Panther Pride Homecoming

Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to campus and to show the "Panther Pride" you have in our institution!

Green and black logo featuring text that reads Panther Pride Homecoming 2025 with claw marks

Monday, September 29, 2025

Advocacy Conference

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location:  Campus Center Atrium & Duane L. Jones Recital Hall

Kick off Homecoming Week with an inspiring opportunity designed to educate, empower, and equip you with the knowledge and skills to advocate for yourself and others. Open to all faculty, staff, and students!

Panther Pride Kickoff

Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location:  Campus Center Atrium

 Start Homecoming week strong with lawn games, ice cream, window painting, and pick up your official homecoming T-shirt!

Office Decoration Scavenger Hunt

Time:  All Day 
Location: Various Locations Across Campus 

Visit various offices around campus to check out their Panther Pride door decoration contest entry, and grab a treat along the way!

Information about the Door Decorating Contest will be sent to all faculty & staff via the Current!

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Academic Discovery Fest

Time:  1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Atrium
Join us for an exciting afternoon of fun, games, and prizes at this year’s Discovery Fest, hosted by the Academic Planning Center! 

This isn’t your average Major/Services fair — it’s a Pokémon-themed adventure where you’ll explore all the amazing academic programs and support services available to students at Old Westbury.

Sip & Paint

Time:  4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Atrium

Unleash your inner artist at our Homecoming Week Paint & Sip night!  Join fellow students for a fun and relaxing evening of guided painting, mocktails, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just in it for the fun, this creative night is the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate Panther pride. 

All supplies provided -- just bring your friends and school spirit!

Alumni Association Dinner

Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Jericho Terrace, Mineola, New York 
Participants: Everyone

The entire campus community is invited to join us for the Twenty-Eighth Annual Alumni Awards Dinner as we proudly honor and celebrate the leadership of President Timothy E. Sams, Dr. Fred Millan-Psychology Department, Larry "Dazz" Sutton-Class of 1987 and Brian Taylor-Friend of SUNY OW.  This special evening is a celebration of Panther pride, achievement, and impact.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

"Cookie Hooky" Hour

Time:  12:00 p.m.
Location:  Throughout Campus 

Members of the President's Cabinet will be traveling across campus offering cookies and snacks to all those they meet!  Be on the lookout for free homecoming treats!

Lip Sync Battle

Time:  8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location:  Duane L. Jones Recital Hall, Campus Center 

Get ready to hit the stage and bring the energy at the Panther Lip Sync Battle! Join us during Homecoming Week for a night of epic performances, fierce competition, and nonstop entertainment. Whether you're battling it out or cheering from the crowd, this is your chance to show off your star power and rep that Panther pride! Prizes awarded for the most unforgettable acts.

 

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Sweet Traditions: A Panther Celebration

Time:  1:30 p.m. 
Location: Campus Center Atrium

Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with sweet treats, nostalgic memories, and beloved campus traditions. Reconnect with the spirit of Homecoming through fun activities, and the cake decorating competition!

Students - check out the Student Connections email and Panther Connect to sign up your cake decorating team!

Faculty & Staff Happy Hour

Time:  4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Location:  Amelie A. Wallace Gallery-Campus Center 
Participants: Faculty & Staff

Join us for a relaxed and engaging Happy Hour with Staff Forum & Faculty Senate during Homecoming Week! This casual gathering offer staff and faculty the chance to connect over light refreshments, conversation, and Panther pride. Come celebrate community, collaboration, and the people who make our campus thrive. RSVP will go out via the Current, so please check your emails!

Spike the Rams!

Time:  6 p.m.
Location: Clark Athletic Center

The Panther Women's Volleyball team takes on the Farmingdale State Rams in a Skyline Conference match up. 

Drag Show

Time:  8 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
Location:  Duane L. Jones Recital Hall, Campus Center 

Lights, glam, and fierce performances; don’t miss the Annual Homecoming Drag Show! Celebrate self-expression, artistry, and inclusivity with an unforgettable night of dazzling drag entertainment. Come cheer on local queens, kings, and student performers as they slay the stage and serve up Panther pride with every strut!

 

Friday, October 3, 2025

Students/Alumni vs. Faculty/Staff Softball Game

Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex

It's time to play ball! Grab your glove and your bat and head down to the softball field for some friendly competition!

 

History of Hip Hop with Kurtis Blow and Celebrity Guests

Time: 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Duane L. Jones Recital Hall 
Participants: Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends
Premiere screening of Kurtis Blow's documentary on Hip Hop. Followed by an exciting panel discussion with Kurtis Blow and other legends of Hip Hop.

Registration is required for this event.

Alumni Welcome Reception

Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Amelie A. Wallace Gallery-Campus Center 
Participants: Registered Alumni Only

Come and meet the 6th president, Timothy Sams, as he welcomes back alumni to campus during this official Alumni Homecoming Weekend kick-off.

Panther Pep Rally/Yard Show

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Clark Athletic Center 

A celebration of school spirit with recognition of our fall student-athletes: men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball and men's golf, and performances by the Panther Cheerleaders, All the Right Moves, and more. Then, our Yard Show comes alive as current students and alumni join together for a celebration of OW's fraternities and sororities.

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Men's Panther Soccer

Time:  12 p.m.
Location: Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex

Cheer on the Panther Men's Soccer Team on Senior Day at its hosts a Skyline Conference opponent SUNY Maritime. 

Tailgate Experience & Block Party

Time:  12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Clark Center Parking Lot 
Participants: Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends

The Tailgate Experience & Block Party welcomes alumni and the campus community to come together for an afternoon like no other, featuring Tailgating, the President's Concert (live music and DJ), and Panther Zone (food, music, and dancing). This is the place to be in the center of it all.

*Alumni Note: Planning on being a tailgate host?  Advanced registration is required.  Be sure to register and reserve your spot!

Alumni Tent & Wine Bar

Time:  12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Clark Center Parking Lot
Participants: Registered Alumni for the 3-Day Full Access Pass and Saturday All-Day Only Pass, 21 and over only
Looking for the perfect place to unwind and catch up with old friends?  Stop by the Alumni Tent & Wine Bar – a relaxed, social space just for our registered alumni, 21 and over.  Enjoy a catered lunch and local wine as you celebrate with your friends

 

 

PantherFest

Time:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Clark Athletic Center 

The Panther Community is invited to partake in our annual celebration - with rides, inflatables, food, music and more! 

This event is open to all alumni, students, staff & faculty.

 

Women's Panther Soccer

Time:  2:30 p.m.
Location: Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex 

Cheer on the Panther Women's Soccer Team as celebrates Senior Day against Skyline Conference opponent SUNY Maritime. 

Homecoming Concert

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Maguire Theater, Campus Center
Participants:  Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends

You don't want to miss the annual OW Homecoming Concert! 

The event this year will be headlined by the legendary Kurtis Blow and his friends!  

Of course, there will be comedians and other musical guests, so register today! 

Post-Concert After Party

Time:  Immediately following the concert
Location: Campus Center Atrium
Participants: Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends

 The party continues! Join us for music, dancing, and a return of the after-party breakfast!

Stay Up at the Union & Concert

Time:  10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: Student Union

Let's finish Homecoming strong and keep the energy going all night long at Stay Up at the Union! This late-night party and concert event features live music, dancing, games, food, and surprise giveaways. Bring your friends, show your Panther pride, and stay up for one of the most exciting nights of Homecoming Week. 

This event is for students only.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Campus Tours

Time:  10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location:  Amelie A. Wallace Gallery-Campus Center 
Participants: Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends
Come and take a campus tour to reminisce of the old days and see what is new since you graduated!

Alumni Farewell Brunch

Time:  12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location:  Amelie A. Wallace Gallery-Campus Center 
Participants: Registered Alumni, Campus Community and Friends

Join President Sams as we close out the 2025 Alumni Homecoming Weekend, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions to the University.

Hotel Accommodations

Fall on Long Island can get busy, so make your hotel reservations today!

Questions?

Alumni & Friends Contact

Alumni and Friends should contact Penny Chin, Director of Alumni Relations
Phone:  (516) 876-3137
Email: alumni@oldwestbury.edu

On-Campus Contact

Students, faculty and staff can contact 
Samantha Kloeckener-Soszynski, associate dean of students 
for student enrichment & junior class dean 
Phone: (516) 876-3109
Email: kloeckeners@oldwestbury.edu

Couldn't make this year's homecoming? There is still time to support SUNY Old Westbury!  Make a difference in the lives of our students by making a tax-deductible contribution of any size.

Make a Gift Today
 

The Panther Pride 2024 Photo Gallery

Panther Pride Homecoming 2024

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Panther Pride Homecoming!

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