The Hilltop has been buzzing with activity this fall season! This past weekend, Oct. 4-6, only a week after Family Weekend, Saint Anselm welcomed over 600 alumni back onto campus for Alumni Weekend, which followed the launch of the campaign for the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Grappone Hall on Friday, Oct.4.
The weekend festivities began on Friday afternoon with the launch of the final campaign for the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The tented up Alumni Quad welcomed alumni, trustees, faculty, and students to celebrate one of the final steps of getting the Saint Anselm campus ready for the new opportunities to be brought by the new building.
Following the Friday kickoff of Alumni Weekend was on Saturday with Mass at 9:00 a.m., followed by a walking tour of the Stations of the Cross at 10:00 a.m., led by Fr. Stephen O.S.B. This sacred detailing through the fourteen moments of Jesus’ final day offers a powerful opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection. Afterward, tailgaters were seen in the South Lot getting ready for the Mens’ Football Game at 1:00 p.m against Post University. Other sports events were open to spectators, including the Volleyball team, who played St. Michael’s at 12:00 p.m., and the Women’s Hockey Team who played Holy Cross in the Sullivan Arena at 7:00 p.m.
On Sunday, Mass was held in the Abbey Church at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Alumni Awards Brunch at 11:00 a.m. in the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Nine alumni will be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments across their various fields. A few of the award recipients include Helen Gallo Bryan ’81, Michael Cunningham ’66, and Keith Morse of Saint Anselm’s print shop.
Planning for a weekend of this magnitude begins months in advance, with planning for Homecoming beginning as early as July. This involves collaboration across numerous departments, including College Advancement, Alumni Relations, Dining Services, Athletics, Campus Security, Custodial Services, SEAL, and more. These groups work closely to coordinate logistics, from figuring out dates, to renting tents and sound systems, to organizing parking and security. Communication and strong teamwork have been key to the event’s continued success, and organizers are grateful for the strong partnerships that have made it all possible.
Though a popular activity at Alumni Weekend, tailgating was not the only available option for visiting family and friends. Sports games were open for attendance, raffles were open for entrances, with prizes including a blackstone tabletop grill, grilling accessories, and more. Face Painting, temporary tattoos, and arts and crafts were held inside for family friendly activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Providing options for everyone is the warm Anselmian fashion that is still offered to all, even after they leave the Hilltop.
This year’s Alumni Weekend promised the same warm and welcoming atmosphere as past years. Although last year’s event was postponed due to a hurricane, campus was excited for everything to proceed on schedule this time around.
Reflecting on the weekend prior, Family Weekend was another resounding success for Saint Anselm. The event drew a large turnout, with families enjoying a range of activities across campus. Planning for Family Weekend began last spring, with faculty and staff meeting regularly to refine the schedule and ensure a variety of engaging events. Highlights included interactive performances, a Welcome Reception hosted by President Favazza, the Multicultural Fair, the Dig sponsored by the Classics Society, and Sunday’s brunch. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the dining and physical plant teams, the campus looked beautiful despite the quick turnaround from Abbot Isaac’s Abbatial Blessing ceremony, which took place shortly before Family Weekend.
One of the standout traditions of Family Weekend, though unofficial, is the tailgating. While not a formally scheduled event, it has become a beloved staple, bringing families, students, and staff together for an enjoyable and festive gathering. The weekend’s goal—to reconnect students with their families and foster a sense of community—was clearly achieved, setting a high bar for Alumni Weekend the weekend following. As Saint Anselm welcomed its alumni back home, the Hilltop hosted another weekend filled with tradition, camaraderie, and celebration.