Celebrating the Spirit of Western
A Homecoming for Love, Honor, and Legacy: Sept. 27-29
Join us for “Celebrating the Spirit of Western: A Homecoming for Love, Honor, and Legacy,” which will highlight the incredible past, present, and future of Oxford’s beloved Western College and its alumni during Miami University’s annual Homecoming Weekend Sept. 27-29, 2024.
Sept. 27-29, 2024
About the Weekend
On Saturday, September 28, Miami will host the annual Homecoming football game against the UMass Minutemen. Miami’s 2024 Homecoming theme, “Celebrating the Spirit of Western: A Homecoming for Love, Honor, and Legacy,” highlights the incredible past, present, and future of Oxford’s beloved Western College and its alumni. Founded in 1853 as the Western Female Seminary with a strong emphasis on academics and social justice, Western College was renowned for its innovative approach to higher education until it closed in 1974. The Western College Program initiated by Miami in the fall of 1974, continues its legacy of educating globally-minded, conscientious leaders.
Action at Miami-Wittenberg football game 1921
photo by Frank Snyder and part of the Frank Snyder Photograph Collection one of the Miami University Libraries' digital collections.
Celebrate Our Connections and Traditions
Throughout Homecoming weekend, the Western College alumni members and their families will be in Oxford to celebrate the deep connections and rich traditions that Western College and the Western College Program have provided and Miami will formally welcome them into the Miami University Alumni Association family.
Kumler Chapel
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 27th
Miami Volleyball vs. Central Michigan
7 p.m., Millett Hall
Saturday, September 28th
Miami Homecoming Parade
4 Hours Prior to Kick Off
Join the Parade and other events
Football vs. UMass
7:30 p.m., Yager Stadium
Sunday, September 29th
About Our Relationship
Despite Western’s closing in 1974, a large group of alumnae were determined to continue as a chartered association with purpose. Their mission, to stay connected and support education and human values that continue the heritage and traditions of The Western College. Fortunately, Miami administrators shared and encouraged the vision of the Association’s founding board. Without Miami's financial and moral support — which began on June 26, 1974, and continues today — the WCAA, Inc., would not exist. The mutually beneficial relationship between Western and Miami has flourished.
Over the past 50 years, Western’s graduates have remained engaged through reunions, regional gatherings, and an alumni magazine. Over 3,500 Miami students have benefited from $14 million in scholarships and academic support. In addition, Western donors have established endowments totaling $18 million, supporting scholarships, a professorship, seminar series, archives, and — most recently — the Western Center for Social Impact and Innovation and the Western Directorship.
The unflagging commitment of alumnae to stay connected and preserve Western’s legacy gave purpose to an orphaned, but exceptionally dedicated group of women. The indelible mark made by this small liberal arts college on the lives of her graduates — and non-graduates — will continue to impact thousands of future Miamians.
Western College Legacy Wall
The Western College Alumni Association (WCAA) honors the history of Western College, a tribute to Herrick B. Young and his global initiatives, and a spotlight on Western’s pivotal role in Freedom Summer 1964. Displayed in Young Hall, the wall stands as a poignant tribute, reminding visitors of Western's profound cultural impact in the 1960s and perpetuating the enduring Spirit of the Western.
