Bold & Gold brings undefeated football, Yellow Jacket pride to BW Homecoming

The celebration highlighted a championship baseball team, an undefeated football team, a marching band milestone and generations of Yellow Jackets who continue to call BW home.

Baldwin Wallace University's 2026 Bold & Gold Homecoming brought the BW community together Oct. 9-10 to celebrate Yellow Jacket pride, tradition and community. The weekend's highlight was the Yellow Jacket football team's decisive 38-10 win over Ohio Northern University on Tressel Field.

The victory improved BW's record to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play. Visit the BW Athletics site for a full game recap. The win also lifted the Yellow Jackets to No. 17 in the NCAA Division III rankings.

Champions lead the way

The BW Baseball team and coaching staff served as grand marshals for Saturday's Homecoming parade, following a remarkable season that included the team's third consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division III College World Series.

The champions led the parade from Bonds Hall to the Finnie Stadium parking lot, where the Bold & Gold Festival took over. Guests enjoyed food trucks, live stage performances and the popular Engagement Zone. Visitors explored booths representing student clubs and alumni groups while getting their Bold & Gold passports stamped for a chance to win prizes.

FSL Challenge is big win for the Fund for BW

A highlight of the stage show was the conclusion of the 2026 Fraternity & Sorority Life Challenge, when President Fisher was presented with a $41,153 check for the Fund for BW. Sparked by a $20,000 kick-off gift from a Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus, Greek organizations competed for bragging rights in "Most Donors" and "Most Dollars Raised."

Lambda Chi Alpha had the most donors. Alpha Phi came in second, and Zeta Tau Alpha and Phi Mu tied for third. Gifts are still coming in, and Doug Amy '90, MBA '93, and Chris Byke '88 have pledged to close the gap to reach a grand total of $50,000. To support the Fund for BW and contribute to this ongoing impact, please visit bw.edu/giving.

Celebrating BW traditions

Saturday's festivities began with 50 marching band alumni returning to celebrate the Marching Yellow Jackets' 20th anniversary. Under the direction of Andrew Machamer, they were joined during the pre-game festival by the cheer team and a group of alumni cheerleaders, directed by cheer and stunt coach Gretchen Toddy.

BW Music Theatre, as in years past, took center stage on the Boesel Musical Arts Center steps for a performance that showcased why the nationally lauded program is a stepping stone for careers leading to Broadway and beyond.

The weekend also featured alumni gatherings and reunions, including the BW Veterans Alumni Network cookout, a cheer alumni gathering, a Safety & Security student employee reunion, and a kickback hosted by the Black Alumni Network and Black Student Alliance.

Homecoming Royalty: Past and Present

In front of a stadium packed with students, alumni, and families, the University named Michael Diamond ‘27 and Konner Hines ‘27 as 2026 Homecoming Royalty. They were joined in the parade and on the field by Carrye Bowers Jones '68, BW Homecoming Queen in 1967, serving as the crown jewel of a weekend rich in tradition and community pride.

From the parade and festival to alumni reunions, music and athletics, Bold & Gold brought the BW family together once again.

"Homecoming is always a special moment, but seeing generations of Yellow Jackets — from our 20-year marching band alumni to our championship student-athletes — reminds you how deeply rooted this community is," says Tony Peebles, MBA '98, BW director of alumni engagement. "The energy, pride and shared traditions throughout Bold & Gold weekend show that no matter how many years pass, BW will always be home."