2021 Broom Drill Ceremony

Broom Drill 2018 – Class 1968 50th Anniversary 

Our Proud PMC Class ’68 Takes the Field!

Homecoming 2021 – PMC Broom Drill Ceremony

                                         

For those who may have missed the Widener Homecoming "PMC Alumni - Registration is open for Homecoming 2021 Events" email. See the content extract below.

For published updates, see "Latest Updates" below this initial information.

                             
 

Dear PMC Alumni,

Widener University looks forward to hosting you on campus safely this year. You can count on the Office of Alumni Engagement to share updates and new information as it develops.

Homecoming 2021 – On Saturday, October 16, we will have opportunities for PMC to connect and celebrate, featuring the beloved Broom Drill, special "PMC Patio" at the Homecoming Tailgate, and the Homecoming Football Game: Widener vs. Wilkes University.

Founder’s Day 2022 – As part of the University’s 200th Anniversary, we are excited to announce our first-ever Founder's Day celebration. This celebration will feature exclusive PMC events and traditions including PMC Class Reunions, Oral History program, Passing of the Flag Ceremony, and more. Look for an announcement about the date shortly.  

Let us know you’re coming!   

Visit our Homecoming 2021 Schedule of Events to register for the following in-person events :

  • Saturday, October 16, 2021
    • Homecoming Tailgate Village, 11am – 2pm
      • Pregame tailgate before Widener v. Wilkes football game in the Pride Recreation Center Parking Lot
      • We will have a special area reserved for you, our PMC alumni, to connect and celebrate together.
    • Broom Drill at the Stadium, 12:30 pm
    • Homecoming Football Game*
      • Widener vs. Wilkes
      • Quick Stadium, 1 p.m.

*Pre-registration is not available for the football game. Tickets may be purchased on-site at the box office.

We also have a slate of virtual programs throughout the week that all are welcome to attend. To learn more, please visit our Homecoming website.

Please note that all activities are subject to COVID-19 guidelines and the schedule is subject to change. Please click here to view Widener University's visitor policy.
 

Below is the email from Terry Travis, Vice President for University Advancement, to PMC Class Leaders explaining the University’s decision on the PMC Broom Drill Tradition during 2021 Homecoming, rescheduled to 12:30pm prior to the football game.

On Sep 17, 2021, at 1:14 PM, Theresa Travis <ttravis@widener.edu> wrote:

Dear PMC Class Leaders,

I understand that the Homecoming email sent on Wednesday, which showed the Broom Drill would be held just prior to the National Anthem at the football game, caused a lot of consternation.

I apologize that you received it without prior communication, and I take responsibility for that.

We meant to discuss this at our meeting on September 2nd.  We ended up discussing Founders Day at length and did not realize (until after the email was received yesterday) that, while we acknowledged that the Broom Drill was going back to the football game and would happen on the field, the change in timing was not discussed.

First, the decision to move the Broom Drill to the opening ceremonies of the game was a university decision.  It is a way to balance the needs of Athletics, current students -- who celebrate with the announcement of the student Homecoming Court and naming of King and Queen during halftime -- and our desire to honor this beloved tradition.

We in Alumni saw this move as a positive one. As someone who has been a spectator when the Broom Drill happens, two things have always frustrated me about it.  The first is that people leave the stadium in droves as soon as halftime is called, while lines for restrooms and to purchase food and drink are jammed.  The second is that it is dead quiet -- many people don't understand what is happening and it does not keep their attention.  Finally, on the sidelines, everyone involved in the student Homecoming Court is stressed about whether there is enough time left for them before regulation play must start back up.

By moving the Broom Drill to just before kickoff, it will allow more people to see it and appreciate such an important tradition. We are also planning an enhancement.  Instead of someone just announcing the drill, we are going to have someone who narrates the action from the booth:  giving the history of how the broom drill started, announcing the classes, and explaining what is happening when Dr. Wollman and the Professor of Military Science are inspecting the troops.  I believe this will bring more energy to the event and add to everyone's enjoyment of it.  Finally, we thought it would be fitting to have our PMC alumni on the field as the national anthem is played.  After the anthem, alumni will leave the field and we go right to kickoff.

My colleagues and I passionately advocated for an in-person Homecoming this year and the team has been working very hard to provide a day that will feel like a celebration and a true coming home.

Again, I deeply regret the missed opportunity to have this conversation with you and I hope you will join us on October 16th.

Terry Travis
Vice President for University Advancement

Widener University

One University Place, Chester, PA  19013-5792

office:  610-499-4123 

ttravis@widener.edu

www.widener.edu

Lastest Updates - published 10 Oct 2021

PMC Alumni: 1 week until Homecoming - New Details about the Broom Drill!
 

PMC Alumni,

Join us for Widener's Homecoming Celebration!

Visit the Homecoming Website for the complete
schedule of events and registration.

 

Homecoming Highlights for PMC Alumni:

PMC Museum Open For Viewing
Saturday, October 16, 2021
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.

When viewing the PMC museum, all guests are required to follow the University’s masking and visitor policy. We will also have masks available at the PMC Museum for those visiting as well as a light breakfast of coffee and pastries available outside the museum.

PMC Patio
Saturday, October 16, 2021
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Pride Recreation Center Parking Lot
Cost: Free to attend, food and beverage available for purchase
Full Details or Register Here

Plan to meet up with classmates and friends at the PMC Patio, located inside the alumni tailgate. This is the place to relax, reminisce and relive special times.

Broom Drill
Saturday, October 16, 2021
12:30 p.m. at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium
Cost: Free to Attend
Full Details or Register Here

The legendary PMC Broom Drill will be the highlight of this year's pre-game festivities, just before kick-off at Quick Stadium. Below is a timeline for the Broom Drill:

12:00pm: Announcements are made at both the PMC Patio and Quick Stadium to alert PMC alumni to proceed to the stadium for the Broom Drill. Transportation will be available to transport PMC alumni from the PMC Patio at the tailgate to the stadium.

12:20pm: Line up begins for the Broom Drill starting with the ROTC color guard, followed by PMC alumni who will line up by class - Class of 1971 will take the lead followed by the Class of 1970.

12:35pm: Football team leaves field.

12:36pm: Broom Drill begins. The cannon is fired and the marching band begins playing to signal the start of this historic tradition.

12:36pm to 12:52pm: PMC alumni process onto the center of the field for inspection by Widener University President Julie Wollman and LTC James Pascoe. PMC alumni will stay on the field for the playing of the National Anthem.

12:58pm: PMC alumni process off of the field and are invited to enjoy the football game in special reserved seating in the stadium or return to the PMC Patio at the Tailgate Village. Transportation will be provided for those who wish to return to the PMC Patio.

12:59pm: Coin Toss. Jeff Dienno '71 has been selected for the honor of representing PMC at the annual Homecoming Coin Toss. 

1:05 p.m.: Kick off: Widener v. Wilkes Football Game.
 

 

Save the Date for Founder’s Day, Friday, April 8, 2022  – As part of the University’s 200th Anniversary, we are excited to announce our first-ever Founder's Day celebration which will take place on Friday, April 8, 2022. This celebration will feature exclusive PMC events and traditions including PMC Class Reunions, Oral History program, Passing of the Flag Ceremony, and more.
 

Homecoming Tailgate Village - You're Invited!

We are less than two weeks away from the biggest football game of the year. And the biggest football game of the year deserves a great pre-game tailgate!

We are excited to share new details for our Homecoming Tailgate Village. From food trucks, to live music provided by Widener alumni, you won’t want to miss this celebration!

  • Food provided by great food trucks from the area:
    • Zac’s Burgers, Philly EATS, Philly Fry, and Curbside Creamery
  • Live music provided by Widener alumni musicians:
    • Alumni Band – The Debut of “The Shade”
    • Alumni DJ – DJ Kiko
  • Open-air beer garden experience with lawn games and cold drinks.
  • Bookstore present to purchase Widener swag!
  • Kids activities and meet the mascots
  • PMC Patio exclusively for our PMC alumni as well as area for the 1981 Championship Football team.
  • Fun, engaging activities provided by Widener’s schools, colleges, departments, student groups, and more.

Registration is now open! Come out and reconnect with your fellow Widener and PMC community. And, did we mention Tailgate Village admission is free? You won’t want to miss it!

HOMECOMING TAILGATE VILLAGE
Saturday, October 16, 2021
11am to 2pm (end of first quarter)
Pride Recreation Center Parking Lot
Registration is Free.
Food and Beverage will be available for purchase.

Register Here
 
 
 

Parking Information

Widener is excited to welcome our alumni and guests back to campus in person this year for our Homecoming celebration. In preparation for your arrival on campus, please refer our Transportation and Parking map outlining our parking options and shuttle route. Regular shuttle service will be available from our parking lots to provide you with convenient access to our Homecoming Tailgate Village and Quick Stadium.

Please note that the grass field in the sports complex next to the baseball fields where our guests have traditionally parked during Homecoming is no longer available. The university is investing in this open green space to create additional fields for our student intramural, club, and recreational athletic teams to practice and compete. Thank you for your understanding.

Health & Safety 

The health and safety of our Widener community is our top priority. 

  • In-person Homecoming events will be held outdoors. 
  • All guests must follow the University’s mask and visitor policies. Masks are not required outdoors; however, if you are unvaccinated, it is prudent to wear a mask at all Homecoming events for your safety, and the safety of others. Any guests who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, even if vaccinated, are encouraged to do so. When indoors, all guests are required to wear a mask.  
  • Masks are required when using our complimentary shuttle service.  
  • Hand sanitizing stations and disposable masks will be available for guests.
  • Restrooms will be available outside near the tailgate experience.
  • Alcohol (beer, wine and seltzers) will be available for purchase, and may only be consumed within the beer garden area for the safety of our guests

Questions? Contact The Office of Alumni Engagement at
alumnioffice@widener.edu or 610-499-1154.

Please note that all activities are subject to COVID-19 guidelines and the schedule is subject to change. Visit the university’s Coronavirus Information Page for additional information as well as the University's Visitor Policy.