By SUSAN JONES
The centerpiece of this year’s Homecoming weekend will be a cinematic light show illuminating the Cathedral of Learning on three evenings leading up to the 100th anniversary of when construction began on Pitt’s most iconic building.
The show will start around 9 p.m. Sept. 25 to 27 on the Heinz Chapel side of the Cathedral. The 10-minute presentation will highlight a century of Pitt history and what’s coming next.
The anniversary also will be the focus earlier in the day on Sept. 27 with Cathy-Palooza: A Cathedral Centennial Celebration. The 100th birthday bash, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Cathedral lawn, is a family-friendly carnival. Visitors can play games, build their own Cathedral from plastic bricks, tour the Nationality Rooms and watch for Pitt’s resident peregrine falcons with the National Aviary. The University Library Systems Archives & Special Collections will display pieces of Pitt history. There also will be cake and a singing of Happy Birthday.
The light shows and celebration are open to everyone, with community participation encouraged.
Another highlight of Homecoming Weekend are tours on Sept. 25 showcasing some of Pitt’s newest or most recently renovated spaces.
Tours will be available at the transformed Hillman Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the new Recreation and Wellness Center at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. The new Victory Heights arena will be open for photo opportunities from 9 to 11 a.m.
Pitt Football’s homecoming game is against Bucknell University at noon on Sept. 26 at Acrisure Stadium on the North Side.
Other events include:
Alumni Awards Celebration: 6:15-9:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall
Homecoming Food Truck Roundup: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Gallagher Plaza outside of the William Pitt Union
University Archives Open House: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 25, Hillman Library, Room 340
Pitt Band (The Snake): 3-3:45 p.m. Sept. 25, starting in the William Pitt Union and ending at the Cathedral of Learning.
Cathedral of Learning Centennial Archives & Special Collections Exhibit Gallery Talk: 3:15-4 p.m. Sept. 25, Hyland Gallery, 3rd Floor
Welcome Back Reception: Ale to Pitt: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, featuring alumni-owned breweries Acclamation Brewing, Dancing Gnome Brewery and Tortured Souls Brewing and the Swanson School of Engineering Homebrew Program.
Find all activities, including those for specific schools, at homecoming.pitt.edu.
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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