Family Weekend is now combined with Homecoming Weekend to bring all our campus members and their families together for a high-energy, create-your-own adventure experience! There are so many exciting events for all age groups, such as slurping spaghetti in the MDR, cheering on our Pio athletic teams at Schneider Stadium, and making new friends at local breweries. We invite you to attend any event that piques your interest! Registration is encouraged, but not required. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to embrace the Pioneer spirit both on campus and within the Waukesha community.
2023 Family Weekend
October 13-15, 2023
Online registration has closed. If you wish to attend any events, please register in person. Thank you!
Scavenger Hunt
Don’t miss the chance to participate in our homecoming weekend scavenger hunt!
Explore Carroll’s campus and downtown Waukesha as you follow clues
and hunt for missing puzzle pieces!
Friday, October 13
Welcome Reception
2:30–4:30 p.m. | Homecoming Resource Table | FREE
Enjoy popcorn and take photos as we welcome back all Pioneers!
Carroll University Faculty Exhibit
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Joyce Bliss Gallery, Main Hall | FREE
Please join us to celebrate the variety of artwork and professional creative research done by Carroll's Art and Graphic Design Faculty. This exhibition won't be one to miss!
Habitat for Humanity's Spaghetti Dinner
4:30-6:30 p.m. | Main Dining Room | $5/person
See what it's like to eat as a student on campus while supporting Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds benefit this student organization's efforts in providing affordable housing to families in need.
John Cassidy Show – Comedy, Magic, and Balloons!
6:00 p.m. | Shattuck Auditorium | FREE
Come to Shattuck to watch a highly entertaining comedian, magician, and Guinness World Record Holder, John Cassidy, who self-professes, “I can do really weird things with balloons.” His show is pure magic for anyone from the age of five to the age of 95.
Pioneer Party
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Raised Grain Taproom | FREE | Refreshments available for purchase
After eating dinner on campus in the MDR, drive over to the Raised Grain Taproom (1725 Dolphin Drive | Waukesha) to join fellow Pioneers for an evening of libations and reminiscing. Make sure to try the limited-edition homecoming beer by our friends at Raised Grain in honor of Carroll's Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!
Saturday, October 14
Prairie Springs Tour
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Prairie Springs Tour | Meet in Steele and Swarthout Parking Lot | FREE | Limited Spots Available
Come visit Carroll University’s Prairie Springs Environmental and Education Center and Greene Field Station, utilized for teaching, exploration, and research. Get a guided tour of all this facility has to offer: a center for educational programming and activities on 75 acres of natural springs, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands along Genesse Creek. Transportation to and from the property provided. With limited spots available, this event is first come, first serve.
Exploring Community and Belonging on Campus
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 160 and Affinity Houses | FREE
Gather with alumni and current student organizations to hear the latest and greatest news around the university’s efforts to create belonging for everyone. Open houses for some of the affinity houses will be available. Refreshments will be provided.
Pastries with Profs
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Coffee Shop and Patio, Todd Wehr Memorial Library | FREE
Celebrate Carroll faculty during Homecoming, Reunion, & Family Weekend by connecting or re-connecting with alumni, families, current faculty, and emeriti guests over refreshments.
Future Pioneers Kids Area
10:30 am–12:30 pm | Main Lawn, Under the Tent | FREE for Kids Under 12
Balloon animals, cotton candy, popcorn, temporary tattoos, activities, and more await all Future Pioneers!
Campus Tours (leaving Campus Center lobby)
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Departing from the Homecoming Resource Table in the Campus Center. Motorized tours available.
Pioneer Tailgate
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Affinity tailgate groups include but are not limited to The School of Business, The Office of Intercultural and Diversity Engagement, Carroll Student Veteran Organization, Habitat for Humanity, Rec Sports, Visual, Interactive, & Performing Arts, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Health Sciences, Greek Life, and Office of Global Education!
Homecoming Parade
11:30 a.m.
Football Game vs. Elmhurst University
1:00 p.m. | Schneider Stadium | $5 / Adult, $3 / Adult 65+, $3 / Children under 12
A Decade of Animal Behavior
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Main Lawn, Under the Tent | FREE
Animal behavior alumni (including Biology majors with an ANB emphasis) gather with current students and faculty to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their program, reminiscing, making connections, and sharing stories about their varied experiences with animals.
Sung Beats
6:00 p.m. | Shattuck Auditorium | FREE
Beatbox champion SungBeats is one of the most unique and exciting acts in the college market today! A master of live vocal instrumentation, Sungbeats mimics percussion, scratches, basslines, trumpets, strings, and many other sound effects to create organic music with the human voice. His show consists of vocal remixing of your favorite hit songs, as well as interactive segments where your students, families, and alumni will get silly and learn the basics of beatboxing.
Sunday, October 15
Carroll Memorial Worship Service
9:00 a.m. | Humphrey Memorial Chapel | FREE
Service to remember those in the Carroll community who have passed away in the past year, and in reunion years, as we conclude Homecoming & Reunion Weekend activities. Fellowship reception to follow in the Narthex.