A group of Case Western Reserve University students pose for photo with Spartie the mascot during homecoming

Video: Take a look back at Case Western Reserve University’s homecoming weekend

From a $20 million challenge grant for engineering and medicine to another homecoming victory for the football team, Case Western Reserve University’s homecoming weekend was full of celebrations.

At Blue Block Party, the kickoff to the weekend, President Barbara R. Snyder announced two anonymous donors committed a $20 million challenge grant to spur the creation of 20 new endowed professorships in engineering and medicine. The excitement continued with a festival complete with student dancers, Spartie the mascot and a photo booth.

Throughout the weekend, members of the campus community took part in four days full of traditions, spirited events, speakers, award presentations and more.

During the annual Homecoming Luncheon, six individuals were honored with the 2018 Alumni Association Awards. They were:

  • Gina Gibney (WRC ’79; GRS ’82, theater): Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Kathy E. Magliato (MED ’90): Professional Achievement Award
  • Janice Eatman-Williams (MNO ’01): Newton D. Baker Distinguished Service Award
  • Takeshi Tottori (GRS ’82, metallurgy and materials science): Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award
  • Donté L. Gibbs (CWR ’10; SAS ’12): Young Alumni Award
  • Dick Reminger (ADL ’53): President’s Award for Excellence

On the gridiron the Spartans had a commanding 37-7 win over Saint Vincent College. Sophomore wide receiver Colt Morgan had a strong day, picking up 281 receiving yards, the most of any NCAA player this year. He also had a program-record matching 15 receptions, and his three touchdown pass catches put him at 14 for the season—surpassing the previous single-season record of 13 set by Bryan Erb in 2015.

On the defensive side, senior defense end Cameron Brown had a 4.5 sack performance, the highest among Division III players this season.

The football team is now 5-1 on the season, with a 4-1 record in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

Meanwhile, during halftime, the 2018 homecoming royalty was crowned. This year’s 10 finalists were:

  • Nathan Smith;
  • Elizabeth Jackson;
  • Baelee Roach;
  • Eliana Ondrejko;
  • Jered Butler;
  • Sidd Hariharan;
  • Maya Rao;
  • Michaela Stamper;
  • Michel Yuzik; and
  • Sara Ahmad.

The three winners were Ahmad, Rao and Roach, all seniors.

The No. 19-ranked CWRU men’s soccer team picked up two victories over the weekend. To start the weekend, the team beat No. 23 Washington University 1-0 with a goal by senior forward Alex Besl.

On Sunday, the team defeated top-ranked University of Chicago 2-1 with goals coming from juniors Zachary Senft and Garrett Winter.

The women’s soccer team lost both of its games over the weekend, with a 2-0 loss against first-ranked Washington University Friday and a 6-1 loss against 13th-ranked University of Chicago Sunday.

Reflect on the weekend

Want to see more from homecoming weekend? Check out #homeCWRUing on social media and post your own photos with the hashtag.

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