By Grace Ostuni
Staff Writer
Franciscan University of Steubenville welcomed its alumni back to campus for homecoming weekend for festivities including sports games, Francis Fest and the talent show on Oct. 6-8.
The colder weather did not deter anyone’s enthusiasm. Both adults and children appeared to enjoy the many festivities and events.
Saturday was the height of the reunion, with the men and women’s alumni lacrosse games, an alumni reception, the annual Francis Fest and more.
Francis Fest featured booths from the university’s households and small businesses in and around the J.C. Williams Center. A children’s zone was set up behind the J.C. with a bouncy house as well as crafts and games.
Households sold a variety of goods, ranging from perogies to tote bags. The Guardians of the Divine Will sold freshly made pancakes, and Pater Noster sold deep fried Oreos.
The Handmaids of the Lord had homemade cookies, artwork and a coffee bar. Students and alumni could pay those in the Priestly Discernment Program to throw a whipped cream pie in one of their faces.
Small businesses sold items such as jewelry, fall décor and Catholic clothing.
To honor the patron of the school and the festival, students performed a Life of St. Francis play at 1 p.m. in the Christ the King Chapel Courtyard.
After the play, there was an alumni beer tent sent up on the rugby field for those 21 and older.
The festival ended at 4 p.m., giving alumni the opportunity to visit households’ Lord’s Days.
Sophia Propson, a junior communication arts major, said, “What I really loved about Francis Fest was being able to be there to support my household, the Daughters of Zion, and all my friend’s households.”
“It’s a beautiful celebration of what Franciscan is and the kind of community we have here,” Propson added.