More than 600 Xaverians returned to StFX Oct. 1-4 for Homecoming 2026, a weekend of reunions, celebrations, and tributes.
The Class of 1976 had a particularly special weekend, marking its 50th reunion. The Golden Grads attended Mass at the StFX University Chapel, shared a chowder lunch, and gathered for an evening reception and dinner. They also joined a Golden Grad Kitchen Party featuring the East Coast Kitchen Party Band, made up of Class of 1976 BSc physical education members Robin Foley (keyboard), Sandy Greig (bass guitar), Jeff Cadegan (guitar), Mike O'Leary (banjo and mandolin), and Pat Lefort (cajon). The Class of 2001 celebrated its 25th anniversary, and alumni from many other class years returned to reconnect.
“Homecoming always reminds us what makes StFX so special. Having more than 600 Xaverians return to campus to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories truly captured the spirit of our alumni community. No matter how many years have passed, coming back to StFX always feels like coming home,” says Alumni Affairs Director Shanna Hopkins ’01.
Homecoming opened Thursday, Oct. 1 with the Alumni Speaker Series featuring Ross Thompson ’96. The series gives students the chance to hear directly from alumni who have taken interesting, and sometimes unexpected, career paths.
Weekend highlights included the Hall of Honour induction of Dr. Carolyn Rideout ’67, Garry Madeiros ’71, Maria Van Vonderen ’94, and the late Andrew Harvey ’05, ’20 in a ceremony on Saturday morning. Initiated by the Class of 1991 Legacy Committee, the Hall of Honour recognizes members of the StFX community who carry on the tradition of helping others. The StFX Alumni Association also presented its five student Alumni Recognition Awards.
The StFX Students’ Union unveiled a memorial tribute to Father Stanley MacDonald ’54 in front of the Amelia Saputo Centre. For 17 years, Father Stan was a beloved presence on campus: friend, mentor, spiritual advisor, meal companion, passionate supporter of StFX Athletics, and the ultimate Xaverian.
Alumni also gathered Saturday morning for the Coady Institute Alumni Breakfast, which marked the 26th anniversary of the Katherine Fleming International Development Award, and a Black Alumni drop-in at the Dr. Agnes Calliste Academic & Cultural Centre, where the Black Alumni Chapter welcomed Black alumni and current students to connect and build community and mentorship. Other events included an Engineering Alumni Gathering, Taps & Taste, the Mount St. Bernard College Tea, the Homecoming Fun Run, campus tours, a number of sporting events, and the Blue & White Tailgate in Chapel Square.
On Saturday night, the East Coast Kitchen Party & Welcome Home Dinner at the Charles V. Keating Centre featured the unveiling of the Presidential Portrait of Dr. Sean Riley ’74, StFX’s 17th President and Vice-Chancellor. StFX President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin welcomed Dr. Riley to the stage.
The weekend concluded Sunday with several athletic events, the Farewell Brunch, and the Farewell Mass.
