The Final Countdown: Get Ready for MU Homecoming Weekend! ⚔️

October 16, 2025

Marian University Homecoming is this weekend!

Homecoming 2025 is almost here, and campus is gearing up for an unforgettable Saturday on October 18. From family fun activities and lively gatherings to the Marian Knights taking on St. Francis University (Ind.) at Ascension St. Vincent Field, the day will be packed with spirit and celebration. Alumni, students, families, and friends are all invited to come together, share in the excitement, reminisce, and create new memories!

Saturday Highlights:

Rosary Walk
Open Houses, including coffee with President Daniel J. Elsener at the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering and the Leighton School of Nursing Reception
Tailgate & Family Fun Zone
Lunch on the Quad featuring live music from 3rd Generation Band
Knights Football Game vs. University of Saint Francis (Ind.) at 1:00 p.m.
Alumni Mass
1975 50-Year Reunion Class Dinner

🎟️ One ticket covers it all: $25 individual / $50 family

Includes parking, lunch, game tickets, and access to all Saturday events.

🎁 Special Gift: All alumni in attendance will receive an exclusive Homecoming gift and be entered to win a $250 MU swag basket. Check in at the designated alumni locations on campus!

👉 View the full schedule and register today — we'll save you a spot!

Celebrate the Leighton School of Nursing!

Join fellow alumni, faculty, and friends for the Nursing Reception during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Michael A. Evans Center Lobby.

There’s so much to celebrate at the Leighton School of Nursing this year — from exciting program updates to national recognition as Indiana’s #1 nursing program and one of the top 6 percent in the country, according to Niche. You’ll also get to hear a little about what’s ahead for the school and its bright future.

Enjoy coffee, conversation, and the opportunity to explore with Dean Dr. Tia Bell ’00 and members of the nursing faculty. It’s a great way to start your Homecoming Saturday surrounded by fellow Knights!

No RSVP needed—but it’s appreciated! Sign up here

Baseball Alumni Reunion and Batting Practice

Join us for the Baseball Alumni Reunion and Batting Practice from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Baseball Diamond during Homecoming! Enjoy a warm welcome from current Head Coach Todd Miller and other leaders before stepping back onto the field for Alumni Batting Practice and Infield Outfield.

The fun continues with lunch, Fungo Golf, Wiffle Ball, and plenty of time to reconnect and reminisce with teammates. We’ll also continue celebrating Garland King ’91 and his well-deserved honor of induction into the M-Club Wall of Fame.

Date: Saturday, October 18

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Baseball Diamond

Homecoming 2025 Bookstore Discount!

Enjoy a special Homecoming 2025 perk! Alumni, families, and friends can take 20% off one apparel or gift item at the university bookstore. Stock up on spirit wear and gifts to show your Marian pride!

Online: Visit CampusWelcome.com and enter access code 0777.

On Campus: Coupons will be available at many locations on campus. Show your coupon at the register.

Check out President Elsener's latest Big Man on Campus video celebrating Homecoming 2025!

Be Part of Marian’s Premier Event — The Best Ever Gala

Join fellow alumni and friends for Marian University’s premier event of the year — The Best Ever Gala on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. It’s a night to celebrate all that makes Marian special: our community, our momentum, and most importantly, our incredible students, past and present.

This night is a celebration of you, our alumni, who carry the Marian mission into the world, and the many friends who stand beside you in support of our students. Together, we’re building an incredible Knight Nation — one that keeps us moving Always Forward.

This year’s Gala will honor Distinguished Alumna Denise Feser ’77 and other remarkable members of the Marian community who embody our Franciscan values.

We’d love to have you join us this year to connect, celebrate, and enjoy all that makes Marian special.

Purchase your discounted ticket, explore sponsorship opportunities, and reserve your hotel room (act quickly to lock in the discounted rate) at marian.edu/gala.

Alumni Highlights & Events

Congratulations to Our Incoming Wall of Fame Honorees

We’re kicking off Homecoming Weekend by celebrating four remarkable alumni who truly represent what it means to be a Marian Knight — living out our Franciscan values and continuing to make an impact in their communities today.

Join us in honoring Garland King ’91 (Baseball), Lakan Hasser-Smith ’16 (Women’s Basketball), Emily Gwaltney ’13 (Softball), and Wesley Stowers ’19 (Men’s Basketball) as they’re recognized at the Wall of Fame Dinner and during the Homecoming football game.

Read more about our honorees and join us in honoring them on Friday night.

Learn More and Join Us: M-Club Wall of Fame Dinner

Trick or Treat at Marian! Be there on October 29

Did you ever take part in Trick or Treat at Marian as a student or alum? The tradition is still going strong — and you’re invited to join us again! Bring your kids, grandkids, or simply stop by to celebrate.

This is one of Marian’s most-loved community traditions, bringing together neighbors, faculty and staff, students, and alumni for a night of Halloween fun. Kids love it! See campus in all its Halloween glory — from themed residence halls to the Elseners handing out candy at Stokely Mansion. Enjoy a bonfire with hot dogs and marshmallows, and visit the many tables hosted by student groups and academic schools.

It’s by far one of the best events Marian puts on each year — and it grows every time!

Be there and help us plan ahead (We ran out of candy last year!) Register