Hartwick College prepares for True Blue weekend

Sep. 9—Hartwick College expects to welcome hundreds of alumni, friends, family and members of the college community for the annual True Blue Weekend Sept. 20-22.

According to a news release from the college, True Blue Weekend 2024 will feature events on campus and off.

"The family-friendly weekend will include an array of programming designed to not only entertain, but salute a range of college programs and the people who have shaped its legacy," the release stated.

The events include a presidential kick-off party, fireworks, Pine Lake Fall Festival, Founders' Midway Carnival, hiking on Table Rock trails, stuff-a-critter and big prize bingo, the fifth anniversary celebration of the IRS VITA program, reunion gatherings for class years ending in 4 and 9, a farewell champagne brunch and varsity athletics competitions.

Friday will feature a Golden Jubilee Reunion and 50-Year Club induction ceremony, where members of the Class of 1974 will be saluted and welcomed into the 50-Year Club at a special dinner. A nursing alumni award ceremony and welcome party with President Jim Mullen will also take place that day.

Saturday will feature "Meet the NetWICK," a networking event to bring together faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni to make connections in their fields of interest; a Brooks BBQ picnic, the carnival with area beer vendors, a food truck, face painting, games and more; the unveiling of the official portrait of former college President Margaret L. Drugovich; and a parent and family social.

Saturday will also include the Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony Inductees will include Amanda Barton Boltus '11 (Field Hockey); Laurie Darling Gutheil '95 (Women's Soccer); Sami Capparelli Pencar '14 (Women's Water Polo); Charlie Kadupski '78 (Men's Soccer); and Michael Phillips '11 (Men's Swimming and Diving).

Sunday's events include a salute to alumni and friends of the college who died during the past year; the Pine Lake Fall Festival with apple cider pressing, live music, a honey harvest with the Pine Lake bees, and more; and the farewell champagne brunch.

On Saturday, the football team will take on Juniata College at 1 p.m. at Wright Stadium. The women's soccer team will play 2023 Empire 8 Champion Nazareth University at 2 p.m. on Elmore Field. The women's volleyball team will play in the Oneonta State Tournament, taking on Alfred State at noon and Marywood University at 2:30 p.m. The weekend's athletics contests will wrap up when the women's tennis team takes on Drew University at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Wilbur Park courts.

"This True Blue Weekend will light up the valley with a fireworks display that can be seen from all over Oneonta," said Director of Alumni, Parent & Family Relations Kimberly Hastings. "We are very excited to be celebrating our Hartwick Community this way."

Guests may opt for either a single-day or full-weekend pass, rather than a la carte event pricing. A special True Brew Pass can be added to any registration for an open bar experience (otherwise cash bars available). For the full schedule of event times and locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/2ww9bh3m.