PELLA — Central College will welcome alumni, family and friends to campus for Homecoming 2025, beginning Friday, Sept. 26. Homecoming weekend will feature beloved traditions and new events.

Athletics events will be held throughout the weekend. The Dutch football team will face the University of Dubuque at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in its Homecoming matchup at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium. Dutch fans will also want to snag a seat at 12:30 p.m. for the women’s soccer match, followed by men’s soccer at 3 p.m. , both against Dubuque. Guests can also catch men’s and women’s cross country at the Dutch Open starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, followed by the volleyball match beginning at 7 p.m. against Grinnell College.

New in 2025

Alumni awards return with presentations during the Heritage Celebration luncheon Friday, Sept. 26. Honorees for the year include Isabelle Hicks Alexander, 2015 Central graduate, Tim Brand, 2002 Central graduate, and Christopher Stone, 1996 Central graduate.

Central’s glassblowing program celebrates its 50th anniversary and will host an open house for alumni to tour the Glassblowing Studio, view glass-blown pieces created over the past 50 years and make a small item. This display includes pieces from John Vruwink, professor emeritus of art and a 1958 Central graduate, Lee Wassink, 1992 Central graduate, Brian Roberts, professor of art and 1992 Central graduate, and visiting glass artists. Roberts welcomes alumni between 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27.

Saturday morning, alumni and the public also can enjoy the A Cappella Choir and alumni mini concert at 11 a.m., A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex, Pacha Family Lobby.

The full schedule is available at central.edu/alumni/homecoming. Many events are free, thanks to generous sponsors and The Amsterdam Hotel, and we encourage registration. [SE1]

Students on campus begin their festivities Monday, Sept. 22, with a bonfire and window decorating. Students will select the Homecoming Royalty, who will be introduced during coronation at the pep rally.

Annual Attractions

Friday, Sept. 26

8 a.m. Dutch Masters Golf Tournament. Register at central.edu/alumni/homecoming

9 a.m. Mills Gallery exhibit opens, featuring the work of Heather Whittlesey ’10 – Free

4:30 Happy Hour – Free

6 p.m. Lemming Race, Street Party and Pep Rally – Free

6:30 p.m. Athletics Hall of Honor Banquet

Saturday, Sept. 27

9 a.m. Mills Gallery exhibit opens – Free

9 a.m. to Noon Glassblowing Open House – Free

10 a.m. Kids Zone- Free

11 a.m. Red Zone Tailgate – Free

1 p.m. Football game

Post-game Party – Free

6 p.m. 50th Reunion celebration dinner for the Class of 1975

Sunday, Sept. 28

11 a.m. Central Market brunch – Free

1 p.m. Flying Pans Alumni Steel Band concert – Free