INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University welcomes alumni, students, their parents and families, faculty, staff, and the community to campus for Homecoming and Family Day 2024 with on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The day will feature a variety of fun activities, including pre-game tailgating, a family carnival, football, and a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the new WP Spirit Rock.
“We are excited to invite the entire William Paterson University community—alumni, students, families, and friends—to celebrate Homecoming and Family Day,” says Francisco Diaz, associate vice president for student development. “We look forward to enjoying this special day filled with WP spirit and Pioneer Pride!”
The day kicks off with pre-game tailgating in Parking Lot 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on campus. Alumni and friends are welcome to bring food, drinks, and grills for a traditional tailgate experience. An ID is required. For additional information, view the tailgating guidelines and the campus map.
A Pioneer Carnival will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Practice Field. Everyone is invited for complimentary food, games, prizes, giveaways, and activities for all ages. The day will include student performances, music, bingo and more!
Also, a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Speert Green lawn between Grant Hall and University Hall for the new WP Spirit Rock. The large orange WP monument, located in front of Grant Hall, places one of the University’s iconic logos at the heart of the main campus, and has quickly become a popular gathering spot. The project was funded in part by a generous gift provided specifically for campus beautification from the estate of the late Edward Skurna '61, a member of the William Paterson Heritage Society. Registration is requested. After the event, attendees can head to the President's Tailgate Tent in Lot 2!
All events lead to the big Homecoming game, when the Pioneer Football Team squares off against The College of New Jersey at 1 p.m. in Pioneer Football Stadium. Attendees are asked to “Orange Out the Stands” by wearing as much orange as possible! Admission is free for all.
Parking on Homecoming and Family Day is complimentary and available in the Pioneer Parking Garage or in Parking Lot 6, adjacent to the Sports and Recreation Center.
Registration for Homecoming and Family Day is highly encouraged. For additional information about Homecoming events, visit the website at wpunj.edu/homecoming.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
