True Blue Weekend 2026 to Ring In a New Presidency, Salute a Fallen Community Member

Hundreds of alumni, friends, family and members of the Hartwick College community will return to campus Sept. 25-27 for the annual celebration of all things Hartwick. True Blue Weekend 2026 brings together homecoming and parent and family programs for a full slate of events celebrating the College’s traditions, people and programs.

This year, True Blue Weekend kicks off in grand style on Friday afternoon with the inauguration of Laurel Bongiorno as the College’s 13th president. The ceremony will include musical performances and remarks from Hartwick faculty, staff, students and alumni, along with representatives from the City of Oneonta and the academic community. Delegates from colleges and universities will also attend on behalf of their institutions.

The weekend will also serve as a tribute to Nick Lambros ’59, the alumnus, parent and multisport coach who impacted thousands of lives both on Oyaron Hill and in the Oneonta community. On Friday, Sept. 25, the annual golf tournament, renamed the “Live Like Nick Lambros” Golf Classic, will be held at Oneonta Country Club. This year’s edition, the first since his passing, is expected to have record attendance; the format has been expanded to two flights to accommodate the increase.

True Blue Weekend 2026 will also feature a range of traditional favorites and new, can’t-miss events, including:

• The Presidential Welcome celebration.
• Fireworks.
• The 55th Anniversary celebration of Pine Lake.
• Founders’ (Mid)Way Carnival.
• Recognition of our distinguished nursing alumni.
• Stuff-a-Critter and Big Prize Bingo.
• Reunion gatherings for class years ending in -1s and -6s.
• The Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner.
• The 60th Anniversary celebration of the women’s lacrosse program.
• A music alumni concert.
• Varsity athletics competitions.

“True Blue Weekend 2026 promises to be our most memorable edition yet, as we shine the spotlight on two very important people from the Hartwick community,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Stacey Grady ’03. “This year we get to both celebrate our past and look with anticipation into the future. It’s only fitting that we formally welcome President Bongiorno to the Hartwick community and honor the legacy of someone as impactful as Nick Lambros during our most festive yet reflective weekend.”

Daily highlights of True Blue Weekend 2026 include:

Friday:

Golden Jubilee Reunion & 50-Year Club Induction Ceremony – Always one of the feature events of the weekend. Members of the Class of 1976 will be saluted and welcomed into the 50-Year Club at a special dinner.

Nursing Alumni Award Ceremony – The College honors graduates of the nursing program who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements, leadership and contributions to the nursing field. This year, Georgette “Gigi” Smith ’85, P’18, and Tina Dalrymple ’00, P’09, P’11, have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award.

Inauguration Celebration

Fireworks Display!

Saturday:

Alumni Art Exhibit – Creating Currents, the Hartwick College Art & Art History Department Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition, features the work of 23 artists, spotlighting current full-time faculty while also celebrating the contributions of retired faculty, current part-time instructors, staff and recent interns. The exhibition brings together a diverse range of artistic practices, perspectives and experiences, reflecting the ongoing creative pursuits within the Art & Art History Department.

“Meet the NetWICK” – This special networking event brings together faculty, staff and alumni with first-generation students and their parents to make connections in specific academic fields of interest.

Brooks BBQ Picnic – What is True Blue without a barbecue lunch provided by the legendary Brooks House of Bar-B-Q?

Alumni Awards Ceremony – Honoring graduates and current faculty or staff for their service to the College and Hartwick community. Kimberly Carr ’96, Sharon Davidson Dettenrieder ’65, Thomas Holmgren ’13, Lisa Christensen Mayer ’05 and Elizabeth (Betty) Powell ’82, PM ’25, are this year’s winners.

Founders’ (Mid)Way Carnival – Like your favorite carnival or county fair, the event will feature area beer and cider vendors, a food truck, and games.

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Scott Goldberg ’96 (men’s lacrosse); Tom Hendricks ’88 (men’s basketball); Kelsey Kimble ’13 (field hockey); Chris Maiello ’02 (swimming and diving); Lisa Schmidt ’86 (track and field); and the 1973-74 men’s basketball team will be inducted as the 2026 class.

Parent & Family Social – Parents and families have an opportunity to dine with their students and fellow families.

Sunday:

Pine Lake Fall Festival – Pine Lake celebrates its 55th anniversary and will be bustling with activities during its annual Fall Festival. Challenge education activities, yard games, arts and crafts are on tap this year! The STEM Society will also be on hand to discuss current faculty-student collaborative research.

Memorial Reflection – Salutes those alumni and friends of the College whom we lost over the past year.

Farewell Champagne Brunch – One last family meal before heading home, featuring champagne for those who partake.

Several sporting events will also take place on campus during True Blue Weekend. On Friday, women’s volleyball plays crosstown rivals SUNY Oneonta at 7 p.m. in Lambros Arena. On Saturday, football hosts Brockport at noon at Wright Stadium, and the men’s soccer team takes on St. John Fisher at 3 p.m. on Elmore Field.

Registration fees will work the same as last year: guests can choose either a single-day or full-weekend pass rather than à la carte event pricing. A special True Brew Pass can be added to any registration for an open-bar experience; otherwise, cash bars will be available. Register here for True Blue Weekend.

For the full schedule of event times and locations, visit the True Blue Weekend webpage.