Edinboro Celebrates Homecoming with Weekend of Parades, Reunions, and a Win over the California Vulcans
Students and alumni came together to eat, drink and celebrate Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro’s 2025 Homecoming from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11.
“Homecoming is one of our most treasured traditions,” said Amanda Brown Sissem, associate president of Alumni Engagement and Edinboro campus administrator. “The festivities bring together students, alumni and the entire community to celebrate what makes Edinboro special for each of us.”
Homecoming festivities kicked off on Thursday, Oct. 9, with a student-run pep rally at the Standing Stones in the middle of the Highlands.
On Friday, Oct. 10, students and alumni got together for a variety of events. From the 33rd Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Outing to the centennial anniversary of Edinboro Greek Life and the Edinboro Homecoming Dance, hosted by the Black Student Union Association and Student Government Association. At the dance, the Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen were announced – John Haesler and Lily Cuneo, respectively.
“What an unforgettable weekend at Edinboro!” said PennWest Edinboro in a Facebook post. “From the parade and tailgate to the big game and bonfire, the spirit of the Fighting Scots was on full display.”
Official Homecoming festivities peaked on Oct. 11. The Kilted Mile run had racers racing from The Edinboro Hotel and Flips Café down to the corner of Meadville Street and Darrow Road before returning to where they began. At the annual Homecoming Parade, local groups, student organizations, and marching bands, including the Edinboro Spirit of the Scots, marched around Edinboro with mythical-creatures themed floats.
“From kilts to unicorns, the Mythical Creatures theme promises to add enchantment to a weekend already rich in tradition, pride and community spirit,” said PennWest Edinboro in a press release.
Official festivities concluded with an on-campus football game between the Edinboro Fighting Scots and the California Vulcans. The stands were packed, local food trucks served guests in the parking lot and the Spirit of the Scots performed their halftime show, “Road Trip.” The close, action-filled game concluded with a Fighting Scots win, 35-29.
“We received many positive comments, media coverage, and thanks throughout the weekend from our neighbors, families, alumni, and friends,” said the Edinboro Campus Leadership Team. “The Edinboro campus (and all of our mythical creatures) shined!”
The celebratory weekend was considered a great success by the campus, and students across the campus appreciated seeing life around it once more.
“It did make me very happy to see how big of a turnout there was for the parade,” said Edinboro student Owen Kremer.
Edinboro’s 2026 Homecoming has been slated for Oct. 2-3. The Campus Leadership Team has asked for people to promote these dates while they share pictures and memories from the game.
“As we honor the past, we also look ahead,” said PennWest president Jon Anderson. “PennWest is growing stronger every day, stabilizing enrollment, launching innovative partnerships, and building new pathways that prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.”