The Bryant University Football team charged into the David M. '85 and Terry Beirne Stadium Complex before their home opener against the College of the Holy Cross on Alumni Weekend. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Bryant celebrates community, evolution, and timeless bonds at Reunion@Homecoming 2024
Sep 16, 2024,
by Stephen Kostrzewa
Bryant Bulldogs from all over the world gathered on September 13 and 14 for a weekend of football, friends, and fun at this year's Reunion@Homecoming. More than 500 alumni and their families, including the class of 1974, who marked their 50th Reunion, returned to campus for Alumni Weekend, joining current students, faculty, and staff in celebrating their shared bonds and Bulldog pride.
Both days were filled with opportunities to reconnect, reminisce, and relax. Bulldogs, both young and young at heart, caught up with their old friends and made new ones by sharing meals, stories, and laughs. Together, they found that, though they came to Bryant at different times in its evolution, they all shared the same love of the university’s close-knit community, and of their alma mater.
There were also moments for alumni to learn more about the current pivotal moment in Bryant’s history. From exploring the newly opened Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center to signing the final beam to be placed in the construction of the new fieldhouse, alumni discovered much to look forward to in Bryant’s future — including many happy returns.
In fact, Bulldog spirit was on full display throughout the weekend as the community attended a pep rally and took in performances by the university’s Athletic Bands and Cheer and Dance teams. Reunion@Homecoming culminated with the Bryant Bulldog football team taking on the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders — with a packed stadium of fans cheering them on.
Here are just a few scenes from Alumni Weekend:
Class flags from throughout Bryant's history eagerly awaited the return of the university's alumni in the Unistructure Rotunda. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Tours of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, the new home for the university's internationally recognized College of Business as well as the new Ellen Wilson Leadership Center and other cutting-edge labs and institutes, gave alumni a look at Bryant’s bright future. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Executive in Residence and Finance Department Chair Kevin Maloney demonstrated the capabilities of Bryant's new Financial Markets Center in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., shared an update regarding the university’s campus expansion and Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, including Bryant's rise in the college rankings, the addition of world-class campus facilities and technology, including the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, and the expansion of curricular and cocurricular opportunities, including new opportunities for women and students of diverse backgrounds. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Reconnecting, and making new friends, was the number one item on the agenda for Joanne (O'Brien) Rietta '89 and the rest of Bryant's close-knit community. Photo courtesy of Peter Goldberg.
Bulldog spirit was high throughout the weekend and the "Tupper" hand sign, in honor of Bryant's bulldog mascot, was a common sight among alumni of all years, including several members of the Class of 2023, pictured here. Photo courtesy of Paige Zuber '25MBA.
Reunion@Homecoming brought Bulldogs — past, present, and future — and their families together across generations. Photo courtesy of Peter Goldberg.
Chase Whitman ’27, co-proprietor of Chip’s Sunflower Seeds, showcased his company at the Entrepreneurship Exposition in the lobby of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Members of the Bryant community made their mark on university history by signing the final beam to be placed in the construction of the new Bryant University Fieldhouse, which will feature locker rooms, physical therapy areas, and other amenities overlooking the David M. '85 and Terry Beirne Stadium Complex. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
Recent alum James Tiner ’24 played the cymbals with the Bryant University Athletic Bands, firing up the crowd alongside his bandmates before and during the big game. Photo courtesy of Pam Murray.
The Bulldog fanbase came out in force to support their team, filling the David M. '85 and Terry Beirne Stadium Complex. Photo courtesy of Peter Goldberg.
The Bryant football team engaged in a spirited athletic contest with the College of the Holy Cross in their home opener. Quarterback Jarrett Guest (pictured) threw for 255 yards with two touchdowns while producing 84 yards on the ground. Photo courtesy of Bryant Athletics.
A gathering at the university's Art Barn, a venue for the celebration of visual art, music, and performance on campus, included live music by Mike Coletta and lite bites. Photo courtesy of Peter Goldberg.
