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A record-breaking crowd of more than 2,500 William Paterson University alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and community members enjoyed a day of fun activities as they came to campus to celebrate Homecoming and Family Day 2024 on Saturday, November 9.
Events included a pre-game tailgate, a Pioneer Carnival with food, games, musical performances by WP students, giveaways, and activities for all ages. WP’s mascot, Pio, was on hand to greet everyone and pose for photos.
The day kicked off with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the new WP Spirit Rock on Speert Green. Located in front of Grant Hall, the large orange WP monument places one of the University’s iconic logos at the heart of the main campus and has quickly become a popular gathering spot.
“Since the summer day when it was first installed, The WP has been an instant hit,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “With its size and bright orange color, it exerts a kind of gravitational pull on students and alumni, as well as prospective students and their families, helping to make it an immediate place to meet friends and make new ones.”
Present for the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the WP Spirit Rock were (left to right) Jim Nall ‘71, member, WP Foundation; Kirsten Loewrigkeit, vice president of finance and administration and CFO; Judy Linder, AVP for development and planned giving; Idida Rodriguez, member, WP Board of Trustees; President Richard J. Helledobler; Teddy Lockhart ’26, president, Student Government Association; Domenico DiMaio '97, MBA '21, president, WP Alumni Executive Council; Bob Verbeek, senior graphic designer; and James Shelley, interim associate vice president for administration.
At the same time, President Helldobler added, it pays homage to—and revives—a William Paterson tradition, referring to a rock that was located nearby at the center of the campus for more than 50 years and was a favorite gathering place for students and alumni. “It was common to hear students say, ‘I’ll meet you at The Rock,’” he said, “a phrase that is now commemorated on a plaque on the platform, and which we hope will be reborn in a new form as ‘The WP’ becomes a popular campus gathering spot and the “selfie spot”, especially in beautiful weather, like we are enjoying today.”
Teddy Lockhart, president of the Student Government Association, acknowledged that the WP has already become a campus icon. “Every day, students stop there to capture memories, from quick selfies with friends to larger group photos. Just last week, I saw a first-year student take a picture with their family, and you could see the pride in their eyes,” he said. “It’s incredible how this simple, powerful structure is already woven into our campus life and spirit.”
SEE PHOTO GALLERY FROM HOMECOMING AND FAMILY DAY HERE.
The WP Spirit Rock was funded, in part, by a generous donation from the estate of Edward Skurna ’61, MA ’69, for campus beautification. Skurna, who died in 2020, taught science and math at Fieldstone Middle School in Montvale for more than 35 years. Also passionate about music, he played the trombone in several community bands in northern New Jersey. He was a member of the William Paterson University Heritage Society, in recognition of his long-time support for his alma mater, and the Hobart Society, which recognizes alumni and friends who have decided to leave an estate gift to the University.
Attendees “oranged out” the stands during the Homecoming football game versus The College of New Jersey. During halftime, Iota Phi Theta was awarded the Annual President’s Cup for having the most alumni return to campus with the most spirited and WP-branded décor.
President Helldobler (sixth from left) and other University administrators with members of Iota Phi Theta, winner of the 2024 President’s Cup for having the most alumni return to campus with the most spirited and WP-branded décor.
