Homecoming Schedule 2023

Arriving early for Homecoming weekend? Join The Common to celebrate the launch of Issue 26, with three contributors to our portfolio of writing from the farmworker community! Free and open to the public, wine and snacks provided.

Friendly Reading Room, Frost Library

The Amherst College/Mount Holyoke College Fall Faculty Dance Concert is a new tradition of the joining of two departments to perform and celebrate new works choreographed by our faculty and guest artists. This fall, six faculty members—Shakia Barron, Barbie Diewald, Ellie Goudie-Averill, J.e. Kim, Jeff Jean-Philippe and Jenna Riegel—are creating original dances. Five College Dance students are provided the opportunity to work collaboratively with and learn from these faculty in their creative processes with a culminating experience of performing in this fully produced concert. Reservations required. Please reserve tickets here.

Kirby Memorial Theater

Please stop by for check-in, printed programs, information on the Amherst area and light refreshments. The Reception Center will close at 7 p.m.

Smith House, 22 Hitchcock Road

The Mead Art Museum holds the art collection of Amherst College—more than 20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of global culture, which are used for teaching and research across academic disciplines and available for the pleasure and understanding of a diverse public. Admission is always free.

The fall exhibitions (on view until January 7) are: Boundless, a multi-media, cross-disciplinary show of Native American art and literature curated by Heid E. Erdrich; and Seeping In: Elizabeth James-Perry, which focuses on the celebrated artist's deep engagement with ethnobotany, traditional Aquinnah Wampanoag practices, and contemporary art.

Mead Art Museum

Visit professors and students in the classroom. A list of classes open to visitors is available online and will be available at the Reception Center (Smith House, 22 Hitchcock Road). 

Various Locations

The Beneski Museum of Natural History houses outstanding collections and exhibits that include vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, minerals and other geologic specimens. Our specimens have been collected since 1825 from local areas and around the world. Some displays illustrate the evolution and ecology of major groups of animals, and others describe the geological processes that have formed the earth and local structures. Particularly noteworthy is the world-famous dinosaur track collection from the sedimentary rocks of the Connecticut River Valley. This collection continues to be one of the largest and most studied fossil track collections in the world.

Beneski Museum of Natural History

The newly restored Homestead was the birthplace and home of poet Emily Dickinson (1830–1886). The Evergreens, built for the poet’s brother Austin and sister-in-law Susan, is temporarily closed for preservation improvements. To explore inside Emily Dickinson’s Homestead, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Adult admission ranges from $13 to $16. There is no charge for current students, faculty or staff of Amherst College, or youth 17 and under. For more information, call the museum at (413) 542–8161 or visit emilydickinsonmuseum.org.

Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main Street

The Eli Marsh Gallery, 105 Fayerweather Hall, hosts several student and visiting artist exhibitions throughout the academic year.  On view from October 23–December 15, 2023: Felandus Thames, Oops Up Side Your Head.

Eli Marsh Gallery, 105 Fayerweather Hall

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision against race-conscious practices in college admissions, the College will convene a community-wide half-day of learning. Join expert guest panelists and community members for an essential conversation about the past, present and future of affirmative action—and the implications of the recent ruling for higher education and beyond. Registration for this event is encouraged. Register and learn more.

12:45–1:40 — History
A conversation with Paul Smith ’76, H’15, P’09, vice president for Litigation and Strategy at the Campaign Legal Center, and Pat Fitzgerald ’82, H’07 about the history, the debates around and the impact of affirmative action and race-conscious admissions, and how affirmative action has impacted considerations of sex, gender and other identities. The conversation will be moderated by Sheree Ohen, chief equity and inclusion officer. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

1:45–2:45 p.m. — Practice
A conversation with Michael A. Elliott '92, president of Amherst College, and Matthew McGann, dean of admission and financial aid, about the College’s approach to admissions, staff and faculty hiring, athletics and student life. The conversation will be moderated by Rhonda Cobham-Sander, the Emily C. Jordan Folger professor of Black Studies and English. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

2:50–3:45 p.m. — People
A conversation on diversity through the generations with alums Nadia Bissou ’88, Chris Gillyard ’08, Joon Kim ’18 and Andrew Kim ’18 along with current students reflecting on what Amherst College was like in previous eras and the similarities and differences today. This is an opportunity to learn from the past to guide the future. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

Eighmy Powerhouse

Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation about farming and food systems featuring five panelists with direct personal and familial experience. Book and Plow Farm Fellow Ana Ascencio ’18, farm intern Ayo Eniola ’24, and three authors—Miguel M. Morales, Nora Rodriguez Camagna and Julian David Bañuelos—from The Common’s newly released portfolio of writing from the farmworker community will reflect on their own years in the fields while commenting on larger cultural, climate and market forces that affect farming and farmwork today. Farm-based treats and drinks served.

Pruyne Lecture Hall, Fayerweather Hall

Enjoy a drink and a snack as you catch up with old friends.

Beneski Museum of Natural History

LeFrak Gymnasium

Join Amherst Hillel for Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about Jewish life on campus.

Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center

The Amherst College Department of Music presents its annual Homecoming Choral Society Concert. The program includes works by Adolphus Hailstork, Sarah Quartel, Rosephanye Powell and more. The tenors and basses perform a choral setting of Heartland by Professor of Music Eric Sawyer. This work is from Sawyer's cycle, A Winter's Ramble, a modern examination of the wanderer from Franz Schubert's famous Winterreise song cycle. Our songs will span 442 years of choral music and six languages. We finish with the singing of College Songs that all alums are invited to join including "O Amherst" and "Paige's Horse"! Free and open to the public. General admission.

Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center

The Amherst College/Mount Holyoke College Fall Faculty Dance Concert is a new tradition of the joining of two departments to perform and celebrate new works choreographed by our faculty and guest artists. This fall, six faculty members—Shakia Barron, Barbie Diewald, Ellie Goudie-Averill, J.e. Kim, Jeff Jean-Philippe and Jenna Riegel—are creating original dances. Five College Dance students are provided the opportunity to work collaboratively with and learn from these faculty in their creative processes with a culminating experience of performing in this fully produced concert. Reservations required. Please reserve tickets here.

Kirby Memorial Theater

Join for a special Homecoming jazz jam session with alumni, students, faculty and staff. All necessary gear and sheet music (Real Books) will be provided.

Room 7, Arms Music Center

Enjoy hot beverages and donuts. Presented by Campus Activities Board.

Base of Memorial Hill

Join E.J. Mills, Head Football Coach, for a closer look at our team.

Conway Classroom, Alumni Gymnasium

Vehicles will be permitted access for dropping off supplies through the Orchard Street entrance. 

Pratt Field at Lehrman Stadium

Please stop by for check-in, printed programs, information on the Amherst area and light refreshments. The Reception Center will close at 3 p.m.

Smith House, 22 Hitchcock Road

The Mead Art Museum holds the art collection of Amherst College—more than 20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of global culture, which are used for teaching and research across academic disciplines and available for the pleasure and understanding of a diverse public. Admission is always free.

The fall exhibitions (on view until January 7) are: Boundless, a multi-media, cross-disciplinary show of Native American art and literature curated by Heid E. Erdrich; and Seeping In: Elizabeth James-Perry, which focuses on the celebrated artist's deep engagement with ethnobotany, traditional Aquinnah Wampanoag practices, and contemporary art.

Mead Art Museum

Room 101, Chapin Hall

Join President Michael A. Elliott ’92 in conversation with Andrew J. Nussbaum ’85, Chair of the Board of Trustees, as they discuss observations and reflections from campus.

Johnson Chapel

The Beneski Museum of Natural History houses outstanding collections and exhibits that include vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, minerals and other geologic specimens. Our specimens have been collected since 1825 from local areas and around the world. Some displays illustrate the evolution and ecology of major groups of animals, and others describe the geological processes that have formed the earth and local structures. Particularly noteworthy is the world-famous dinosaur track collection from the sedimentary rocks of the Connecticut River Valley. This collection continues to be one of the largest and most studied fossil track collections in the world.

Beneski Museum of Natural History

The newly restored Homestead was the birthplace and home of poet Emily Dickinson (1830–1886). The Evergreens, built for the poet’s brother Austin and sister-in-law Susan, is temporarily closed for preservation improvements. To explore inside Emily Dickinson’s Homestead, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Adult admission ranges from $13 to $16. There is no charge for current students, faculty or staff of Amherst College, or youth 17 and under. For more information, call the museum at (413) 542–8161 or visit emilydickinsonmuseum.org.

Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main Street

Please join the Class of 1975 in a gathering to remember classmate Mike Fitzgerald ’75.

Chapin Chapel, Chapin Hall

Many student groups will be at tents and tables on the east end of Pratt Field, near the pedestrian entrance (Hitchcock Gate). Please stop by to connect with students and other alumni, and say hello!

Near Hitchcock Gate, Pratt Field at Lehrman Stadium

Room 219, Webster Hall

Room 217, Webster Hall

Room 220, Webster Hall

Please join us at Pratt Field for the Homecoming football game! A light lunch and refreshments will be served on the west end of the field, and beer and wine will be available in the concession stand for guests 21+ through the end of halftime. Please be prepared to show a valid ID. 

Several large tents will be available for alumni seating and gathering on the west end of the field. View the tent map. Once you arrive, look for your classmates near the decade signs! 

Pratt Field at Lehrman Stadium

What does "home" mean to you? Has the meaning of home changed over time for you? Do you have complicated feelings about the idea of home? Joyful? Anxious? Bittersweet? The Center for Restorative Practices (CRP) invites you to participate in a restorative community-building circle where we will explore the concept of home through our stories and experiences with home.

Circles are an ancient model as old as humanity, rooted in indigenous ways of being that centers the practice of storytelling with the goal of increasing connection, community, and belonging. Join us as we connect with new or familiar faces on the concept of "home." This program is open to students, staff, faculty, alumni and other Amherst College community members (15 participants maximum). Please register in advance.

Room 207, Converse Hall

Museum Educator Alfred Venne and student docents will take guests on a journey that looks at some of the amazing stories behind our wonderful collection of dinosaur bones, tracks and traces and magnificent mammals. Learn how faculty, students and alumni have made the Beneski Museum possible. The tour will last about 45 minutes. Bring your cameras!

Beneski Museum of Natural History

Following the game, continue the celebration with cozy drinks, sweet treats and live jazz music featuring student performers! 

Coolidge Cage, Alumni Gymnasium

Mingle with fellow Asian alums and students, enjoy sandwiches, and hear about what the Amherst Asian community has been up to! Students from all of Amherst’s Asian affinity groups—the Asian Students Association (ASA), Asian Pacific American Action Committee (APAAC), Chinese Students Association (CSA), Korean Students Association (KSA), Middle Eastern and North African Association (MENAA) and South Asian Students Association (SASA)—will be in attendance.

Porter Lounge (3rd floor), Converse Hall

Amherst College Route 9 and Williams College Ephoria present: Crossroads @ Cloud 9—a rivalry around for "The Longest Time." Come support Amherst in an a cappella showdown for the ages. Friends, family, former Niners and alumni along for the ride are all welcome!

Studio 2 (Room 122), Webster Hall

CISE was formed in 2017 with the mission of supporting students of international experience through advocacy, centralized resources and space for community building. Come learn more about the Amherst College international community, while enjoying food and conversations with current students.

CISE (Room 103), Keefe Campus Center

We welcome the stars of the short documentary Team Dream, a film starring close friends and swimmers Ann Smith and Madeline Murphy Rabb as they prepare for the 2022 National Senior Games. As the training narrative unfolds, they share about their lives growing up amid segregation and stigma before breaking boundaries in their adopted hometown Chicago. The event will feature a screening of the 17-minute documentary followed by a panel with the stars, their coach Derrick Q. Milligan and Free Rabb '26, Madeline Murphy Rabb's grandson. The discussion will be moderated by Robert Hayashi, Professor of American Studies, with additional commentary by Kevin Dawson, Associate Professor of History at University of California Merced. 

Lipton Lecture Hall (E110), Science Center

The Zumbyes are more than excited to welcome alumni back home to Amherst College. This reception is open to everyone, whether you are a Z-alum or just want to be casually serenaded by the group. Stop by, meet the current Zumbyes and sing along to your favorite tunes!

Canfield Lounge, Kirby Memorial Theater

What did La Causa look like prior to COVID? Do we want to go back to it or embrace the changes that accompanied the pandemic? Join La Causa, Amherst's Latine affinity group, for a reception celebrating and examining over 50 years of La Causa at Amherst College. Connect with La Causa alumni for an earnest discussion about La Causa and our purpose.

Event Space (A107), Ford Hall

Join the Amherst College Sabrinas for a special a cappella performance!

Chapin Chapel, Chapin Hall

Join the Charles Drew Memorial Culture House as we pay homage to the Black homecoming experience and bring some of our favorite traditions to campus. Round out your afternoon with music, dinner and performances. Program ends at 8 p.m.

Charles Drew House Lawn

With libretto by Neil Bicknell ’64 and music by renowned Black American composer Adolphus Hailstork, JFK: The Last Speech is an orchestral setting of Kennedy's prose and Robert Frost's poetry in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of JFK's iconic address at Amherst on October 26, 1963. The Amherst Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Mark Lane Swanson, presents the first collegiate performance of this new masterwork, which was commissioned by members of the Amherst Class of 1964 through their non-profit, Reunion '64, Inc. and co-commissioned by the Dallas, Indianapolis and National Symphony Orchestras. The work received its world premiere performance on July 16, 2023 at the Colorado Music Festival. Katarina Burton, soprano, is guest vocal soloist, reprising her performance of JFK: The Last Speech two weeks earlier at the Kennedy Center. Kennedy's call to public service and advocacy for the role of the arts in American society are as timely today as they were when uttered sixty years ago. The program also features short works by Bernstein, Barber, Copland and Tower.

Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center

The Amherst College/Mount Holyoke College Fall Faculty Dance Concert is a new tradition of the joining of two departments to perform and celebrate new works choreographed by our faculty and guest artists. This fall, six faculty members—Shakia Barron, Barbie Diewald, Ellie Goudie-Averill, J.e. Kim, Jeff Jean-Philippe and Jenna Riegel—are creating original dances. Five College Dance students are provided the opportunity to work collaboratively with and learn from these faculty in their creative processes with a culminating experience of performing in this fully produced concert. Reservations required. Please reserve tickets here.

Kirby Memorial Theater

The Mead Art Museum holds the art collection of Amherst College—more than 20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of global culture, which are used for teaching and research across academic disciplines and available for the pleasure and understanding of a diverse public. Admission is always free.

The fall exhibitions (on view until January 7) are: Boundless, a multi-media, cross-disciplinary show of Native American art and literature curated by Heid E. Erdrich; and Seeping In: Elizabeth James-Perry, which focuses on the celebrated artist's deep engagement with ethnobotany, traditional Aquinnah Wampanoag practices, and contemporary art.

Mead Art Museum

The Beneski Museum of Natural History houses outstanding collections and exhibits that include vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, minerals and other geologic specimens. Our specimens have been collected since 1825 from local areas and around the world. Some displays illustrate the evolution and ecology of major groups of animals, and others describe the geological processes that have formed the earth and local structures. Particularly noteworthy is the world-famous dinosaur track collection from the sedimentary rocks of the Connecticut River Valley. This collection continues to be one of the largest and most studied fossil track collections in the world.

Beneski Museum of Natural History

The newly restored Homestead was the birthplace and home of poet Emily Dickinson (1830–1886). The Evergreens, built for the poet’s brother Austin and sister-in-law Susan, is temporarily closed for preservation improvements. To explore inside Emily Dickinson’s Homestead, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Adult admission ranges from $13 to $16. There is no charge for current students, faculty or staff of Amherst College, or youth 17 and under. For more information, call the museum at (413) 542–8161 or visit emilydickinsonmuseum.org.

Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main Street

The Eli Marsh Gallery, 105 Fayerweather Hall, hosts several student and visiting artist exhibitions throughout the academic year.  On view from October 23–December 15, 2023: Felandus Thames, Oops Up Side Your Head.

Eli Marsh Gallery, 105 Fayerweather Hall