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The Harre Union was hopping on Friday with incoming alumni as the annual Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2010 activities commenced. For the first time, the Harre Union was the home base for checking in, and the hub of activity throughout the weekend.

“Moving Homecoming headquarters to the Harre Union was extremely successful. Alumni commented to our volunteers how much they enjoyed being in the facility and having access to things like the Book Center, Café and Founders Table,” said Nicole Siewin, Valparaiso University director of alumni relations. “Having all of these amenities in one location meant we registered many more alumni than we have in the past. Having all of the events in the same building was wonderful—alumni were no longer leaving campus to attend their reunion celebrations.”

Friday highlights included a Valparaiso University Alumni Association silent auction, campus bus tours and tours of the Harre Union, Founders Day events, and a men’s soccer game that featured a benefit for They Often Cry Outreach, a nonprofit that is dedicated to improving lives in the Caribbean. The charity was founded by reggae artist Taj Weekes, who was in attendance for Friday night’s match.

Both tennis teams got in on the Homecoming fun this weekend. The Valparaiso University men’s tennis team won the annual tournament versus alumni 5-3 on Saturday afternoon, and the women’s team held its inaugural alumni tournament.

On the football field, the Crusaders showed a much-improved performance, but came up just short in a 21-19 defeat against Drake.

For most members of the Valpo community, the best part of homecoming, of course, is reconnecting with lifelong friends. John Kruger ’60 said this weekend that his fondest memories at Valpo were of his time in the Theta Chi fraternity, and he still gets together biannually with about 15 of his brothers.

A number of events continued Saturday, with departmental open houses, fraternity and sorority gatherings, Oktoberfest and the All Greek Reunion, the annual Honors Breakfast, and many other activities planned. The Class Procession, Homecoming Breakfast and Alumni Association Annual Meeting, Worship Service and Awards Presentation, “Dancing With the VU Stars,” and a 6 p.m. home men’s soccer match against Wright State were among the events set for Sunday.

“With Oktoberfest, we saw alumni from all generations gather in one place, enjoying the campus, the music, and the food,” Siewin said.