October brings alumni back to campus for Homecoming Weekend and fills the Linfield calendar with opportunities for the community to gather. This month’s events include music, theater, art exhibitions, lectures, family activities and seasonal celebrations, with something happening throughout the month. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Oct. 2-3 Homecoming Weekend
Students, alumni and Wildcat fans will flock to Linfield for Homecoming Weekend, featuring athletic events, tailgates, reunions and the All-Alumni BBQ. Some events require an RSVP.
Public events on Friday, Oct. 2 include presentations by Outstanding Young Alumnus Michelle (Weber) Rawlins ’11 at 3 p.m. in T.J. Day Hall, Room 219 and Distinguished Alumnus Melinda (Edwards) Frye ’87 at 4 p.m. in T.J. Day Hall, Room 222.
Linfield’s Finest, honoring all alumni award recipients is at 5 p.m. in Nicholson Library. This year’s recipients are:
- Alumni Service Award: Greg ’73 and Peggi (Thomas) ’74 Walsh
- Distinguished Nursing Alumnus: Erin Collins ’06
- Distinguished Alumnus: Melinda (Edwards) Frye ’87
- Walker Service Award: Moe Momtazi
For the full Homecoming Weekend schedule, visit https://www.linfield.edu/alumni/homecoming/schedule.html.
Oct. 10: Trivia Night at Acorn to Oak, 7 p.m.
Join the Center for Wine Education at Linfield University for Trivia Night —Wine in Entertainment at Acorn to Oak Wine Experience on Third Street.
Test your knowledge of wine in movies, TV, music, and pop culture through two fun, 10-question rounds. Or just come to enjoy and learn! Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. Wine will be available by the glass or bottle. Tables fill quickly and so, reservations are encouraged.
Admission is free. Reserve your spot at https://www.acorntooakwine.com/product#/trivia-wine-in-entertainment.
Oct. 12: Bingo Fundraiser with Alpha Phi, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Bingo is a fundraiser for the Alpha Phi Foundation, which supports initiatives for women’s heart health. There will be multiple rounds of bingo with prizes and a catered dinner included with event ticket. The event will be in Graf Hall Room 111.
Oct. 13: Reading @ the Nick: Georgia Cloepfil, 4:30-7 p.m.
Georgia Cloepfil is this year’s Renshaw Emerging Writer and author of the memoir “The Striker and the Clock.” The memoir is about her time playing professional soccer: six years, on six teams, in six countries. She will be reading a portion of her book at the Nicholson Library in the Austin Reading Room. Joining Cloepfil will be Linfield’s Director of Creative Writing, Joe Wilkins.
Oct. 14, “Are We Created Equal”, 4:30-6 p.m.
Join the conversation about equality in America, led by facilitator Adam Davis. This conversation is part of the October LAB event and will explore equality at Riley Campus Center in Fred Meyer Lounge. Davis has been the director of Oregon Humanities since 2013.
It is a core national value of the United States, even if we have not always lived up to that value. What does it mean to say, as the writers of the Declaration of Independence did, that “all men are created equal” and to declare that this is a self-evident truth? In what ways are or should we be equal? How does this ideal of equality show up in our daily lives, our communities, and our politics? How, finally, has this ideal of equality changed over the past 250 years—and how might it change further over the next 250? These are the questions that this conversation aims to answer.
Oct. 14-Nov. 14: “Cross+Roads” exhibitions by Danielle O’Malley
“Cross+Roads,” an exhibit by Montana-based sculptor Danielle O’Malley, will be featured in the Linfield Gallery in the Miller Fine Arts Center at Linfield University from Oct. 14- Nov. 14.
O’Malley’s large-scale ceramic work explores environmental awareness. This exhibition features ceramics, textiles, and mixed media sculpture using found and natural materials. The artist will be working with students in a collaborative project to create part of this exhibition.
The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with an artist reception until 6:15 p.m. in the gallery. Light refreshments and wine will be provided. The artist will then present a slide lecture at 6:15 p.m. in Delkin Recital Hall in the Vivian Bull Music Center.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on the exhibition, please visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
Oct. 15; Fall Choral Concert, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate fall with a varied program featuring Wildcat Glee, Cascara Voce, and Concert Choir. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in the Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium, Melrose Hall. The event is free and no tickets required.
Oct. 22- Nov. 1: “Improvising Murder: a Homicidal Comedy”
Rob Urbinati’s newest murder mystery, commissioned for Linfield through the Ronni Lacroute Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, debuts Oct. 22. Picking up where the previous play, “Death By Design” left off, “Improvising Murder: a Homicidal Comedy” takes us back to the English countryside manor of Edward Bennett, a playwright, and Sorel, his vainglorious actress wife, anxiously awaiting the London theatre critic’s review of Edward’s latest play. Together with a band of wacky guests they are faced with yet another mysterious death in their midst.
In an attempt to discover “who done it,” they begin to retrace and improvise all the steps leading up to the guest’s demise to hilarious effect. Directed by Janet Gupton, performance dates are Oct. 22–24 and Oct. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for full price, $12 for seniors (62+) and Linfield faculty and staff; and $10 for students 13+ (any school). Tickets will go on sale online Oct. 7 at noon at www.linfield.edu/arts. The box office at Ford Hall will be open Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. Box office hours are 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on performance nights and from noon to 2 p.m. for matinees.
Come to opening night on Oct. 22 and stay for the reception to meet Urbinati, as well as the director, cast, crew and creative team over wine and light refreshments.
On Oct. 23, there will be a Q&A with Urbinati, the director, cast, crew and creative team after the performance.
Oct. 23-25: Fall Family Weekend
Wildcat families will have the opportunity to explore McMinnville, get to know Linfield a bit better and most importantly, get the chance to spend quality time with thier Linfield student. A full list of events can be found at: https://www.linfield.edu/parents/fall-family-weekend.html.
Oct. 24, TAG Day
Thank-A-Giver Day is celebrated on the McMinnville and Portland campuses. Displays resembling gift tags will be placed across the campuses symbolizing the transformative impact of the Linfield community’s generosity. While exploring campus, guests can take a moment to reflect on the TAG Day signs and appreciate how these gifts have enriched the Wildcat experience. Students will have different opportunities to share their thanks through handwritten thank you cards and selfies! For more information visit: https://www.linfield.edu/giving/tag.html
Oct. 24: Wildcat Harvest Haunt and Carnival, 4-9 p.m.,
As part of spooky season and Family Weekend ,a fall carnival, maze and haunt is scheduled at the intramural field 900 SE Baker St . Admission is for students with ID, $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Outside the carnival, check out Trunk-or Treat, food trucks, and fall drinks open to all. For more information visit, https://events.linfield.edu/studentevents.
Oct. 25, Celebración, 1-4 p.m.
Celebrate Latine Heritage Month with an afternoon of food, music, culture, and community. Enjoy local vendors, free food, and a special performance by Linfield’s student baile folklórico dancers. All are welcome to join in this vibrant campus tradition on the Intramural Lawn, 900 SE Baker Street. Entry is $7 general admission, $5 for students and children under 5 enter free.
Oct. 30 Linfield Theatre Alumni Appreciation Night
To celebrate Professor Janet Gupton’s retirement, alumni who participated in the Linfield Theatre Program from 2000-2026 are encouraged to attend the performance of “Improvising Murder” on Oct. 30. After the production, search for the “Easter eggs” from past productions hidden in plain sight on the set. Beverages and light refreshments will be served in celebration of Gupton’s career at Linfield.
Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Contest at theatre
Start your trick or treating early at the matinee performance of “Improvising Murder.” Come in your favorite Art Deco costume (in keeping with the setting of the play) or other Halloween costume. Stay for the costume contest after the performance with prizes for winners in various categories. Prizes will include gift certificates, free tickets to Linfield’s spring performance of “Into the Woods,” and “bragging rights” for best costume.
See more Linfield events at linfield.edu/calendar.html or view the comprehensive athletic schedule of events at golinfieldwildcats.com/calendar.
