Parent and Family Weekend
Watson Adventures Presents: Art Museum Madness Scavenger Hunt
Uncover the Cleveland Museum of Art’s most startling secrets… …on a hilarious, history-packed tour that will get your group to bond, laugh, and have more fun in a museum than you ever thought possible. You’ll see the best of the museum by following clues through the galleries and collaborating with your team to answer tricky, humorous questions about the surprises in works ranging from ancient Greece to modern America.
But you don’t need to know anything about art or the museum to win: you just need sharp eyes and comfy shoes. Your team might tackle such questions as…
- In galleries of art from the Americas, find a well-fed pet that might have said, “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” He was very good at obeying the command to “stay!” for centuries. For the living, what did he serve as? Answer: A sculpture of a dog from a tomb represented a source of food. Man’ best friend indeed!
- Walk like an Egyptian and find a box that would let you call a mummy “four eyes.” Talk about a tomb with a view: What does the magical pair help him view each day? Answer: An ancient coffin has eyes painted on the outside so the mummy of Senbi could see the rising son.
- Find an animal that might be thinking, “I just gotta get this monkey off my back…” What factory put him in this predicament? Answer: A perplexed pooch with a monkey on his back was made by the Mennecy Porcelain Factory.
You might also seek answers to quirky questions about actual scratches from someone who attacked evil in a painting; a gilded container for an apostle’s arm; an 18th-century man who seems to invented 3D glasses; a Rodin sculpture that caused a scandal; a scheming monkey that dupes a hungry cat; and more. Those are just a few of the unusual highlights on this adventure across centuries and continents.
Amasa Stone Chapel Open House
Amasa Stone Chapel has been a standard of Case Western Reserve University's campus since 1907. The Chapel has been reserved for self-led tours and will be open throughout Homecoming weekend. Please stop in and visit this piece of Cleveland history.
Amasa Stone Chapel open house hours:
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, October 9-10 (the Chapel is closed on Saturday, Oct. 11 for a wedding)
School of Dental Medicine Kenneth B. Chance, DDS Endowed Distinguished Lectureship
Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., FACOFP, Vice President for Health Sciences and Medical Affairs at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and the first African-American female to serve as dean of a United States medical school, advocates for health equity, impactful policy, and meaningful change.
Lunch will follow.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Tour
Beyond the Exhibit- Take a deeper dive into the Museum's new galleries! Choose from one of two tour times-- Thursday 10/9, or Saturday 10/11 from 2-3 p.m.
A Museum expert will be your guide as you journey through time and space in the Sears Dynamic Earth and Evolving Life Wings. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring story of our planet, discovering hidden gems while gaining in-depth knowledge about the Museum’s unique exhibits and collections.
CMNH is a short walk from campus, but there is onsite parking available. The Museum's parking garage is located on Wade Oval Drive near the corner of East Boulevard. You can enter the Museum through the attached parking garage entrance on the main level. Alternatively, you can explore the gardens along Wade Oval and arrive through the Wade Oval Entrance. General parking in the garage is $12 for the first two hours.
A CWRU staff member will be in attendance.
CWRU Campus Tour (Thursday)
The Office of Undergraduate Admission offers a special tour for our returning Spartans during Homecoming weekend! You will learn about the updates to campus and fascinating trivia and fun facts while reminiscing with old friends.
**Please note that these tours are not for prospective students. Please visit here to register for a student tour.
Blue Bash
Get ready to paint the campus blue! Join us for Blue Bash, the ultimate kickoff to Homecoming Weekend at Case Western Reserve University. This high-energy celebration brings together students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff for an evening of school spirit, entertainment, and community pride. Enjoy live music, delicious food, interactive games, and more — all wrapped in a wave of CWRU blue. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or making new memories, Blue Bash is the place to start your Homecoming experience with a bang. Come wearing your best Spartan gear and let’s show the true spirit of CWRU!
The Women of the University Farm
In 1919 Andrew Squire provided in his will that his Valleevue Farm should be "held in perpetuity for the use and benefit of the teachers and students of the women's college of the Western Reserve University." The farm’s rustic cottage, the Pink Pig, became a special place of gathering and sisterhood for Case Western Reserve University Women, then Mather College. Join staff from the Mather Center and the University Farm to learn more about the historical relationship between Mather College and the Farm, and how this relationship has continued to the present day.
Transportation and light refreshments provided.
9:15am Shuttle Leaves TVUC
9:45am Arrive University Farm
10:00-10:45am 20 Minute Presentation and Reception
11:00am Shuttle Leaves University Farm
11:30am Arrive TVUC
This event is hosted by the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women.
State of the College of Arts and Sciences
Dean Gerdes will share an update on college priorities, highlight faculty and student successes, and answer your questions.
Case Alumni Association Open House -Celebrating 145 Years of Engineering
Stop by the Case Alumni Association office and enjoy the historical displays that celebrate 145 years of Case Engineering. Coffee, tea and water provided.
All-Alumni Meeting
You are welcome to attend the all-alumni meeting of the Alumni Association of CWRU Board of Directors. You will have the opportunity to engage with alumni leaders and take part in the confirmation of new board members. |
Homecoming Alumni Awards Luncheon - IN PERSON
President Kaler will share the state of the university with alumni and the campus community. Enjoy lunch as the 2025 recipients of The Alumni Association Awards are recognized. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Remarks and lunch begin at noon.
Seating is assigned, so you must register and check in in advance. Complimentary valet parking is provided and the drive-up location is on Bellflower Road.
Homecoming Alumni Awards Luncheon - VIRTUAL
President Kaler will share the state of the university with alumni, parents, students, and other guests. The 2025 recipients of The Alumni Association Awards are recognized.
Remarks begin at noon.
Sears think[box] Open House Exploration (Friday)
Sears think[box] is Case Western Reserve University’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship — a seven-story, 50,000-square-foot facility offering free, open-access makerspace resources to the university and the public.
You will be asked to choose one, 30-minute, tour time to explore. Each tour time has a capacity of 50 people.
Guests will begin on Floor 1: Community with a brief introductory video, then are invited to explore floors 2 through 6 at their own pace. Each floor highlights different tools and capabilities, including 3D printers, laser cutters, a wood shop, metal shop, and more! Staff will be available throughout the space to answer questions and assist with wayfinding.
An optional scavenger hunt activity will also be available.
Flora Stone Mather Center for Women Open House
The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women will host an Open House during Homecoming. Attendees can drop in to tour the space at their leisure, meet Mather Center staff, including their new Director, and learn about resources and programs upon request.
Greek Life Open House
Stop by the Office of Greek Life in the Tinkham Veale University Center to engage with current undergraduate students and engage with other alumni visitors. Greek Life staff members will be present to share insights on the community and answer any questions you may. Students will be holding a “Grub in the GLO” from 12:45 PM until 2 PM, where students are provided a snack. This event will be your best opportunity to meet a large number of students.
WRUW Tours
WRUW-FM, the campus radio station, allows students and community volunteers to broadcast and webstream to the world! Stop by to see where the magic happens. Learn more here: wruw.org
Choose from one of four tour times!
Cultural Gardens Tour
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are one of Northeast Ohio’s oldest and most beautiful treasures. Some 36 dedicated gardens, designed and cultivated by distinct cultural or nationality groups, adorn the drive along Martin Luther King Boulevard and East Boulevard in Rockefeller Park.
We are offering tours on the following days:
- Friday, October 10 at 1:00PM
- Sunday, October 12 at 10:00AM
Depicted in the gardens are the poets, philosophers, peacemakers, composers, scientists and others who have contributed to world culture. Also featured in the gardens are symbolic sculptures and replicas of or tributes to sacred monuments in other lands.
The Gardens extend roughly 1.5 mils on both MLK and East Blvds, so a complete walk around the Gardens would be 3 miles in length. As such, we'll be providing transportation from campus and conduct a drive-thru tour of the gardens.
CWRU Sculpture Tour
Join us on an outdoor walking tour of CWRU's Putnam Sculpture Collection! Led by a staff member of our neighbors at The Sculpture Center, learn about seven contemporary works on Case Western Reserve's North Side and Uptown.
There are two tour times available; each tour will last 90 minutes. Please note that this tour takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Dogs are welcome!
This event is brought to you by The Sculpture Center.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing: Mental Health Awareness-VIRTUAL
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness week, hear from Susan Painter, DNP, PMHNP-BC, who is the lead faculty for the Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the School of Nursing and from alum Karen Hogan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, who is the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Behavioral Health at Summa Health.
This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credit.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing: Mental Illness Awareness-IN PERSON
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness week, hear from Susan Painter, DNP, PMHNP-BC, who is the lead faculty for the Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the School of Nursing and from alum Karen Hogan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, who is the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Behavioral Health at Summa Health.
This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credit.
Parking passes for the Cleveland Clinic P1 Parking Garage will be provided.
State of the Weatherhead School
How does the Weatherhead School of Management prepare leaders of the future? How is the school evolving during times ov vast technological changes in the world? Learn about the school today and where it is heading in the future in this session hosted by Dean Andrew Medvedev. Alumni, parents and families are welcome.
The 4 Year Advising Journey
Discover how an advisor will support your student from the first year all the way to graduation. Join the Office of Undergraduate Advising Support for this one-hour session to learn about the personalized guidance, academic planning, and mentoring you can count on for your student every step of the way.
The Pre-Med Pathway: Best Practices
The Associate Director of Healthcare Careers will share best practices on pursuing the pre-med path at CWRU to support your students in their journey to medical school.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Self-Guided Tour
Spend two hours self-touring the world-famous Rock Hall! In addition to the thousands of items on display, there are exhibits feature films, videos, interactive kiosks, reading material, and, of course, plenty of music. Purchase a ticket at a reduced rate, and ride the shuttle transportation to and from campus.
The shuttle pick-up is located outside of Tinkham Veale University Center on Bellflower. Look for the 'TOUR' flag.
The tour start and end times include travel time. A CWRU staff member will be in attendance, and will manage your tickets. Everyone must arrive together on the shuttle. Please let our staff member know if you plan to find alternate transportation home.
The Study Abroad Adventure
Curious about study abroad? Join us for this one-hour session designed for parents to learn about program options, safety, costs, and support. Get the answers you need to help your student make the most of their international experience.
FPB School of Nursing Alumni Board Community Meeting and Dean's State of the School Address-VIRTUAL
Learn about the impactful initiatives led by your Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Alumni Association Board and explore meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference. Hear from Dean Ronald Hickman as he shares the School of Nursing’s key goals and priorities for the upcoming year. Q&A session will follow, providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with Dean Hickman, as well as school and Board leadership.
Don’t miss this chance to stay informed, inspired, and connected!
Parking passes for the Cleveland Clinic P1 Parking Garage will be provided.
FPB School of Nursing Alumni Board Community Meeting & Dean's State of the School Address-In Person
Learn about the impactful initiatives led by your Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Alumni Association Board and explore meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference. Hear from Dean Ronald Hickman as he shares the School of Nursing’s key goals and priorities for the upcoming year. Q&A session will follow, providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with Dean Hickman, as well as school and Board leadership.
Don’t miss this chance to stay informed, inspired, and connected!
Parking passes for the Cleveland Clinic P1 Parking Garage will be provided.
CWRU Campus Tour (Friday)
The Office of Undergraduate Admission offers a special tour for our returning Spartans during Homecoming weekend! You will learn about the updates to campus and fascinating trivia and fun facts while reminiscing with old friends.
**Please note that these tours are not for prospective students. Please visit here to register for a student tour.
We Are a Family: LGBTQ at CWRU Open House
Visit the LGBT Center to explore the space, meet the staff, and connect with fellow LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Letting Go: Helping Your Student Grow and Be Successful
When should parents encourage independence? When should parents intervene? These are some of the questions many parents have in helping their students be as successful as possible in the college environment. This program will offer some insights into this rite of passage for students and a new lens for parents and families as they navigate Case Western Reserve University.
G. Dean Patterson has over 40 years of experience in Student Affairs and is an alumnus of CWRU. He will be joined in the last 30 minutes by student leaders to share their experiences on how their families have supported them during their journey.
Latine Game Night and Mixer
Stay connected with old friends and meet new ones while reminiscing about your time at CWRU! Join us for Game Night, where friendly competition awaits. Choose from a variety of games or bring your favorite to share with the group. It promises to be a fun-filled evening and a great opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and students.
Parent & Family Social
You are invited to meet members of the CWRU staff, Parent & Family Leadership Council, and other CWRU parents and families. Food and beverages will be provided. Pre-registration is required.
CWRU Department of Music Homecoming Concert
Celebrate homecoming with a concert featuring university ensembles, including Symphonic Winds, Case/University Circle Orchestra, Case Camerata Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band and Case Concert Choir.
The Harvest by Samuel D. Hunter
School of Dental Medicine Technology Tour and Breakfast
Grab breakfast at 8:00am in The Cosgrove Courtyard before taking this guided highlight tour at 9:00am of our HoloLens classroom, Simulation Clinics, and the Dental Clinic.
School of Medicine SIM Center Tour and Breakfast
This year, we will feature and give tours of our Zubizarreta Immersive Learning Suite and further (new this year) AI technology in the Simulation Center. If you choose to participate in these tours, please select which time slot works best for you when registering. Space is limited.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Tour & Breakfast - In Person
Take a student-led tour to see School of Nursing learning spaces and hear fun facts about the Health Education Campus. Did you know the Samson Pavilion was the location of the first 2020 presidential debate? Or that the School of Nursing has a Leadership Academy?
Breakfast available starting at 8 a.m.
Tours intermittently between 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Parking passes available for the Cleveland Clinic P1 Parking Garage
Parents & Families of Soccer Athletes Reception
Invitation only event to a breakfast reception sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs for parents/families of soccer athletes, PFLC members, and First Generation students during the Men's and Women's soccer games on Saturday.
Solar-Powered Charging Station Project and water station at Leutner Pavilion
The CWRU students that created this unique solar-powered charging station will be on hand to answer questions on the project and their student group Engineers without Borders/Humanitarian Design Corps. The group will hold a dedication ceremony at 1 pm for those that are interested. This location will also serve as a water station compliments of Case Alumni Association.
Men's and Women Soccer vs Washington University of St Louis
Learn more about the Homecoming soccer games by visiting the CWRU Spartans website: athletics.case.edu
Men's Soccer vs Wash U @ 10 a.m at DiSanto Field
Women's Soccer vs Wash U @ 12:30 p.m. at DiSanto Field
Health Sciences Collaborative: Role of Healthcare Providers in the Age of AI - VIRTUAL
Listen to a panel of presenters from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Dental Medicine share insights and answer questions about how AI is emerging in healthcare and the ways it could impact providers.
Sears think[box] Open House Exploration (Saturday)
Dittrick Museum of Medical History Open House
The Dittrick is both a museum and an interdisciplinary study center. See the evolution of medical instruments and technology while learning about doctor-patient relationships throughout history.
Health Sciences Collaborative: Role of Healthcare Providers in the Age of AI - IN PERSON
Listen to a panel of presenters from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Dental Medicine share insights and answer questions about how AI is emerging in healthcare and the ways it could impact providers. Lunch will follow in The Cosgrove Courtyard.
Farm Harvest Festival
Held annually during the fall semester, Farm Harvest Festival is open to all members of the CWRU community and typically features a variety of classic autumn activities, such as hayrides, a field maze, festive snacks, live performances, games, and crafts celebrating autumn and the harvest season at the CWRU Farm - a space that joined the University family beginning in the 1930s!
Transportation and a meal voucher are included in the per person registration fee. Attendees may also choose to transport themselves to the Farm (onsite parking is free), however, there is no discount on the registration fee.
Emeriti Faculty Brunch and Reception
Gather and reconnect with CWRU Emeriti faculty members.
Brunch food and beverages will be provided.
Spartan Alumni Marching Band
Dust off that instrument and play along with the Spartan Marching Band during Homecoming festivities! Members of the Alumni Marching Band will perform at the Spartan Tailgate and throughout the Homecoming Football Game. Participants will receive a flip folder of stand tunes prior to the Spartan Tailgate.
The SMB can provide a limited number of larger instruments. Please contact Dr. Helton with any questions or to confirm the availability of school instruments: bch51@case.edu
Great Lakes Energy Institute ThinkEnergy Fellow Mid-year Pitch Day
The Great Lakes Energy Institute drives the growth of energy research across the university by working with faculty, students, industry, and government to catalyze energy breakthroughs. ThinkEnergy is GLEI's premier student engagement fellowship program. An innovative, student-centric program focused on experiential learning, ThinkEnerygy connects students with faculty, companies, and investors as they work in teams to design and prototype energy solutions with the ultimate goal of commercializing their technology. Come meet learn about GLEI and see the startup technologies being developed by this year's cohort. Learn more about the program. https://engineering.case.edu/research/institutes/great-lakes-energy/thinkenergy-academics-great-lakes
Computer & Data Sciences Card Access Only Lab Tour
The Olin Building, home of the Computer & Data Sciences department, houses some of CSE's cutting edge labs. This unique opportunity provides a behind the scenes look at some of our card access only labs.
Spartan Tailgate
Join the Spartan community as everyone gets ready for the football game! This reinvented pregame event is being held in partnership with student organizations and the Student Activities and Leadership team. Get ready for a street fair vibe including food trucks, a beer garden, student performances and much more! In true tailgate fashion, this outdoor event will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with fellow alumni, students, the CWRU community, and of course, Spartie!
Be sure to check in for Homecoming Weekend before the tailgate to pick up your name tag and exclusive homecoming swag! The cost of the tailgate includes food, so be sure to stop by the Alumni tent! Beer will be pay-as-you-go.
CWRU Students should register for Tailgate through Campus Groups
Student-Led Tour of the Cleveland Museum of Art
Graduate students from the Department of Art History will lead tours that highlight their favorite pieces in the museum and showcase their expertise.
CWRU Campus Tour (Saturday)
The Office of Undergraduate Admission offers a special tour for our returning Spartans during Homecoming weekend! You will learn about the updates to campus and fascinating trivia and fun facts while reminiscing with old friends.
**Please note that these tours are not for prospective students. Please visit here to register for a student tour.
Homecoming Football Game and Celebration of Homecoming Court
Come cheer on the CWRU Spartans as they take on Allegheny College.
- This year, kickoff is at 4:30 p.m.
- See the Homecoming Court at halftime!
- Admission is free if you register here
Homecoming Student ShowCASE
Join us at the Maltz Performing Arts Center for a free, all student showcase presenting some of the talented student performance groups on campus. Taking place on Saturday, October 11 at 7:30pm, the showCASE will feature: GROUPS TBA.
First Generation Breakfast
The Alumni Association of CWRU and student org, First CWRU, welcome first generation parents and alumni to a breakfast event during Homecoming weekend. Meet fellow alumni and connect with students, as well as alumni board members and Emerti board members.
This event has a cost of $8, all of which will go towards the First CWRU student organization's operating fund.
Simply put, being first-generation means that you are the first in your family to attend college... To narrow this definition a little, people are considered first-generation college students when their parents have received none to some college education (meaning earned an associate's degree or less) and/or their parent received a college education outside of the US. (source: First CWRU website)
Parent and Family Brunch with Dean Ronald Hickman
Nursing students and their parents and family members are invited to a special brunch with Dean Ronald Hickman, faculty members and staff from the School of Nursing. Enjoy delicious food, connect with fellow families, and meet members of school leadership. Brunch available beginning at 9am for those who need to leave early. School leadership will be joining at 10am. Registration required.
Greek Life Alumni Breakfast
Wrap up your weekend connecting with other CWRU Greek Life Alumni. Continental Breakfast will be provided. Current leaders in the Greek Community will provide a brief update on what Greek Life at CWRU looks like today. This is a great chance to network with other sorority and fraternity members who are in town for Homecoming Weekend.
Volleyball UAA Matches
CWRU Volleyball matches with other UAA Schools. Free to attend!
More details to follow as the schedule comes out.