Western New England University (WNE) welcomed alumni, families, and friends back to campus for Golden Bear Weekend 2025, held October 3-5. With beautiful fall weather and more than 2,000 participants, the annual tradition once again celebrated the enduring spirit of the Golden Bear community.
A Weekend of Connection and Celebration
This year’s schedule featured something for everyone—from athletic events to reunions and family-friendly gatherings. Highlights included:
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Parents Welcome Reception – Families of current students enjoyed a warm reception hosted on Friday evening, offering the chance to meet University leaders and connect with one another.
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Men’s Soccer Celebration – Alumni, coaches, and fans gathered to honor the proud history and bright future of WNE Men’s Soccer.
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Law Alumni Reunion Brunch (Classes of ’85 and ’86) – Alumni from the School of Law reconnected over brunch, reminiscing and celebrating decades of Golden Bear bonds.
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Class of ’95 Reunion – Members of the 30th Reunion Class came together to celebrate milestones, friendships, and lifelong WNE memories.
Downes Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
WNE welcomed four outstanding alumni into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony held Friday evening. The Downes Class of 2025 was honored before family, friends, teammates, and members of the Golden Bear community.
This year’s inductees included:
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Chris Body ’08 (Men’s Lacrosse) — A dominant midfielder, Body was instrumental in leading the Golden Bears to their first Commonwealth Coast Conference titles and set multiple single-season scoring records that still rank among the program’s best.
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Jim Maples ’10 (Men’s Soccer) — Known for his playmaking ability and leadership on the pitch, Maples helped guide WNE to conference tournament success and earned All-Conference honors during a standout career.
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Grace Kucharski ’15 (Softball) — A versatile player and consistent offensive threat, Kucharski was a driving force behind multiple postseason runs, earning recognition for her batting power and defensive skills.
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Braxton Obichukwu Anetochukwu “Obi” Etuka ’18 (Football) — A four-year standout cornerback, Etuka anchored the Golden Bear secondary from 2013–2016. He was twice named an All-New England honoree, earned NEFC Defensive Player of the Year recognition, and capped his career as a two-time conference champion, an NCAA Tournament winner, and a program-record holder with 21 interceptions.
The Downes Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2001, recognizes alumni, coaches, and supporters who have achieved distinction in athletics and contributed to the proud tradition of Golden Bear sports. The celebration set the tone for a spirited weekend of athletic pride and campus camaraderie.
Game Day and Campus Traditions
The energy of Golden Bear Weekend culminated with the football game against Husson University, where over 2,000 fans filled the stands in a spirited show of WNE pride. The Golden Bears earned their first CNE victory, defeating the visiting Eagles with a 35-10 victory.
Families and alumni also enjoyed campus tours, student performances, and opportunities to experience the latest updates across the University.
Building on Tradition
Golden Bear Weekend has become one of WNE’s most cherished annual traditions, strengthening the ties among students, alumni, and families.
“Golden Bear Weekend embodies everything that makes Western New England University special—a strong sense of community, pride in our shared history, and a spirit of excellence that connects generations of Golden Bears,” said Dean Hickey, Executive Vice President for Advancement and Athletics. “Each year, this weekend reminds us that while much has changed, our commitment to supporting one another and celebrating what it means to be a Golden Bear remains constant.”
The University extends its gratitude to the thousands of alums, families, friends, and prospective students who participated in Golden Bear Weekend 2025 and looks forward to welcoming the community back for next year’s celebration.
For photos and a full recap, visit alumni.wne.edu/goldenbearweekend2025.
