re:Fresh & Homecoming
Shenandoah is hosting a special event for first-year student families called re:Fresh from Saturday, October 7, 2023. Check back in the fall for more details!
Parents will get “refreshed” on the resources and opportunities Shenandoah offers and enjoy brunch. All families are invited to visit and spend time with their students. Our re:Fresh event is part of Shenandoah’s Family Weekend & Homecoming, which means there are so many activities families and their students can experience, from the Homecoming & Family Weekend Tailgate and football game and other athletic contests, to exploring the Winchester area’s recreation, shopping, entertainment, historic downtown, dining and more!
Shenandoah buzzes with excitement this weekend, and we hope our first-year families will take this great opportunity to visit with their students and enjoy, together, so much of what makes this place so very special.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Homecoming Kick-Off | Village Quad | 8 p.m.
Kick-off homecoming weekend with a cheer! Join us at the Village Quad at 8 p.m. to show your spirit, hear royalty announcements, and snag a 2023 Homecoming t-shirt. For more information, please email Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.
Virtual Late Night Bingo | Zoom | 9 p.m.
Participate virtually with current students and your fellow alumni for the chance to win cool prizes, which, like in previous years, won’t disappoint! Prizes include gift cards to multiple restaurants, the campus bookstore and more! Prizes will be mailed to all winners. Don’t miss your chance to win! Register to receive the Zoom link.
Friday, Oct. 6
Alumni Speed Networking | Health & Life Sciences Building Rotunda | 3-5 p.m.
Connect with alumni working in a variety of industries and gain valuable career advice! Students will rotate through stations with Shenandoah alumni who will offer guidance based on their own experiences. RVSP requested by Oct. 4 but all are welcome! For more information, contact career@su.edu.
Family Weekend Welcome Table | Brandt Student Center | 4-8 p.m.
Stop by the family weekend table in the Brandt Student Center to pick up a “Shenandoah Family” button and get information about the weekend’s events.
Duo Wii Bowling Tournament | Esports Arena | 5-7 p.m.
Check out the Esports Arena and compete together in a Duo Wii Sports Bowling tournament from 5-7 p.m. This is a community event put on by the Esports program and the Esports Experience for Professionals Club. For more information, contact Joseph Clarke at jclarke19@su.edu.
Wizard of Oz Murder Mystery | Alson H. Smith Library | 6 p.m.
Get ready to go over the rainbow and into the land of Oz in this interactive, kid-friendly murder mystery! Families, students, and staff members who correctly identify which character from “The Wizard of Oz” is guilty by interviewing suspects, verifying alibis, and deciphering clues will be entered into a prize drawing. All are welcome to figure out who killed the Wicked Witch of the East at Alson H. Smith Library on Friday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Holli Phillips at hphillip@su.edu.
Into The Woods | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre | 7:30 p.m.
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Shenandoah students perform in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s modern classic that brings together favorite fairy tale characters to create a musical that is both timeless and relevant.
Both enchanting and touching, the Tony Award-winning book and score follows multiple storylines that merge: a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results.
One of Sondheim’s most popular works, “Into the Woods” is a musically sophisticated show infused with touches of dark comedy, and featuring unforgettable songs and fantastical design elements that create a magical and mystical world. Tickets are available online at conservatoryperforms.org. The box office in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre is also open from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for purchasing tickets in person or by calling (540) 665-4569.
Saturday, Oct. 7
re:Fresh | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room | 9 a.m.
Parents and families, re:Fresh is your opportunity to get “refreshed” on the resources and opportunities Shenandoah offers your student. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m., in the Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room. Register online.
Homecoming Parade | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre | 11 a.m.
Celebrate Homecoming Weekend with a parade through campus featuring the Shenandoah University Marching Band, student organizations, alumni award winners and your Homecoming royalty!
Men’s Soccer vs. Guilford | Glo Fiber Field at Shentel Stadium | 11 a.m.
Cheer on the men’s soccer team as it takes on Guilford! Free admission; tickets not required.
Buzzy’s Family Weekend Hangout | Brandt Student Center | noon-3 p.m.
Enjoy DIY crafts, take a picture with Buzzy, grab gear for the game from the spirit table and play games in the game room or just hang out before the evening’s activities!
Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre Behind-the-Scenes Tour | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre Lobby | noon
Join Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Managing Director Elizabeth Albert on a behind-the-scenes tour of Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre. See how the magic all comes together in the scene shop and costume shop and get a sneak peek at the “Into the Woods” musical set. Sign up online.
Pick 2, Donate 1 Apple Orchard Trip | Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market | 1 p.m.
Immerse yourself in all things autumn and give back to the community at the same time by going apple picking at Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market with the Center for Civic Engagement. CCE is asking everyone who participates to donate half of their haul to the local food bank for immediate distribution to area food pantries. Meet at 1 p.m. at the market (check out all the great selections available at https://www.markermillerorchards.com – the apple cider donuts are legendary!) Your fun afternoon in the sun will help a family in need enjoy some fresh local produce! Sign up at https://forms.gle/cSYXcc8fg6b24Ant9.
Field Hockey vs. Randolph-Macon | Aikens Stadium | 1 p.m.
Support the field hockey team as it takes on Randolph-Macon! Free admission; tickets not required.
Women’s Soccer vs. Randolph-Macon | Glo Fiber Field at Shentel Stadium | 1 p.m.
Root for the women’s soccer team as it takes on Randolph-Macon!! Free admission; tickets not required.
Homecoming Hangout | Sarah’s Glen | 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy kettle corn and sweet treats from MooTru at Sarah’s Glen as you test your luck with axe throwing! Listen to music, play yard games and get inked with temporary tattoos as you prepare to cheer on your Hornets! This is the last chance for 2023 Homecoming t-shirts! For more information, please email Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.
Women’s Lacrosse Alumnae Game | Aikens Stadium | 3 p.m.
Play against current women’s lacrosse team members! Then after the alumnae game, stay for the Women’s Lacrosse Alumnae Tailgate event before the Homecoming football game vs. Bridgewater at 7 p.m.
Homecoming & Family Weekend Tailgate Party | James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center | 4:30 p.m.
Get ready for the big game at the Homecoming & Family Weekend Tailgate Party! Take in some great music, enjoy face painting, inflatables and much, much more! Your admission is $20, which includes food and drink bucks ($25 value per guest) to be used at the various food vendors on-site, as well as at the School of Business-sponsored beer and wine garden. Eat delicious food and enjoy an assortment of games and activities for all ages! The Black Alumni Network and Latinx will also have a tent at the event so be sure to stop by! At check-in, alumni will receive a special gift, courtesy of the Shenandoah University Alumni Association.
General Admission – $20
SU Faculty/Staff – $10
Current SU Students – $10
Children – $5
There are a few options for Tailgate Party parking – please be sure to read on for very important details. Free parking can be found in the Brandt Student Center parking lot and/or parking garage (shuttles will be available to take you over to the Wilkins Athletics & Events Center). If you’d rather park closer to the action, parking in the Wilkins Athletics & Events Center (WAEC) costs $10 per space and must be purchased in advance (choose “Home Parking” or “Garage Parking”); please note that regardless of the option you select, the first SU fans to arrive will be directed to the WAEC lot and overflow will go into the garage. You’re free to tailgate in your parking space, but if you’d like some additional tailgating room, purchase the $30 “Home Tailgating” option in advance (in addition to your $10 parking) to have a reserved tailgating space in the Hornet Athletics tailgating area, a grassy area next to Wilkins Athletics & Events Center.
There are no cash sales at the parking entrance or Shentel Stadium gate, so be sure to purchase parking (and your tickets to the Homecoming football game) online in advance. Be sure to have your digital parking ticket ready on your phone when you approach the parking entrance. Digital parking tickets and game tickets cannot be screenshots. Check out the YouTube video example of how to purchase parking and/or game tickets and how to redeem them at the parking entrance/Shentel Stadium gates!
Homecoming Football Game vs. Bridgewater | Glo Fiber Field at Shentel Stadium | 7 p.m.
Blue Out Game
Cheer on the football team as it takes on Bridgewater! During halftime, you can also look forward to seeing the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients honored, along with many other Homecoming festivities! Tickets and parking ($10) must be purchased online ahead of time; cash will not be accepted. Pricing is as follows: reserved seats (all ages) $15; general admission adult (13 years old and over) $10; general admission youth (seven to 12 years old) $5; six and under general admission is free. Shenandoah University students, faculty, and staff receive complimentary admission with a valid I.D. Purchase your tickets and parking for this game at www.suhornets.com/tickets.
Students who wish to attend should fill out this Google Form by Friday, Sept. 29, to secure a seat for the game. The completed form will serve as your “ticket” to the Homecoming game; students who fail to complete this form prior to Sept. 29 may be turned away on game day. Students are limited to ONE ticket! Tickets are limited so be sure to snag yours now! Questions? Contact Shamyra Wilkerson at swilkers14@su.edu.
Into The Woods | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre | 7:30 p.m.
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Shenandoah students perform in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s modern classic that brings together favorite fairy tale characters to create a musical that is both timeless and relevant.
Both enchanting and touching, the Tony Award-winning book and score follows multiple storylines that merge: a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results.
One of Sondheim’s most popular works, “Into the Woods” is a musically sophisticated show infused with touches of dark comedy, and featuring unforgettable songs and fantastical design elements that create a magical and mystical world. Tickets are available online at conservatoryperforms.org. The box office in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre is also open from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for purchasing tickets in person or by calling (540) 665-4569.
Sunday, Oct. 8
Sunday Chapel | Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall | 11:30 a.m.
All who are looking for a Christian community to gather and worship with here on campus are invited to our Sunday Chapel service! Drawing on elements that are ancient and emerging, diverse and unified, safe and challenging, artful and thoughtful, and playful and profound, this dynamic worshiping community of students, faculty and staff gathers every Sunday in the chapel at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. with free coffee, tea, and other breakfast-y treats for all who attend! Praise and worship prelude starts at 11:15 a.m. Communion is served at noon on the first Sunday of each month. Contact spirituallife@su.edu for more information. The service also streams on Facebook at Spiritual Life at Shenandoah and Instagram Live @suspirituallife.
Brunch | Allen Dining Hall | noon
Join Student Affairs Staff for brunch in the Allen Dining Hall following Sunday Chapel. Brunch is self pay ($14.36).
Apple Festival | West Oaks Farm Market | 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sign up today to be a part of the first Annual Apple Festival at West Oaks Farm Market on Oct. 8! Hitch a ride in the van or meet SOAR at the market. The van will depart from Parking Lot D (below the BSC) at 12:30 p.m. Van space is limited, so please sign up early! If you are planning to meet at the market (4305 Middle Rd., Winchester, VA), plan to arrive by 12:45 p.m. This event will have hay rides, live music, games, and more. Each registered participant will receive at least two activity tickets. Participants will be responsible for any additional food, drinks, or other activities that they wish to take part in. The cost of this event is $5.00 per person. For more information, contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu
You are encouraged to relax on campus or explore historic downtown Winchester and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Visit www.visitshenandoah.org.
If you have any questions, please contact Student Affairs at tearley@su.edu.