Published: Oct. 14, 2016

Student walk in the Homecoming paradeAfter surviving melanoma and thyroid cancers in her early 30s, Karen Hertz (Psych’99; MBA’05) adopted a gluten-free diet as part of her treatment plan. Earlier this year she founded Colorado’s first gluten-free brewery, Holidaily Brewing Co., in Golden.

Hertz will be one of at least half-a-dozen CU brewers serving samples Friday, Oct. 14, during Homecoming Weekend 2016. She’ll join alumni from Sanitas, West Flanders, Fate, Ratio Beerworks, Upslope and Bootstrap at Buffs on Tap, the second-annual beer tasting by and for alumni in the Koenig Alumni Center’s backyard. The event costs $15, runs from 1-4:30 p.m. and includes a barbecue meal. 

The event is one of many festivities scheduled for the day. Alumni and the campus community are encouraged to celebrate their CU pride at the Buffs Bash at the Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill, 1346 Pearl St., where there will be complimentary appetizers (while supplies last) starting at 5 p.m.

In keeping with CU tradition, the annual parade and pep rally will begin at 7 p.m. Friday on Pearl Street. All are invited to watch the colorful student-built floats make their way down the street and then join in the festivities as the CU Spirit Team and Marching Band perform during the pep rally at the courthouse lawn. The football team will walk in the parade, and CU Athletic Director Rick George and CU football voice Mark Johnson will attend. The parade will end at 8:30.

On game-day, Oct. 15, families are invited to the the free Ralphie’s Corral tailgate beginning at 3 p.m. before the 6 p.m. kickoff of the CU vs. Arizona State matchup at Folsom Field. 

In all, 17 reunions are planned for the weekend, including those of the 50-Year and Golden Anniversary Club and the Silver Buffaloes Alumni Band.

Learn more at Colorado.edu/homecoming.