The weekend kicked off with the Friday night Mr. Merrimack Competition where six male Merrimack students entertained a nearly sold-out audience with their talent, formal wear and the “profound” interview round. Max Zhou wowed the crowd with his singing talent and was ultimately crowned Mr. Merrimack.
Saturday’s full schedule began with a 5K race with proceeds to support student travel to Haiti where they work with health care providers and help create or repair clean water tanks for the residents.
Reserved spots were sold out for tailgating where everything from eight foot subs to home-made lobster rolls were served. Competition heated up among alumni and families for the sought after awards of “Best Menu” (awarded to Joe Russo ’88 for the 2nd year), “Most Spirit,” and “Largest Class Participation” (awarded to the Class of 2013 with 26 tailgate spots for their first official alumni visit back to campus). Esteemed judges included Coach Mark Dennehy representing Athletics, Mary Noonan as a member of the Faculty, Donna Swartwout from Campus Life, and newly crowned Mr. Merrimack, Max Zhou, representing the student body. The O’Brien Center for Success had a popular site with a photo booth where alumni could capture fun memories and learn about opportunities to provide internships and professional mentoring to students.
For those not tailgating, a Family Cook Out was available behind the football field. The football game was standing room only as the Warriors beat Bentley 40-34. The Volleyball team was victorious over St. Rose 3 – 1 and the Hockey team ended the sporting events of the day with a victory over Army 4-2, producing a memorable and pleasing day of athletics.
Alumni and families had an opportunity to experience a Distinction in Action Tour of the newly-renovated Merrimack Athletics Complex, a tour of the Innovation Center, including the Writers House and the Mucci Capital Markets Lab, and the expanded health sciences facilities, where they were greeted by faculty and administration. Other alumni took time out to meet with friends at the Math Center’s 25 Year Anniversary Celebration, the Annual Greek Life Meeting, and Student Life Reunion while youngsters delighted in the Carnival Fun Zone. All in all, this year’s Homecoming schedule provided something for everyone with promises of returning again next year to do it all over again!
