Homecoming - Homecoming

SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING 2026

October 16th - 17th, 2026

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Schedule – Class Reunions – Tailgating – Accommodations – Traditions – Sponsors

General Information

Aloha, Hilltoppers – Homecoming is calling!

Homecoming at West Liberty 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 ’01 and ’06.

Schedule of Events

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.

Sunday, October 11
4:00 PM
Homecoming Kickoff | Hogue Quadrangle
Kick off the week by supporting our homeocming 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.
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
Alumni from the classes of 1976, 1971, 1966, and 1961 are invited to a special luncheon. 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.
5:30 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.
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)| Elbin Library
Enjoy a light continental breakfast, pick up a commemorative gift, and reconnect with classmates. If you are not able to check in before noon, visit the Alumni Affairs tent in the tailgating area. 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 – 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.
12:00 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 2025 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime.
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.

Class Reunions

Is It Your Reunion Year?

If your graduation year ends in 1 or 6, you are celebrating a milestone reunion this year! We will have special events throughout the week, including continental breakfast Friday, commemorative gifts, tickets to the Homecoming football game, and more! Register here for the milestone reunion events.

5-year Reunion: Class of 2021
10-year Reunion: Class of 2016
15-year Reunion: Class of 2011
20-year Reunion: Class of 2006
25-year Reunion: Class of 2001
30-year Reunion: Class of 1996
35-year Reunion: Class of 1991
40-year Reunion: Class of 1986
45-year Reunion: Class of 1981
50-year Reunion: Class of 1976
55-year Reunion: Class of 1971
60-year Reunion: Class of 1966
65-year Reunion: Class of 1961

Milestone reunion attendees are invited to contribute to the “Hilltop is Home” fundraising campaign to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of the campus. Classes with the highest number of donors and total giving will be recognized—and earn campus bragging rights! Learn more or donate now.

Tailgating Information

Tailgating spots have sold out. General parking will be available across campus on the day of the event. For additional questions regarding tailgating, please feel free to email: alumni@westliberty.edu

Where will paid tailgating be hosted?
Paid tailgating will be hosted in Lots A & B located directly behind the ASRC. Lot A will have spots available to reserve at $50 per spot, and Lot B will be $30 per spot. Tailgating is not allowed in other areas of campus.

When does tailgating begin and end?
Attendees will be allowed entrance into tailgating Lots A and B no sooner than 8:30AM on the day of Homecoming, and tailgating will end 1 hour after the football game ends. We will have local PD and Ohio County Sheriff’s officers available throughout the day to help with traffic. *No vehicular entrance into the tailgating lots after 11:00AM.

Will tents, tables, or any other furniture be provided for me?
Unfortunately, due to liability and staffing reasons we are not able to provide, rent, or set up any type of tent, table, or furniture for our tailgaters. Though these items are still permitted at the tailgating sites, attendees will have to supply and maintain these furnishing on their own. Please keep in mind parking spots are 18′ x 9′. Please plan tent accordingly. Please feel free to bring your own tent or you may rent one at:
• General Rental, Inc. 740-282-9588
• Weirton Rentals 304-748-0057
• OV Party Rentals 304-281-4205

How big are the reserved spaces?
Each parking space available for reservation is 9’ wide by 18’ long. When you reserve a space, this is what you will have available to you. We ask that if you plan on bringing tables, tents, chairs, etc. you plan accordingly to keep your belongings confined to the space/s you rent. We also ask that you be mindful of keeping the roadway clear. It is important to leave space for emergency services, maintenance, and other University personnel to travel.

Am I able to pick what spots I reserve?
We will be filling spots on a first come/first serve basis. Unfortunately, due to the volume of attendees we’ll have that day, we are not able to pre-plan individually reserved spots (you cannot request specific spots at reservation). However, if you reserve multiple spots online we will do our best to make sure you get that many consecutive spots on the day you arrive. For example, if you reserve 3 spots online, our parking lot ushers will do their best to make sure you are parked with 3 spots in a row in the lot you purchase (either A or B).

What else is available on site?
Tailgating Lots A & B will only provide parking spaces for tailgating. Food, beverages, and furnishings in these areas need to be supplied by the attendee. However, we will also be hosting food trucks, band, and family activities.

Tailgating Rules:

Tailgating begins at 8:30AM the day of Homecoming, and will end 1 hour after the football game ends.
No vehicular access allowed in tailgating after 11:00 AM.
No kegs or glass containers.
No tobacco or vaping.
No DJs permitted in tailgating. The University will provide a DJ for entertainment.
All weapons are prohibited in the tailgating area per WV Code § 18B-4-5b (1)
In the event of an emergency incident call 9-1-1; Non-Emergency: (304) 336–8021

Accommodations

Wilson Lodge, Oglebay Resort

465 Lodge Drive
Wheeling, WV

(304) 243-4000

Hampton Inn

795 National Road
Wheeling, WV

(304) 233-0440

Springhill Suites

908 National Road
Wheeling, WV

(304) 232-8903

Homecoming Traditions

Parade

The first Homecoming parade was held in 1952 in Wheeling. During the 1950s, the parade was held in downtown Wheeling. Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations would build floats for the big parade; sometimes two groups cooperated on one float. Float construction was often a social event and an occasion for a “date.”

In the 1970s, the homecoming parade and the floats were replaced by displays on campus.

In the 1980s, The Alumni Association revived the homecoming parade, moved it from Wheeling to the town of West Liberty, and built a sample float as an example for the students.

Today, the parade features the band, royalty candidates, and other student organizations as it winds its way around campus.

Serenades

An entertainment competition sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), the Serenades event features homecoming candidates performing short skits before a panel of judges and fellow students. This decades-old tradition features clever costumes, dancing, and high-energy performances.

Royalty

Handing out candy and campaigning for your homecoming queen candidate has been a tradition for many years, and it continues today. During Tent Day presented by SGA, students can vote on who they wish to see as Homecoming Queen and King. Free food and giveaways will be available.

Wall of Honor

In 1990, the West Liberty State College Alumni Association Board of Directors, at the suggestion of Professor Robert W. Schramm, who was a member of the board at that time, initiated a project that was designed to demonstrate to current students, visitors, and friends that the college has had some very distinguished graduates. The project, known as the “Alumni Wall of Honor,” became a dramatic way for the college to honor and display pride in its accomplished alumni. The Wall of Honor is located on the third floor of the Paul L. Elbin Library. Photographs of the honorees are displayed on the wall of this room.

New members of the Alumni Wall of Honor are added each year during homecoming weekend.

Impact of Philanthropy

The West Liberty University Foundation’s Impact of Philanthropy Awards are presented during Homecoming Weekend at the President’s Recognition Dinner. This prestigious award is presented to a select group of donors who have given the generous amount of $25,000 or more during the fiscal year to advance priority projects at WLU. This award is part of the WLU Foundation’s effort to spread awareness about the impact of philanthropy on our campus.