Redesigned Homecoming features new events, energy, and excitement

Now a mother of three and an avid Purdue University Fort Wayne basketball fan, alumna Star Smith loves bringing her husband and three children back to campus, particularly for Homecoming games.

“I like taking our kids so they can be in the college atmosphere, and it’s close to home, so it’s fun,” said the former Mastodons volleyball star. “I like showing my kids the pictures and banners and talking to them about the history of what happened. I can say I was on this or that team, and they know Mom kind of actually knew what she was talking about.”

Since Homecoming is about reliving fond memories and also creating new ones, PFW is presenting a revitalized and pumped-up schedule after a couple years subdued by the pandemic. “Blizzard of Dons,” PFW’s 2023 Homecoming blast, will be held the week of Feb. 13–18, with new energy, events, and entertainment. The focal point will be the Feb. 17 men’s basketball game when the Mastodons take on Northern Kentucky at Memorial Coliseum.  

“Homecoming is one of my top 10 times of the year on campus!” said Krissy Surface, vice chancellor for enrollment management and the student experience. “I love the athletic competition mixed with student spirit and fun celebrations. I always look forward to the mix of traditions and new events."

Surface is part of the working group that reenvisioned PFW’s celebration as a week packed full of events.

“I can’t wait to see the Mastodon alumni, campus community, and our Fort Wayne fans take in all Homecoming has to offer this year!” said Kelley Hartley Hutton, the director of athletics. “Homecoming week is always fun and exciting with multiple options to sport your Dons gear, gather with friends, and cheer for Purdue Fort Wayne’s teams.”

Campus festivities start on Monday with a student organization poster decorating contest, followed by a Rec Day Rodeo on Feb. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Lutheran Health Fieldhouse, with inflatable games, a mechanical bull, axe throwing, and archery tag.

Feb. 15 gets busier with Cocoa and Create from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom, followed by a 6 p.m. dodgeball tournament in the fieldhouse.

In preparation for the week’s featured game, a reenergized Homecoming Celebration runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Memorial Coliseum with free food for the first 250 students, a DJ, a pep rally, and Mastodon gear to purchase. After the game, the traditional Homecoming Dance will give students a chance to show some of their best moves from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Classic Ballroom at Walb.

“We decided we really need to go big with Homecoming this year,” said Jerry Lewis, vice chancellor for communications and marketing. “Following a few years of carefully navigating the pandemic, this is an opportunity for our university community to come together, celebrate, and unleash the spirit and pride that have always been there.”

For alumni, their migration home includes a tailgate party from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the International Ballroom at Walb featuring food, games, beverages, a cash bar, and the reliving of those cherished days on campus.

A full schedule of Mastodon athletics during Homecoming week also includes some of PFW’s biggest rivals. Contests start Feb. 16 as the women’s basketball team faces Wright State at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s volleyball team playing Ohio State at 8 p.m. Both games will take place at Gates Sports Center.

On Feb. 18 at Gates, the women’s basketball team will take on Northern Kentucky at 3 p.m., and the athletic competition wraps up with a men’s volleyball showdown with arch-rival Ball State at 7 p.m.  

Throughout PFW’s 2023 Homecoming, there will be countless prizes and giveaways up for grabs including cowboy hats, food, mini chalkboards, blankets, mini megaphones, more food, glow sticks, mobile phone wallets—and still more food. It must take a Costco to feed a Mastodon.

Check out pfw.edu/homecoming for a list of all events and additional information.