Southern Connecticut State University welcomed alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends to campus Oct. 9–11 for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026, celebrating Owl pride, longstanding traditions, and connections across the Southern community.
The weekend featured athletic competitions, alumni gatherings, family activities, student events, and opportunities to reconnect with the university.
Honoring a Lasting Legacy
One of the weekend’s most meaningful moments came Friday, Oct. 9, when Southern formally dedicated the swimming and diving scoreboard at Hutchinson Natatorium in memory of Timothy P. Quill IV, the university’s longtime men’s and women’s swimming and diving head coach.
Quill led Southern’s swimming and diving programs for 28 years, leaving a legacy of athletic excellence, mentorship, and dedication to generations of student-athletes.
“Going forward, this scoreboard will not only be a permanent reminder to all of us just how much Tim meant to the swimming and diving teams and to the university,” said Sandra Bulmer, interim president of SCSU. “Tim will always be in our hearts, and now he will always have a place on the Southern campus.”
During Quill’s tenure, Southern captured 34 Northeast-10 Conference swimming and diving championships, produced 121 All-America selections, and celebrated 13 individual NCAA national champions. Click here for coverage from NBC Connecticut.
A Weekend of Southern Spirit
Homecoming festivities began with a student pep rally Thursday evening and continued Friday with alumni and family activities, including Sibling Night.
Saturday featured a full slate of Homecoming traditions. The Owl Tailgate returned to Brownell Parking Lot 9, while alumni, students, families, and friends took part in reunions, family programming, athletic events, and other activities across campus.
At Jess Dow Field, more than 3,000 fans watched Southern football rally from a 14-point deficit to defeat Monroe University, 35–28, in the annual Homecoming game.
Trailing 28–14 in the second half, the Owls scored 21 unanswered points to secure the victory. Running back John Amaning led the offense with three touchdowns, while quarterback Brandon Jorgensen scored the game-winning touchdown with less than three minutes remaining. The win improved Southern’s record to 4–1.
The game also celebrated Southern football history, with members of the 2006 team recognized at halftime. That team finished 7–2 in Northeast-10 Conference play and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
Elsewhere at Jess Dow Field, a new SCSU Foundation Board tent debuted near the end zone, joining spaces for Alumni Association and Foundation board members, alumni, donors, and longtime university supporters.
Student-designed Homecoming banners added to the atmosphere around the field. For more than four decades, Southern student organizations have participated in the tradition, showcasing their creativity and campus pride.
The weekend extended well beyond football, with alumni athletic gatherings, milestone reunions, family programming, and the Alumni Association Late Day Party, along with performances of Cabaret by Southern’s Crescent Players, providing more opportunities for Owls to reconnect and experience campus.
Relive Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 through photos and highlights from the celebration. Click here for photos from Homecoming and Family Weekend
