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There's no place like home – and there's no place like Widener.

This year, generations of Widener University and Pennsylvania Military College alumni made their way to campus last week to relive the traditions and reconnect with friends.

Baby Koch

For one alumni couple, weekend was extra special this year.

As a soccer player for the Pride, Colin Koch always had away games during homecoming, missing the chance to fully experience the on-campus festivities. But, in 2009, rain postponed his match – and the weather proved serendipitous.That day, he met Amanda Degnan.

Both members of Class of 2011, their paths had previously never crossed.

"(At homecoming) we were introduced, and the rest is history," said Degnan.

The alumni couple married in 2017, and nine years after that fortuitous homecoming, returned to campus for the 2018 event to share big news with the world – in April they will welcome their first child.

"A pride is a family of lions. We're becoming a family of lions," said Degnan.

Flanked by Chester and Melrose, the Kochs snapped a photo holding a picture of their ultrasound, and shared the photo on their social media, writing: "Today marked 9 years since we met so we went back to where it all began to celebrate in a big way. 9 years of we; 9 months until 3 ... Baby Koch coming April 2019."

So is Baby Koch destined to follow in mom and dad's footsteps? Widener Class of 2041? Maybe. After all, said Colin, "I loved my experience here."

Old Main Turns 150

This year's homecoming was also an opportunity for alumni to celebrate the 150th anniversary celebration of Widener's iconic Old Main building. The university community celebrated the milestone Thursday with a special public program and reception in which guests walked the halls and viewed photos of the historic building in its early days.

Widener University was known as Pennsylvania Military Academy when the cornerstone of Old Main was laid in June 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War. Built for $125,000 to accommodate 150 cadets and officers, it opened its doors in September 1868.

"Today, Widener isn't just celebrating a building," said President Julie E. Wollman during the program. "We are celebrating our timeless commitment to the legacy of our past 150 years."

Crowning the King and Queen

Homecoming weekend continued Saturday with several home sporting events. Just after 1 p.m., the crowd of 5,000 fans packed the Hirschmann Field at Quick Stadium to watch as the university's was upended 20-6 by the Stevenson Mustangs.

During halftime, the university's traditions – including the annual broom drill and homecoming court – were on full display.

This year's homecoming court included: business analytics major Alexis Meals, marketing major Tejya Johnson, biology major Theresa Tran, education major Veronica Fitton, biology major Arvind Bussetty, finance major DeShawn Ivey, nursing major Jeremiah McFarland, and engineering major Steven Wysocki.

Amid cheers, the emcee crowned Tran as queen and McFarland as king.

Tran of Garnett Valley, Pennsylvania is very active on campus. Among her accomplishments, she works as a Pride Ambassador, conducts research in the biology department, plays violin, and belongs to several honor societies.

Tran, who received a certificate in the Oskin Leadership Institute, also serves as the Student Government Association's ombudsman, the Sigma Sigma Sigma's Points of Pride chair, and Keepin' It Trill music director.

"You don't realize how many people you impact within the Widener community until you see the support from your friends and peers," Tran said. "This was such an honor to be selected."

Similarly, McFarland of Philadelphia stays busy on campus. Among his activities, McFarland is a resident assistant in the Office of Residence Life, a Pride Mentor and general chair of Black Men United. McFarland also is an Oskin student leader and participates in Alternative Spring Break and the Widener University Student Nurses' Association.

"For me, becoming nominated to be a part of the homecoming court was one of the most memorable experiences I've had since being enrolled," he said. "For me, it's not about winning homecoming king; it's about continuing to leave my mark on Widener's campus."