Homecoming is a weekend of celebration and excitement, featuring a dance, football game and pep rally. But Gannon’s homecoming is especially exciting because it gives alumni the opportunity to return to campus and reconnect with old classmates. One alumna taking part in homecoming is Erin Sekerak.

Sekerak graduated from Gannon in 2004 and works as associate director of alumni services. She said she’s very excited about the weekend because her office has a number of events planned.

The festivities begin Oct. 10 with the Heritage Luncheon for those who graduated more than 50 years ago. Later that day, Gannon will honor five accomplished alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner. Throughout the weekend, Greek organizations will coordinate events for their own alumni.

Sekerak pointed out that the alumni themselves take care of most of the planning for these events.

“We have a member from Gannon and Villa Maria College who assist with promoting their 50th class reunion to their peers through letters and emails,” Sekerak said. “They will also speak at the 50th class reunion and act as the grand marshals for the parade. The National Alumni Board also aid in the development and volunteering to work during the weekend.”

Sekerak said there is often a balance between repeat events and new ideas. For example, in 2011 the alumni office coordinated with APB’s Family Weekend, so there were homecoming events and Family Weekend events at the same time.

She said she’s very excited to highlight the changes that have been happening around campus.

“This year we’re very excited to show off Gannon’s new facilities such as the Forensic Investigation Center, Center for Communication and the Arts, and the Recreation and Wellness Center,” Sekerak said. “So we have developed open houses and reunions to those who graduated: specifically with majors in the programs from the new academic facilities, as well as moving the Alumni Tailgate into the Recreation and Wellness Center.”

These alumni events are spread across campus, drawing resources from not only different departments across campus, but also local Erie organizations.

“We’ve also helped other departments and organizations communicate the celebrations they have over the weekend, such as the Schuster Theatre Production of ‘Loot’ this year, the Pump-KIN-Run 5k on Sunday and various Greek organization gatherings,” Sekerak said.

More information on all of these events can be found at gannonalumni.org under the “Homecoming 2014” tab.