Roger Williams University Celebrates A Spirited Homecoming and Family Weekend

BRISTOL, R.I. -With sunshine brightening the October weekend, the Roger Williams University community reunited on campus to celebrate the cherished tradition of Homecoming and Family Weekend. The event saw an impressive turnout, with more than 450 registered families joining the festivities and filling the campus with energy, connection, and Hawk pride.

The celebration kicked off Friday evening with the ever-popular Casino Night, where guests gathered in the Campus Recreation Center Field House to try their luck at blackjack, roulette, and poker. Upstairs, tables were packed with endless bingo cards for more fun prizes. The night also concluded with laughter and applause at the Performing Arts Center, where RWU's Theatre Program presented The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], a lively parody that entertained audiences with its fast-paced wit.

Saturday's events carried the weekend's momentum with a full slate of athletic competitions, family activities, and community gatherings. The day began with the Homecoming 5K Road Race, led by the RWU Cross Country team, as parents, students, alumni, faculty, and staff ran the scenic campus course.

"Homecoming and Family Weekend is such a special tradition at Roger," said Carol Sacchetti, Associate Dean for Student Life. "What makes this event truly meaningful is the incredible student engagement - from students helping at Bingo and Casino Night to clubs staffing tables at Autumn Fest. Throughout the weekend, it's clear that students are at the heart of what makes our campus community so vibrant."

As the sun warmed the fall day, families and friends filled the stands to cheer on RWU's Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's Rugby, and Sailing teams, celebrating the Hawks' spirit and teamwork.

The Autumn Picnic Lunch offered a chance for families to relax and enjoy seasonal fare together, while the Autumn Festival transformed the Commons Quad into a lively fairground complete with bounce castles, fried dough, and local vendors. Games, food, and shared laughter created new memories for guests of all ages.

"Homecoming and Family Weekend always brings me back to the heart of what makes Roger Williams feel like home," said Kelly Scafariello '99, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations. "I love seeing our Alumni Hawk Family return to campus to share memories, cheer on our athletic teams, and reconnect with the place that shaped us. The weekend exceeded expectations, and I am proud to be part of this vibrant, ever-growing Hawk family."

On Sunday, the community gathered in Global Heritage Hall for a Celebration of Life honoring Paige Moreau, a member of the Class of 2026 and Architecture major who passed away earlier this year. Surrounded by classmates, faculty, and family, the ceremony was filled with heartfelt reflections, stories, and memories that captured Paige's creativity, kindness, and lasting impact on those who knew her.

To carry forward her legacy, the Resident Assistant of the Year Award will be renamed in her honor, and she will receive a posthumous degree at RWU's Commencement ceremonies in May 2026. In addition, the Paige Moreau Memorial Scholarship has been established and, once endowed, will be awarded annually to a student in the Cummings School of Architecture who embodies Paige's same spirit of imagination, dedication, and community.

With another Homecoming and Family Weekend to remember, the RWU community looks ahead to next year's celebration - ready to welcome Hawks old and new back to the place where they will always feel at home.

"It was wonderful to have the Hawk family on campus for a great weekend, where we could all come together to celebrate our connections. Watching students serve as dealers during Casino Night, play on the fields, or just engage in all of the activities, I loved seeing the energy and enthusiasm that was displayed," said Derek Zuckerman, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. "We can't wait for next year!"