October 17-19, 2025, nearly 1,210 Cardinals from across the country joined The Catholic University of America for Cardinal Weekend, the University’s annual homecoming and reunion extravaganza. The three-day, on-campus celebration brought alumni together for a weekend full of fellowship, memories, and Cardinal spirit!
Starting the Weekend Strong
The celebrations kicked off on Friday, with walking tours of campus and receptions in the University’s colleges and schools. Alumni were able to reminisce with classmates while seeing the range of program, faculty, and facility updates that have happened in recent years.
The Schools of Theology and Religious Studies and Philosophy hosted a conversation and reception with Dean Joseph Capizzi and Dean V. Bradley Lewis, where the two discussed how Catholic University is renewing Catholic education, rooted in faith and reason, through a distinct intellectual and spiritual identity.
The Busch School of Business reception featured remarks from Dean Andrew Abela, as well as a panel with Pat, B.A. 2016, and Christa Narus, who recently pledged a $50,000 match in support of the Sales Program. Busch School alumni were encouraged to take advantage of this generous match by supporting the Sales Program, a pillar of the business school.
As the evening continued, the Cardinal Athletics community gathered in Heritage Hall for the Rugby 45th Anniversary Event, toasting to the future of our rugby program – the University’s newest varsity sport – alongside alumni, coaches, parents, players, and donors who have been a part of its legacy.
Saturday Brought the Party
As Saturday, October 18, rolled around, alumni gathered at the DuFour Center for the annual Pre-Game Tent Party. Cardinals and their families reconnected with friends over delicious tailgate food and tasty drinks before packing the stands and cheering for the Cardinal football team as they took on (and beat!) the Moravian University Greyhounds.
The Aubry-LeBuffe Black Alumni Celebration was another highlight. The University’s Black Alumni Network gathered to connect with former classmates, friends, and current students in a celebration of culture and community. The event also featured this year's Aubry-LeBuffe Scholarship recipients and honored the legacy their stories carry forward.
The festivities continued with a seated dinner Saturday evening, when the Class of 1975 was officially welcomed into the Golden Cardinals community. The class was well represented at the celebration, with several alumni (including earlier class years) returning to campus—among them Bob Duckworth, B.A. 1965, and Cathy, B.A. 1975, and Mike Hotka, B.A. 1975—each bringing back a treasure trove of memories and remarkable stories.
For Mike Hotka, those memories include a brush with music royalty. In 1975, he served as the doorman at the popular on-campus bar, a role that unexpectedly put him face-to-face with the Bee Gees during their stay at a nearby hotel while on tour.
“So when Barry Gibb showed up, he handed me his ID,” Mike recalls with a laugh. “At that point, I was an expert in D.C., Maryland, Virginia—and even New Jersey—driver’s licenses. But I’d never seen a United Kingdom ID. It took me a minute to look it over before I finally waved him in, and then Maurice and Robin as well.” The encounter quickly became one of Mike’s favorite campus stories—after all, it’s not every day you card one of the world’s most famous musical groups.
Also celebrating with classmates was Bob Duckworth, who recently made an extraordinary gift to the University: a rare original letter written and signed by Founding Father Thomas Jefferson at the time of the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, when Jefferson served in the Second Continental Congress in Annapolis. Bob’s donation preserves a remarkable piece of American history, and we look forward to sharing more about his inspiring commitment to Catholic University. Keep an eye out for our upcoming alumni newsletter, where a special in-depth interview with Bob will appear.
Other reunion classes with graduation years ending in a 0 or 5 gathered at Dirty Habit in Penn Quarter. They enjoyed lively music, fun photo ops, tasty libations, a variety of food options, and time spent with their classmates and friends.
The weekend concluded with a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel on Sunday morning.
Already Waiting for Next Year
This homecoming and reunion celebration was full of tradition, laughter, and a shared love of Catholic University. Thanks to all who joined us.
If you missed Cardinal Weekend, don’t worry – plans are already underway for next year’s, which is set for October 16-18, 2026. We hope to see you then!
Published on: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Tags: Cardinal Weekend, Alumni Association, Reunion
