CU–Lock Haven Celebrates 2026 Haven Homecoming Festivities

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven celebrated Haven Homecoming 2026 from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4, welcoming alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and community members back to campus for six days of Bald Eagle pride, tradition, competition and connection.

Homecoming festivities kicked off Tuesday, Sept. 29, with Lock Haven volleyball hosting Millersville University inside Thomas Fieldhouse. The Bald Eagles opened the week sweeping the Marauders in three straight sets, 25-18, 25-17 and 25-8.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the campus community celebrated Haven Spirit Day. That evening, Lock Haven women’s soccer hosted Clarion University under the lights at Hubert Jack Stadium, earning a 2-1 victory.

Thursday, Oct. 1, featured a full slate of alumni, university and community activities. The Lock Haven University Foundation Board began the day with a campus tour before a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter landed in the Upper Zimmerli Parking Lot for a planned educational presentation, drawing the attention of students and campus visitors.

The afternoon featured meetings of the Foundation Board and Alumni Board, followed by the annual Success in 90 Networking Event at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center (DACC). The event brought students and alumni together for networking, mentorship and career conversations, providing students with an opportunity to connect with members of The Haven Family and gain valuable professional insight.

That evening, the annual Golf Cart Parade returned with an “Eras of the Haven” theme. Student organizations and alumni groups decorated golf carts, which made their way through campus as students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered along the parade route to celebrate the many eras, traditions and memories that have shaped Lock Haven. 

Thursday’s events concluded at Hangar 9 with the Lock Haven Athletics Coaches Show, featuring football head coach Joe Battaglia, men’s soccer head coach Patrick Long ’08, women’s golf coach Rick Terry and Lock Haven City Manager Brandon Carter. The event offered alumni and fans an opportunity to hear from local and university leaders while celebrating the Bald Eagles and the upcoming athletic seasons.

Friday, Oct. 2, began with the annual Alumni Golf Tournament at Belles Springs Golf Course. Alumni and friends gathered for a morning of friendly competition before enjoying a late lunch following the tournament. Alumni also held a craft-making event in the Belles Springs clubhouse.

Back on campus, Lock Haven field hockey hosted Saint Louis University at Charlotte Smith Field. The Bald Eagles battled the Billikens to a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime before Saint Louis ultimately prevailed in a shootout, 3-2.

Friday evening, members of the Class of 1976 gathered at the DACC for their 50th Reunion Dinner, celebrating five decades of memories, friendships and connections to The Haven.

Saturday, Oct. 3, featured a full day of Homecoming activities beginning with the 50th Reunion Breakfast at the DACC and Admissions VIP Day in the PUB. Tailgating opened at 9 a.m., setting the stage for a busy day of alumni activities and Bald Eagle athletics.

Members of the Class of 1976 continued their reunion celebrations with a campus tour, while former Lock Haven student-athletes returned to campus for alumni contests in volleyball, softball and lacrosse.

The afternoon’s main event took place at Hubert Jack Stadium, where Lock Haven football hosted Clarion University in a PSAC West matchup. The Bald Eagles rallied for a dramatic 38-35 victory, capped by Caden Bauer’s 37-yard walk-off field goal as time expired. The win moved Lock Haven to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in PSAC West play.

Saturday evening, women’s soccer hosted Seton Hill University at Hubert Jack Stadium, battling to a 2-2 draw under the lights.

Homecoming 2026 concluded Sunday, Oct. 4, with Lock Haven field hockey hosting Rider University at Charlotte Smith Field, coming out victorious with a 3-2 win over the Broncs.