- Monday, Oct. 20 – Callanish Celtic Band, based in central Pennsylvania, plays Irish and Scottish music in the traditional style. Their repertoire includes lively jigs and reels, haunting airs, and rollicking songs from Ireland, Scotland, and elsewhere in the British Isles.
- Tuesday, Oct. 21 – For more than 80 years, the Tamburitzans have delighted audiences around the globe and are, indeed, a Pittsburgh treasure.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22 – Piedmont Bluz Acoustic Duo Valerie and Benedict Turner are ambassadors of Country Blues music, the Piedmont style of fingerpicking, and roots percussion. Their mission is to help bring awareness to these unique aspects of African-American culture and the contributions of early blues artists through performing and teaching.
- Thursday, Oct. 23 – Pep rally; followed by John Rush, Acoustic Karaoke, a musical journey like no other one-man show can. Singing and playing guitar, bass, harmonica, piano, saxophone, banjo, keyboard and percussion John Rush plays his own original music and songs you know. If you think you've seen this before, you're wrong.
PennWest Clarion’s Homecoming tradition continues Oct. 24-26 with this year’s theme, “Find Your Way Home.”
Featured gatherings include the Golden Anniversary Reunion of the Class of 1975 and a three-event celebration honoring the legacy of WCUC and WCCB radio.
As always, Homecoming will coincide with the 2025 Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival, which runs Oct. 18-26.
Alumni are invited to arrive in Clarion early to show their Golden Eagles pride at the Pep Rally from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday in front of Clarion County Courthouse on Main Street. Cheer on the athletics teams, meet the Homecoming Court, and learn about campus organizations and student-athletes during the high-energy evening filled with spirit, celebration and the Clarion community.
By arriving early, alumni will be positioned perfectly to enjoy Kronospan USA Farmers & Crafters Day, one of Autumn Leaf Festival’s most popular events, which will fill Main Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. More than 250 vendors will offer handmade and homemade crafts and goods.
Homecoming events officially begin when Becker Hall opens its doors from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday for a free guided tour of the long-time home of WCUC and WCCB, where passions were discovered, careers were launched, and friendships that last a lifetime were born. See how the studios have evolved over the years, and connect with current students who are keeping the tradition alive.
Alumni and friends will continue honoring the legacy of WCUC and WCCB during a fun and relaxed evening from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Red River Roadhouse. A cash bar will be available.
The Class of 1975 will celebrate its golden anniversary during a special dinner at 6 p.m. Friday at Moore Hall. Reconnect with classmates, share memories, and celebrate the friendships and experiences that have stood the test of time. Class of ’75 members and friends are invited. Cost is $25 per person. Registration is required by Oct. 13.
The fun begins bright and early Saturday at Ernie’s Block Party from 10 a.m. to noon in the Hart Chapel Parking Lot. Whether reconnecting with college roommates, bringing family or meeting up with fraternity brothers or sorority sisters, this is the ultimate Homecoming hangout. The party includes food trucks, exclusive Clarion spirit wear giveaways, an appearance by the Clarion cheerleaders, games, bounce houses and fun for all ages, and, of course, a visit from Ernie the Eagle.
The Independence Health Systems Tournament of Leaves parade will step off at noon, showcasing marching bands, floats and community organizations. Line the streets with Clarion pride and cheer on student organizations as the parade rolls through town. Join fellow alumni to relive the excitement and campus traditions.
The Eagle Endzone (registration required) is from 1 to 5 p.m. in the President’s Tent at Memorial Field. Alumni and friends are invited for a spirited tailgate experience during the football game as Clarion takes on Seton Hill University at 2 p.m. Cheer on the Golden Eagles during the game, take in the marching band’s halftime performance, and connect with fellow alumni and friends from one of the best spots by the field. Cost of $10-$25/person includes tailgate-inspired food and refreshments, beer and wine for guests 21 and older, Clarion spirit giveaways, and a lively atmosphere.
Saturday evening, the WCUC/WCCB Reunion Banquet begins at 6 p.m. in WCUC/WCCB Studio, Becker Hall ($25 registration required). Reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your time behind the mic and in front of the camera, and see how the studios have evolved. Enjoy a banquet dinner in the studio and meet current students and faculty who are carrying on the tradition of excellence in campus media.
For a complete schedule of Homecoming events or to register to attend events, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/ClarionUniversityFoundationInc/events/clarion-homecoming-2025/schedule.
Clarion Folk Alumni and Black Student Union
The Clarion Folk Alumni group, whose purpose is to celebrate and connect the Black alumni of PennWest Clarion, along with the Black Student Union, will host various events throughout the weekend. The weekend package is $55/person; those unable to attend the entire weekend can choose individual events; register at https://www.givecampus.com/schools/ClarionUniversityFoundationInc/events/clarion-homecoming-2025/schedule.
Friday, Oct. 24
7-11 p.m., Gemmell first floor rotunda – Boots Down, Wings Up!: Kick off the weekend by reminiscing about the games and songs from Clarion’s past. Enjoy good food, karaoke and classic throwback fun. Cost: $25/person.
Saturday, Oct. 25
10 a.m. to noon, Hart Chapel parking lot – Block Party with Ernie: Enjoy refreshments with your favorite Golden Eagle – Ernie. Stop by the Clarion Folk table to learn about weekend events and scholarship. Free.
1 p.m., Memorial Stadium parking lot – The Official Ride-Up: Step into the ultimate pre-game celebration hosted by the Divine Nine and the Black Student Union. Bring a lawn chair and school spirit, and reconnect with old friends while making new memories with current students. Free with purchase of any Clarion Folk Alumni event ticket.
7-11 p.m., Gemmell room 107 – Boots-on-the-Canvas paint ‘n sip and witness the ultimate R&B showdown. $35/person.
Sunday, Oct. 26
10 a.m., Hart Chapel – The Praise Pull-Up. Free.
ALF Cultural Nights
Cultural Nights, sponsored by PennWest Clarion and community businesses, will serve as a festive lead-in to Homecoming week.
This year’s Autumn Leaf Festival theme is “Meet Me on Main,” created by Clarion alumna and staff member Barb Funk, a former member and current advisor of Delta Zeta sorority.
For a complete Autumn Leaf Festival schedule, visit https://clarionpa.com/autumn-leaf-festival/.