Homecoming at Aquinas College

Homecoming and Presidential Inauguration

September 18-20, 2025

We welcome all alumni, students, family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Aquinas College and the inauguration of Aquinas' 10th president, Sr. Maureen Geary, O.P.

Homecoming band at Aquinas College

Main Stage & Community Welcome

Open to all - no registration needed

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. - The central event of the Homecoming weekend happens on the Holmdene lawn under the main stage tent. You'll find food from Yesterdog, Olly's Doughnuts, and Kona Ice, plus water, pop, and beer. There's plenty of entertainment! Catch live music from the AQ Pep and Jazz Bands, original members of Domestic Problems, and AQ favorites Dr. Chad Gunnoe and Thad Salter. In the Kidz Zone there will be a bounce house, yard games, and caricatures. To kick things off, the women's soccer game starts at noon on the AQ Athletic Field and features a halftime pep rally! Aquinas Homecoming

 

Signature Events

Prayer Service, Blessing of the Hands, and Inauguration Reception

Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. - The Liturgy of the Hours is an important element of the spiritual life of Dominicans and Sister Maureen has chosen to invite faculty and staff only into this mode of prayer as she begins her service as President of Aquinas College.

Inaugural Mass and Reception

Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m. - Open to invited guests only (limited by the capacity of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel), this Mass will include a blessing and conferring of the Presidential Medallion.

Welcome Home: A Celebration of Saints

Sept. 19  at 6 p.m. - Registration is open to all. Help honor our distinguished alumni and friends, including: Outstanding Alumna, Aquinas College Hall of Fame inductees, the 2025 recipient of the Paula T. Meehan Spirit of Aquinas Award, and a special celebration of our Class of 1975.

For events on Saturday, September 20, please park in these lots (map): Fulton Street (1), Mayfield (4), Woodward (27), or Browne (23). These are commonly known as Sturrus and Library lots. Signs will direct you. It's a beautiful walk to the heart of campus. If you need transportation, courtesy golf cart shuttles will take you where you want to go.

There will be a wide variety of food and drink options available on Saturday.

  • Main Stage area on Holmdene Lawn: Food from local vendor Yesterdog will be open for your eating enjoyment, and drink tickets will be available for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Available 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday.
  • Snack Shack at AQ Athletic Field: Go to the east side of the field to get some tasty snacks while you watch the soccer games. Available during sporting events.
  • Wege Cafeteria: If you want a sit-down experience, head to the Wege Student Center. Wide selection of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Available 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • The Moose: Mostly grab-and-go snacks along with its famous coffee shop inside the Cook Carriage House. Available 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
  • Sturrus Concessions: Have a bite to eat while you watch the volleyball games.

  • While on campus, check out the AQ Bookstore on the lower level of the Wege Student Center and outdoor pop-up shops selling Aquinas swag.
  • There's a fun selection of AQ shirts at The Mitten State. Use coupon code AQSAINTS between August 15 and September 20 to save 15%.

AQ Corporate Discount for Drury Inn
5175 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Corporate ID: 327269

This discount is available to anyone affiliated with Aquinas (guest speakers, consultants, parents, prospective students, staff, faculty, etc.). This code (327269) will get visitors their room, free WiFi, 24/7 Fitness Center, continental breakfast, and a "happy hour" for $107 a night plus tax for a queen double or single king room. You can also use this code at any Drury Inn throughout the country for 10% off their standard rate. Please book through this link.

Get more information about Drury Inn & Suites

 

Events

View All Events