Homecoming Weekend

September 24-27, 2026

We are planning a weekend you won’t want to miss with special celebrations for our reunion classes.

View the Schedule Register Now

This year has been unmistakable: Carlow is visible, vibrant, and ready for the future.

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Schedule

Come home to Carlow for a weekend of connection, service, celebration, and Celtic pride.

Friday, September 25

Carlow University community members participating in Mercy Service Day

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Mercy Service Day: Community, Service & Celebration

Meet on the University Commons Porch

Service has always been at the heart of the Carlow experience. Join fellow alumni, first year students, faculty, staff, and our community partners for Mercy Service Day as we come together to make a meaningful impact throughout the West Oakland community and right here on our campus. Multiple volunteer opportunities will be available both on and off campus, offering participants the chance to live out the Mercy values that unite generations of Carlow alumni.

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Spark Your Mindset: Own & Lead Your Energy

A Petite Retreat with Carlow Alumna Merilee Smith 2004

Campus Laboratory School - Library

Registration: $30

Step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with yourself alongside fellow Carlow women during this intimate Petite Retreat led by Carlow alumna, keynote speaker, and leadership coach Merilee Smith.

Created for Carlow alumni, this immersive half-day experience is designed for women who are ready to lead their next chapter with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. Through meaningful conversation, reflection, and guided exercises, participants will explore Merilee’s signature Inner Board Members Framework and discover how mindset, energy, and self-leadership shape the way we live and lead.

Whether you are navigating career growth, personal change, leadership responsibilities, or simply seeking space to recharge and reconnect, this experience offers a powerful opportunity to invest in yourself while building authentic connections with fellow Carlow alumnae. Learn more about Merilee Smith.

Your registration includes:

  • A professionally facilitated retreat experience
  • Interactive workbook and retreat materials
  • Light appetizers and refreshments
  • Meaningful connection with fellow Carlow women
  • A unique Homecoming & Reunion experience designed exclusively for alumni

Space is intentionally limited to create a meaningful and personalized experience. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.

3:30 – 5:00 pm

Persistence Celebration

Rosemary Heyl Theatre, Antonian Hall

The Persistence Celebration recognizes undergraduates who are entering their third year of study at Carlow University. Families, staff and faculty are invited to celebrate students as they receive a medal to acknowledge their achievement, specially designed with the Carlow University seal.

4:00 – 4:45 pm

Athletic Legacy Reception

President’s Hospitality Suite
University Commons, 5th Floor

Celebrate your legacy at Carlow for this inaugural event. Alumni whose names appear on the Carlow Athletics Walk of Fame are invited to an exclusive Legacy Reception recognizing their lasting contributions to Carlow Athletics alongside Karina Graziani, Director of Athletics, Julie Gual, Director of Wellness and Fitness Services and Women's Volleyball and of course, President of Carlow University, Dr. Kathy Humphrey. Reconnect with teammates and coaches, receive a commemorative Legacy Medal, and join us as we celebrate both the athletes who build our tradition and the students who continue it today. Plan to stay with us following the reception to see our students and join us in acknowledging their commitment to Celtic athletics.

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Athletics Walk of Fame Ceremony

University Commons, 5th Floor - Gailliot Center

Join us as Carlow University honors outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and champions whose dedication and leadership have shaped the legacy of Celtic athletics. This special ceremony celebrates the impact of athletics at Carlow and recognizes individuals whose achievements continue to inspire pride across the Carlow community.

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Alumni Cocktail Reception

AJP Atrium

Start your Homecoming & Reunion Weekend with an exclusive gathering created just for Carlow alumni. Before joining the larger campus festivities, enjoy an evening of cocktails, conversation, and connection with classmates and fellow alumni from across the decades.

We're also pleased to welcome Dr. Rhonda Maneval, Carlow University's Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, who will join us to personally greet alumni and offer a welcome as we celebrate another Homecoming together.

Whether you're celebrating a reunion year, returning to campus after many years away, or simply looking to reconnect with the Carlow community, this relaxed reception provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the lifelong relationships that began at Carlow.

Following the reception, continue the evening with our Community Dinner and Monte Carlow as the entire Carlow community comes together for one of Homecoming Weekend's signature celebrations.

6:00 – 7:00 pm

Community Dinner

Tiernan Hall

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend is about reconnecting –with classmates, friends, faculty, students, and the University that continues to bring us together. Before the excitement of Monte Carlow begins, join alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends for a special Community Dinner celebrating the relationships that make Carlow feel like home. Our one and only Sister Sheila Carney will lead us in prayer and will turn it over to our beloved Dr. Kathy W. Humphrey for brief remarks.

Enjoy a chef-inspired dinner, meaningful conversation, and the opportunity to connect with members of the Carlow community across generations. Whether you're returning to campus for your reunion, celebrating with family, welcoming a current student, or simply reconnecting with old friends, this evening is designed to bring our entire community together around one table.

Following dinner, continue the celebration at Monte Carlow, where games, entertainment, music, and Carlow tradition come together for one unforgettable Homecoming evening. Come for the meal, stay for the memories and leave feeling even more connected to the Carlow community.

7:30 – 11:30 pm

Monte Carlow Night

St. Agnes Event Center

Step into an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, elegance, and celebration inside the historic St. Agnes Church. Monte Carlow will feature lively music and gaming experience with opportunities to reconnect with classmates and friends in one of Carlow’s most beloved spaces. Whether you are celebrating a milestone reunion year or simply returning home to campus, this signature evening event promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Saturday, September 26

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Carlow Open House

Rediscover Carlow through a morning of exploration, innovation, and lifelong learning. Alumni and guests are invited to tour campus spaces, engage with faculty, experience mini lectures, and learn more about the academic and workforce programs shaping today’s student experience. This is a unique opportunity to see how Carlow continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its Mercy mission.

Take a walk down memory lane while reconnecting with the people and places that helped shape your Carlow story. Throughout the morning, alumni can enjoy nostalgic residence hall and campus tours led by student ambassadors and relax in dedicated alumni hospitality spaces designed for conversation and reconnection. Whether it’s your first time back in years or you return often, these experiences are designed to bring your Carlow memories to life.

Upon arrival, you'll receive a list of campus offices and departments that will be open to welcome alumni throughout the morning.

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Academic Showcases

Build your own morning of learning. Attend one workshop or create your own experience by participating in multiple sessions throughout the morning. Transition breaks have been built into the schedule so you can explore different topics and reconnect with Carlow's outstanding faculty.

AI - A Beginner's Guide: Presented by Alexis Macklin, PhD

9:00 am – 10:15 am

University Commons 3rd Floor

New to AI? Not sure of the lexicon of new wors…. LLM, Bos, Generative versus Agentic? Come learn a new language and see AI in action.

Dyslexia Simulation and Exploration: Presented by Keely Baronak, EdD

Continuing education credits offered

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Carlow Campus Lab School

In The Campus Lab School is the Peirce Family Foundation Dyslexia Program. Experience a Dyslexia Simulation and do a mini lesson in structured literacy. While you are there, check out the updated library and Makerspace classroom! Presented by Keely Baronak

Madwomen in the Attic Multi-genre Writing Workshop: Presented by Sarah Shotland

11:45 am – 1:00 pm

Aquinas 108

1979, Carlow has nurtured the literary ambitions and celebrated the creative accomplishments of women writers through the Madwomen in the Attic program. Join us for a XX-minute workshop where we'll explore the concept of homecoming by reading & discussing poems and short prose from writers whose work dives into the complexity of returning to our various homes. After brief discussion, we'll participate in guided writing prompts that invite you to reflect on your own ideas of home, belonging, nostalgia, and memory. No writing experience is necessary!

DNA Extraction: Presented by Frank Ammer, PhD

11:45 am – 1:00 pm

AJP 225

Join Dr. Frank Ammer in an exploration of DNA extraction from strawberries. Visit the update science lab and check out the new microscopes.

Carlow University carnival activities on campus

12:00 – 9:30 pm

Carlow Carnival

Parking Lot B; The Green

Celebrate Homecoming together at Carlow's biggest community event of the weekend! Bring your family, reconnect with friends, and make new memories at an evening filled with excitement, entertainment, and Carlow spirit.

Enjoy carnival rides, classic midway games and delicious eats from local food trucks. Whether you're challenging your friends to a game, grabbing your favorite festival treat, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, there's something for every age to enjoy.

As the sun sets, gather on The Green for a live concert featuring Ohio pop/rock artist Adam Paddock, performing from 6:00–9:00 p.m. His high-energy show provides the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable Homecoming evening.

The celebration concludes with a spectacular Starflight Drones drone show at 9:15 p.m. Watch hundreds of synchronized lights dance across the night sky, choreographed to music in a breathtaking tribute to the Carlow community. It's a one-of-a-kind finale you won't want to miss!

Come celebrate, connect, and experience the joy of Homecoming—there's fun for everyone!

2:00 pm

Celtic Women’s Volleyball Game

Penn State Behrend

Cheer on the Celtics and show your Carlow pride as Women’s Volleyball takes the court. Alumni, families, students and fans are all invited to enjoy an afternoon of spirited competition and campus energy while supporting Carlow Athletics.

Sunday, September 27

11:00 am

Trivia Brunch

Tiernan Hall

Put your knowledge to the test at Carlow's Trivia Brunch, presented by Buzzworthy Pub Trivia! Gather your smartest friends, classmates, family members, or fellow alumni to compete in a fast-paced, laughter-filled trivia showdown while enjoying a delicious Homecoming brunch in Tiernan Hall.

Bring your best team, your biggest brainpower, and your Homecoming enthusiasm—you never know who will be crowned the ultimate Carlow Trivia Champion!

10:00 am – 12:00 pm (1:00 pm game time)

Carlow Game Day Kickoff at Shorty’s Pins x Pints

Shorty’s Pins x Pints North Shore
353 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

There’s no better place to start football on a Sunday than on the North Shore! Join Carlow alumni, family and friends at Shorty’s Pins x Pints for games, food and Celtic camaraderie before kickoff.

Challenge old friends to duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, ping pong or classic arcade games with delicious food, drinks and plenty of Homecoming spirit. Whether you are heading to the stadium, watching the game nearby, or looking for a fun way to reconnect with Carlow alums, this is the perfect way to celebrate together. Wear your black, gold and purple, bring your game day spirit and cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Register for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend