event at the Alpha Xi Delta House. Please RSVP to amaier@westliberty.edu and join us for an evening of sisterhood, memories, and meaningful connections.
- 5:30 PM
- President’s Recognition Dinner | College Union Building
Join President Borchers as we recognize this year’s Impact of Philanthropy honorees and induct the newest members of the Wall of Honor. Cost is $85.00 per person. Registration link.
- 6:00 PM
- Lambda Psi Sigma | Social Room, Chapel
Reconnect with fellow sisters and celebrate the legacy of Lambda Psi Sigma at their Alumni Event on Friday, October 16, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel Social Room. Please RSVP to lambdapsisigma@westliberty.edu and join us for an evening of fellowship, memories, and connection.
- 7:00 PM
- Volleyball vs. Shawnee State | ASRC
Cheer on the Topper volleyball team when they play the MEC conference’s newest team, Shawnee State.
- 7:30 PM
- The WLU Hilltop Players present “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh | Kelly Theatre
McDonaugh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” is a darkly comic tale set on the remote Irish island of Inishmaan in 1934. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, Billy Claven, a young man with a physical disability, sees an opportunity to escape the limitations of his small community and pursue a dream of becoming an actor. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores what happens when people who feel trapped are suddenly given the possibility of a different life.
Inishmaan is being directed by Alexandra Burdick, adjunct faculty in Theatre.
- Saturday, October 17
- 8:30 AM
- Tailgating Opens | ASRC Parking Lots
Registered tailgaters will be allowed entrance in to tailgating lots no sooner than 8:30AM on the day of Homecoming, and tailgating will end 1 hour after the football game ends. No vehicular access allowed in tailgating after 11:00AM. For more information. Be sure to stop by the alumni tent for some Homecoming swag.
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Class Year Reunion Registration (Class Years Ending in 01 or 06)| Alumni Tent in Tailgating Area
Pick up a commemorative gift and reconnect with classmates. Registration link
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Campus Tours and Activities | Elbin Library
Take a self-guided campus tour. View historical documents at the Elbin Library. Visit the Shaw Hall history exhibit. Review Wall of Honor inductees.
- 10:00 AM
- Alumni Band Rehearsal | Band Room
Whether you played trumpet, trombone, drums, or anything in between, this is your chance to march with us once again and perform at our upcoming football game. Please email Camilo.Jauregui@westliberty.edu if you are interested in participating.
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Speech and Hearing Clinic Tours | Campbell Hall, Fourth Floor
Tour the Speech and Hearing Clinic and learn about the services they provide.
- 11:00 PM
- Volleyball vs. Concord | ASRC
Cheer on the Topper volleyball in their Homecoming game.
- 1:00 PM
- Football vs. West Virginia Wesleyan College | West Family Stadium
Join the excitement as the Hilltoppers face the Bobcats. Wall of Honor inductees will be introduced and your 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime.
- 7:30 PM
- The WLU Hilltop Players present “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh | Kelly Theatre
McDonaugh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” is a darkly comic tale set on the remote Irish island of Inishmaan in 1934. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, Billy Claven, a young man with a physical disability, sees an opportunity to escape the limitations of his small community and pursue a dream of becoming an actor. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores what happens when people who feel trapped are suddenly given the possibility of a different life.
Inishmaan is being directed by Alexandra Burdick, adjunct faculty in Theatre.
- 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Homecoming Dance | College Union Ballroom
Join us for an unforgettable Homecoming Dance and a night of fun, dancing, and memories. WLU students must present a valid TopperCard for entry; students may bring one non-WLU guest (18+) with a valid photo ID, and all attendees, 21 or older, may purchase alcohol.
- Sunday, October 18
- 3:00 PM
- The WLU Hilltop Players present “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh | Kelly Theatre
McDonaugh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” is a darkly comic tale set on the remote Irish island of Inishmaan in 1934. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, Billy Claven, a young man with a physical disability, sees an opportunity to escape the limitations of his small community and pursue a dream of becoming an actor. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores what happens when people who feel trapped are suddenly given the possibility of a different life.
Inishmaan is being directed by Alexandra Burdick, adjunct faculty in Theatre.
Title Sponsors
Black & Gold Supporter Sponsors
1837 Sustainer Sponsors
Topper Friend Sponsor
For sponsorship information contact:
Shawn Ullom, WLU Foundation Director of Development
Email: shawn.ullom@wlufoundation.edu
Call: 304-336-8401
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Hilltopper
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