Even Friday’s rain could not dampen the spirits of a record-breaking number of alumni who returned to campus this weekend for a Homecoming filled with reunion parties, barbeques, faculty lectures and Stanford football’s 38-36 loss to TCU.

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Maggie Skortcheva

Alumni gathered in the Main Quad for dinner Friday evening. Stanford’s Homecoming drew 9,000 people last weekend, the highest attendance numbers in its 115-year history.

“We had an extensive rain plan, but it was really the amazing staff that made alums feel welcomed, even if a little wet,” said Leslie Winick, director of alumni and class outreach at the Alumni Association. “No events were cancelled; we just smiled that much more and gave out over 3,000 ponchos.”

This year’s Homecoming attendance was the highest in the event’s 115-year history, Winick said in an email to The Daily. More than 9,000 people attended the event, whose attendance has increase steadily over the past 10 years, creating a space crunch for organizers.

“We are outgrowing campus facilities and spaces,” Winick said. “The class of 2002 had over 800 attend their fifth Reunion Party, the class of ‘57 had over 600 attend their 50th reunion, and with 12 classes needing these huge event spaces it’s been very, very challenging.”

As they reconnected with old classmates, alums shared memories and discussed perceived changes on campus. A number of people commented on the amount of construction projects.

“Even though it has only been 10 years, a lot of landmarks have changed,” said Rachel Saunders ‘97. “It seems as though Stanford is always creating new buildings. I remember that it used to have more of a ‘Farm’ feel to it than it does now.”

Others said the University’s community spirit has remained unchanged.

“Even though a lot has changed, essentially nothing has changed,” said Phil Adams ‘77. “There is still the definite, vibrant and intellectually stimulating community that there was in my time, and the lectures I attended demonstrated this.”

In addition to the lectures and football tailgates, a “singles mingle” brought together single alumni in a relaxed setting over appetizers.

“It was really a bit of light-hearted fun,” said Amy Cullins ‘82. “I don’t think anyone was taking it very seriously, but it definitely gave me the opportunity to meet other people I might not have otherwise.”

At athletic facilities across campus, friendly rivalry ensued as current athletes faced off against alums.

“It was really nice to see that they were still supporting us even though they had left college,” said Jordan Inafuku ‘11, a men’s volleyball player. “We learned a lot from them because of all the stories they told us.”

Alums also epitomized the “work hard, play hard,” mentality that many students maintain is a Stanford axiom.

“I went to my class’s reunion party, and it was a lot of wild fun,” said Alex Berzins ‘92.

“We throw the best parties,” shouted Bret Gardner ‘02. “Take that Cal.”

Many alumni were especially enthusiastic about Stanford football’s upset victory over Southern California last weekend.

“Beating USC was incredible,” said Umer Ahmed ‘82. “I wish I could have been on campus to experience it. I have never witnessed such an incredible victory.”

“I heard there was a bonfire in the Main Quad to celebrate the victory,” Saunders added. “Stanford students are always breaking the rules. Some things never change.”