Anniversary Gala Proceeds to Support Student Scholarships

UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, friends, and the greater community to campus September 18-20 for its 2026 Wildcat Homecoming Weekend, a three-day celebration of SUNY Poly’s history, community, and Wildcat spirit. The weekend will feature a variety of events open to the public, with many activities free to attend.

A centerpiece of the weekend will be SUNY Poly’s 60th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 19 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. The celebration will bring together members of the SUNY Poly community to commemorate the university’s 60th anniversary while supporting its future. Tickets are $60, with proceeds from the Gala benefitting student scholarships, helping create opportunities for current and future Wildcats. The evening will conclude with fireworks over campus at 9:15 p.m.

“Wildcat Homecoming Weekend is a special opportunity to bring together the many people who have shaped SUNY Poly over the past 60 years while celebrating the students who will carry our university forward,” said Andrea LaGatta, SUNY Poly Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “The 60th Anniversary Gala makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful. As we recognize this important milestone, we are also investing in the next generation of Wildcats by supporting student scholarships.”

Throughout the weekend, attendees will have opportunities to reconnect with SUNY Poly, celebrate university traditions, and enjoy activities for the entire Wildcat community.
Weekend highlights include a ribbon cutting for the Gathering Place (SUNY Poly’s newly renovated campus dining hall), a Welcome BBQ, Movie Night featuring Super Mario Galaxy, and S’mores and More on Friday evening.

Saturday will feature the Awards Breakfast and 50th Class Reunion/Wildcat Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 1976, Wildcat Fest, alumni athletic games, and SUNY Poly women’s soccer taking on SUNY Brockport in an Empire 8 conference matchup. Attendees can also take part in “From the Mills to Marcy” and Beyond: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future, a special program reflecting on SUNY Poly’s history and future.

SUNY Poly Baseball and Softball will host the 1st Annual Coach Robert "Bobby" Richie Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 20 at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament honors the memory of longtime SUNY Poly coach and facilities staff member Robert "Bobby" Richie, whose dedication and service left a lasting impact on the university community.

Explore the 2026 Wildcat Homecoming Weekend schedule