Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

October 23 - 25, 2026

Join us for a weekend of Bulldog and Demon pride! Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is open to the entire Dean community, including alumni, students, parents and families, faculty, staff, and friends. Come celebrate all things Dean, reconnect with classmates, cheer on our teams, and make new memories - together.

ALUMNI: Please make sure your contact info is up to date with the Alumni Engagement Office as information about the weekend will be emailed to alumni.

FAQs can be found at the bottom of this page.

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Friday, October 23, 2026

3:30 pm     Men's Soccer vs. New England College, Longley Athletic Complex

3:30 pm     Field Hockey vs. Fitchburg State, Grant Field

5 - 6:30 pm   Dean Academics: Then, Now & Next, Main Stage, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center

Come see where Dean has been, and where it is headed next, at our academic open house! Join us in the Main Stage to visit with past and present faculty, explore student work, and discover how Dean’s academic programs continue to grow and evolve. Enjoy light refreshments, conversation and an inside look at today’s Dean. 

6 - 8:00 pm     Classes of 1975 and 1976 Ray House Revival, Ray House

Ray House has its legends. The most mysterious involves a heavy mirror in the Great Room that reportedly slipped from its hooks and slid down the wall without so much as a crack. Of course, Ray House has other legends, too. A few involve the Classes of 1975 and 1976. Come back to celebrate the good times had in Ray House and share whatever stories you’re willing to. 

     $20 per person includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Advance registration is requested.

7:00 pm     Women's Volleyball vs. Rivier University, Pieri Gymnasium

7:00 pm     Fall Movie Night: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Atrium, lower-level Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center

Sponsored by the Dean Activities Board and Short Film Club! End your day on a spooky note! Grab some pizza, a cupcake and a soft drink, then settle in for a showing of Five Nights at Freddy’s. The entire Dean community is welcome! 

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Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:00 am     Alumni Lacrosse Game, Longley Athletic Complex

9:00 am     Alumni Softball Game, Longley Athletic Complex

9:00 am     Alumni Baseball Gathering, Longley Athletic Complex

9:00 am     Dean Historical Campus Tour with Professor Rob Lawson, Main Stage Kiosk

Led by Dr. Rob Lawson, Dean’s resident historian, this guided walking tour invites alumni, students and families to explore the landmarks, stories and people that have shaped Dean. This year, students from Dr. Lawson’s HIS 430 Public History class will join him in presenting the tour, offering a new student perspective on Dean’s past - from Dean Academy to Junior College to today’s Dean College.

Along the way, discover little-known pieces of Dean’s and Franklin's history.  Did you know that Dean’s first enrolled class was made up predominantly of women?  And that “Awpie” was inspired by the initials of beloved former headmaster Arthur Winslow Peirce?  And that Dean's founder, Oliver Dean, was among the many generations inspired to believe in education because of Benjamin Franklin’s gifting of books which created America’s first public library? Join us on Saturday morning to delve into our rich history.

The tour will depart at 9:00 am from the Main Stage kiosk, located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, and will last about an hour. Much of the tour will take place outdoors, so dress appropriately.

11:00 am   Women's Soccer vs. Colby-Sawyer College, Grant Field

11:30 am   Shuttles from Dean Hall to Lippert Field begin at 11:30 am and will run continuously until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the football game.

11:30 am   Fan Zone, Cookout, Tailgating, Alumni Hospitality Tent, Longley Athletic Complex

Get game-day ready before kickoff! Stop by the Spirit Tent for giveaways, Dean pride and a photo keychain keepsake; visit the Bookstore Tent for your favorite Dean gear; and enjoy the traditional tailgate atmosphere and cookout.

Alumni, be sure to visit the Alumni Hospitality Tent next to the 21+ Tent to say hello, pick up an alumni gift, warm up with a hot drink, grab a snack and see what’s new for Dean alumni.

And don’t miss the Athletics Tent, where you can shop Dean Athletics gear, merchandise and even select former team uniforms, plus pick up free Bulldog spirit items like beads, stickers and fun giveaways for kids.

1:00 pm     Football vs. Worcester State, Dale Lippert Field

On the 15th anniversary of the dedication of the Longley Athletic Field Scoreboard in memory of Thomas "Butchie" Williams '75, the Class of 1975 will again help present the Class of ’75 Thomas "Butchie" Williams MVP of the Game Award to a deserving Dean Football player in front of the scoreboard.

3:00 - 5:00 pm     After the Game on Awpie Way

The fun doesn’t have to end when the football game does! Head to Awpie Way for an afternoon of food and drinks, entertainment, activities for all ages, and plenty of places to gather. Additional details will be announced as plans take shape.

• Face-painting
• Lawn Games
• Music
• S'mores
• Cash bar
• Pictures with Boomer and the Dean Demon
• Brushes & Bulldogs on Awpie Way: Get creative with alumna Julie Frias ’07 of Snapshot Crafting during After the Game on Awpie Way. Paint and personalize your own Dean-themed wooden sign or choose from over 100 of Julie’s available designs. There’s something for every Bulldog. No artistic experience needed! Signs range from $10–$25.  Reserve your preferred size in advance or stop by Julie’s table on Saturday. Walk-ups are welcome while supplies last. Click here to learn more about creating your own sign and to purchase one in advance.

7:00 pm     Dean's Musical Theatre Troupe - Halloween Karaoke/Open Mic Night, Dean Hall Chapel

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026

NEW for 2026

Dean Dash – Fall 5K, Longley Field

Gather your team, lace up your sneakers and make the Dean Dash part of your Homecoming and Reunion Weekend!

Close out Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on the move! We’re thrilled to be able to include this year’s Dean Dash – Fall 5K as part of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.  This annual fundraiser is organized by students from Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business. Not only is the Dean Dash a good time, but it provides the students with an essential experiential learning opportunity. 

Participate on your own – or make it even more fun by forming a team of students, alumni, teammates, colleagues, family members, and friends. Whether you’ve got a competitive streak and are racing for a top finish, or you are simply looking for a few laughs and to make more memories before Homecoming and Reunion weekend closes out, we want to see you there!  Participants of all ages, ability levels, and motivations are welcome.

7:30 am             Check in, number pick up, pre-race hospitality

8:00 am             Dean Dash begins! Run, jog or walk at your own pace. The course includes paved, grassy and dirt-covered areas.

After crossing the finish line, stick around for some post-race fun with music and individual and team awards.

Registration fees: $20 for adults (16 and above); $12 for participants aged 15 and younger

The first 75 registered participants are guaranteed a Dean Dash T-shirt.

Click here to register for the Dean Dash Fall 5K!

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let us know you're coming!

Registration may not be required for most events, but your RSVP matters! Checking off the events you’re interested in helps us prepare for the weekend, share important updates, and create the best possible Homecoming and Reunion Weekend experience.

With your permission, we’ll also share your name so others can see who else is coming. We understand plans can change - we'd still love to know that you’re hoping to join us!