Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at °®½´ÊÓƵ honoring the institution’s origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship, and continuing its momentum forward. This re-imagined celebration combines Homecoming, Family Weekend, Alumni Awards, and Founders Day to create one spectacular week-long schedule of events.
The celebration features traditions and events including:
- Founders Day Bell Ringing—Join this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives for the university’s seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858—the year the university’s namesake, Mother Magdalene °®½´ÊÓƵ, passed away—and refurbished with support from the university’s Class of 1967.
- Distinguished Alumni Awards—Attend this annual reception, established in 1986, that recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
- Athletics Events—Cheer on the °®½´ÊÓƵ Wildcats during matches at Royal Park and Lumsden Gymnasium.
- Student & Family-Centric Events—Enjoy the Wildcat Family Social, get some new gear at the Founders Giveaway, and try your luck at Casino Night!
Some events are open to the entire °®½´ÊÓƵ community, while some are centered on specific °®½´ÊÓƵ groups. Review the event list below for information on what to expect and who is invited to attend.
Sunday, September 21
Men's Tennis Match vs. Niagara
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of °®½´ÊÓƵ Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Niagara Purple Eagles in exciting NCAA Division II men's tennis action!
Cost: No Cost For Students/Faculty/Staff
Registration:
Tuesday, September 23
Wednesday, September 24
°®½´ÊÓƵ Years of Service Recognition Event
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Faculty, Staff
We are recognizing service to the University! There are more than 35 faculty and staff this year celebrating a service milestone here at °®½´ÊÓƵ! All employees are welcome to enjoy in light fare and libations in the John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Encouraged
Women's Soccer vs Roberts Wesleyan
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of °®½´ÊÓƵ Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks in exciting NCAA Division II women's soccer action!
Cost: No Cost
Founders Bingo!
8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students
°®½´ÊÓƵ Students are invited to join the CAT Team for a fun night and to test their luck at winning some AMAZING PRIZES!!!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Thursday, September 25
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:30 AM
Founders Bell, Rosary Hall Lawn
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Founders Day Bell Ringing—Join this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives for the university’s seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858—the year the university’s namesake, Mother Magdalene °®½´ÊÓƵ, passed away—and refurbished with support from the university’s Class of 1967.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
After the annual Bell Ringing, all °®½´ÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are welcome to attend the Founders Celebration Luncheon.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Founders Celebration Giveaway
7:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Back Patio
Students
Come and get your limited edition Founders Day shirt while supplies last!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Distinguished Alumni Awards
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
°®½´ÊÓƵ Hall, Bistro
Alumni
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions. Guests are invited to celebrate our newest distinguished alumni.
Cost: $45
Registration: Required
Friday, September 26
Founders TGIF & Casino Night
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
Students, Families, Faculty & Staff
Come join students from The Student Government and The Vets Club as we host a night of great food and casino games! Try your luck and skill for you chance to win some amazing prizes!
Registration: Required for families and guests
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Jazzboline
Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Donors
The Scholarship Gala is our annual scholarship fundraiser which provides financial assistance for today’s °®½´ÊÓƵ students. Through this event and thanks to generous °®½´ÊÓƵ alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.
Cost: $275
Registration: Required
Saturday, September 27
Campus Store Open
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Duns Scotus, Campus Store
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Stock up on your °®½´ÊÓƵ swag! The Campus Store, located on the first level of Duns Scotus, will be open for special hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to honor the Founders Celebration! A coupon will be available for members of our campus community and families to use for a discount.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
Alumni
Join the Division of Athletics as we induct 4 of the all-time great °®½´ÊÓƵ student-athletes into the Hall of Fame. Inductees include Lindsay (Miller) Clark '12 '14, Kyle Clifford '14 '15, Casey Sheehan '14 and Kharmen Wingard '05. The induction ceremony will include a luncheon, followed by the inductees' introduction at a °®½´ÊÓƵ Athletics event later in the day.
This event is invitation only.
Entertainment Brunch
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Enjoy a delicious brunch which features our favorite Magician!
This will be our tradtional brunch menu with made-to-order omelettes, cheddar scrambled eggs, loaded cheesy wraps, pancakes, french toast with whipped cream and berries, and more! A mimosa bar for individuals 21 yrs and older (with proper government ID) will also be available
Cost: Fee for students with °®½´ÊÓƵ ID, $10 per guest
Registration: Suggested, can pay on
Deans List Reception
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
°®½´ÊÓƵ Hall, Bistro
Students, Families
The Founding Deans of the three colleges invite all Dean's List Recipients and their guests to a dessert reception to celebrate academic achievements from the 2024-25 academic year. All students who earned a 3.5 GPA or above in the fall and/or spring term should RSVP through the email sent to their °®½´ÊÓƵ email address.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: By Invitation Only
Women's Volleyball vs Molloy
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come out to Lumsden Gymnasium and cheer on the 4-time ECC champion Wildcats as they take on the Molloy Lions in exciting NCAA Division II women's volleyball action!
Ticket is required for entry.
Men's Soccer vs Georgian Court
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of °®½´ÊÓƵ Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Georgian Court Lions in exciting NCAA Division II men's soccer action!
Ticket required for entry.
Wildcat Family Social
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
°®½´ÊÓƵ Hall, Bistro
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Celebrate Founders with your families in our newest space on campus, °®½´ÊÓƵ Hall! This fun event allows students to celebrate the end of Founders Celebration with their families and support systems with some delicious food and a bunch of Wildcat Spirit.
Cost: Free for Students, $15 for Families
Registration: Suggested, space is limited!