A record-breaking 1,600 alumni and family members came to campus for the 2015 Homecoming and Family Weekend, which was held Sept. 25 to 28.

According to Jennifer Love, associate director of Alumnae Relations, several departments and organizations worked to accommodate the influx of visitors. The high attendance rate was due in part to the size of the Class of 2019, the largest class in Dickinson’s history.

“We wanted alumni and families to experience the energy and excitement of campus,” said Love.  “It was truly an all-campus effort and we really appreciated the support from departments across campus.”

One of the main accommodations made to ensure everyone had a fun weekend despite the huge increase in numbers was the new events that were added to the schedule. These events included coffee with the Deans, Post Grad Pints with Profs, the Campus Expo and an Alumni and Family Dance party.

Another event that was featured over the Homecoming Weekend is Harvest Fest at the Dickinson College Farm. According to Madison Beehler ’15, the education and outreach coordinator for the farm, Harvest Fest has been scheduled to coincide with Family Weekend for two years now.

This year, Harvest Fest had record high attendance and “hopefully record enjoyment,” said Beehler.  At the event, all-local grass-fed beef burgers were served, as well as Leo’s Ice Cream and cider made on-site with the farm’s cider press.  There was also dancing and activities, including a pie-eating contest, throughout the night.

“As a member of the College Farm staff, I thoroughly enjoyed giving tours to families and chatting with them about the place I love so much,” Beehler said.