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    A new Homecoming banner hangs over Hanover's Main Street. (photo by Steve Smith)

    Thousands Expected for 2015 Dartmouth Homecoming, October 9–10

    Wednesday, October 7, 2015
    News Type

The signature annual event for all Dartmouth alumni—Dartmouth Night and Homecoming—begins Friday, October 9.

As alumni pour into campus on Friday afternoon, the first-year Class of 2019 will be working fervently to complete the bonfire, a 41-foot tall structure of beams and pallets in the center of the Green. It’s an ephemeral piece, as it will burn just a few hours after the carved “19” is hoisted on to the top.

The 120-year-old tradition of Dartmouth Night started in 1895 to bring students and alumni together. With that history in mind, members of the classes of 1969 and 2019—classes 50 years apart—will join to light the bonfire at 8:30 p.m. Norman Jacobs ’69, John Mathias ’69, Tara Burchmore ‘19, Mallory Byrd ’19, Aidan O’Day ’19, and David Ringel ’19 have the honor. 

There’s a showdown at Memorial Field on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. as Dartmouth football faces Yale. Both teams are 3-0, and Dartmouth is coming off of a dominant win over Penn (in addition to an appearance by head coach Buddy Teevens '79 on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert). More than 7,000 fans attended the football team's home opener, and more are expected for this second home game of the season.

Also on the athletics front, the 2015 Wearers of the Green inductees will be honored throughout the weekend. Alumni national champions and All-Americas in biathlon, cycling, fencing, rowing, swimming, ultimate frisbee, and water polo will recognized in the parade and at halftime of the football game. Most of the 23 honorees will be here in person, and one inductee—biathlete Peter Gallenz ’86—is traveling from Germany to attend the weekend festivities.

For the second year, Dartmouth Night includes a DARToberfest tent, which features food and seasonal beverages, from 5–7 p.m. at the Alumni Gym tent. Kids’ activities such as a scavenger hunt are offered Saturday morning on the Green, and the Class of 2015 will gather for their “Year Zero” Reunion at 3:30 p.m., also on Saturday. View the schedule for more info.

Many area hotels are full, especially since 2015 Homecoming falls on Columbus Day weekend, a popular time to view fall foliage. But if you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the Upper Valley Lodging List.