Registration is now Closed!
If you have any questions or issues please use the Contact Us link on the left. See you all soon!
USCGA Homecoming
October 19 - 22, 2023
The time has come for CGA '78 classmates to gather, socialize, recount old stories, and make some new memories. We will be located at the familiar Mystic Marriott Hotel, with a Welcome Social and Reunion Dinner onsite.
The Classmates Reunion Package is $219.78 (required for each classmate) and includes those social events and meals, the Tailgate Picnic, and nifty class reunion swag including a 45th Reunion baseball cap, Polo Shirt, Blazer pocket patch, and Class lapel pin. First 100 classmates checking in will have a choice of a Class of 78 car window flag or scarf.
The Guest Reunion Package is $178 and includes all the social events/meals, 45th Reunion baseball cap, but minus the additional swag.
JUST ADDED: CGA78 Classmates Golf Scramble
This Friday event is for our class and guests, to be held at the Elmridge Golf Course in Pawcatuck CT. Cost is $65 per golfer, with only 20 slots available. Foursomes will be assigned randomly by the committee to mix the groups. Any women signing up will be grouped together as best as we can. A nominal prize will be awarded to the top two teams. Plan to arrive by 7am, first tee time is 8:04am. Club rentals are available, call the Golf Course (860) 599-2248.
Payment options: secure credit card, mail a check, Zelle payment app. For Zelle, use the "pay by check" option and send payment to the listed phone number.
Be sure to read the Random Questions/Answers below for specific details on all the events for the weekend - social activities, meal menus, parking, accessibility needs.
In order for us to get head count and item orders placed on time, registration will close on September 15. If you have any additional questions for the team, please use the Contact Us link on the left.
Reminder: registration and ticketing for all other Homecoming Weekend events – golf, football game, banquets – is handled by the Alumni Association at their website.
Weekend Lodging
The Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton will be our home base. Last time we had late requests that could not be fulfilled so recommend signing up early.
Last Day to Book: Saturday, September 23, 2023
$229 - $259 per night
Book your group rate for USCGA Class of '78 Reunion
For anyone coming solo, we can coordinate a potential roomshare with any other classmates willing to split the lodging costs. Indicate your interest during registration.
45th Reunion Memorabilia
The distinctively colored CGA78 Reunion baseball cap will be included with all registrations (Classmates and Guests).
Also included in the Classmates registration is a 45th Reunion Polo Shirt (Navy Blue) and other class themed items. Extra Polo Shirts can be added to your registration order.
Sizing Note: Field testing of the Polo Shirts has found that they tend toward "trim fit" sizing. If you prefer your leisure wear a bit on the looser side, be sure to order +1 size larger than normal.
There is a Premier Item that can also be added to your order – a class logo embroidered, fleece-lined Challenger Jacket (could be good at the game if the weather is cold!). Available in Men's or Women's styles.
Thursday, 10/19
6pm - Early Bird Social
Hosted by Iain & Leslie Anderson
6 Rose Lane East Lyme, CT
Scotch Tasting and light snacks
Attire: casual
Friday, 10/20
7:00am - Classmates Golf Scramble
Elmridge Golf Course
229 Elmridge Rd Pawcatuck, CT
3:00pm - Evening Parade
Washington Parade Field
Attire: casual, with any '78 accessories
5pm - Registration Check-in, Marriott Conference Room #7
6pm - Welcome Social, Marriott Conference Room #7
Mystic Marriott Hotel
Attire: casual
Saturday, 10/21
10:30am - Classmates Memorial Service
Coast Guard Memorial Chapel
Attire: jacket, collared shirt
10:30am - Tailgate Picnic
Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE)
11:30am - Class Photo (with 45th Polo and ball caps)
MCOE Lobby
12:30pm - Class March On
Cadet Memorial Field
Attire: football casual, '78 cap/polo
1:30pm - Football Game
Coast Guard Bears vs. (despised rivals) Norwich Cadets
Halftime refreshments at MCOE
6:00pm - Cocktail Hour, Marriott Ball Room
7:00pm - Reunion Dinner Marriott Ball Room
Mystic Marriott Hotel
Attire: Suit jacket/blazer coat, tie optional
Sunday, 10/22
Sleep in, do brunch, hit the road
Random Questions/Answers
Can I bring my kids/pets?
Only if they are housebroken and well behaved (the pets too).
What's the deal with the Welcome Social?
This year we will have a dedicated party room for catching up with arriving classmates, shared with the Event Check-in. There will be light hor d'ouvres, and a drink ticket is included in your registration for use at the no-host bar.
This will NOT be a dinner service, but you will be able to snack on...
International Cheese Selection
Marinated Artichokes & Olives
Roasted Crostini, Gourmet Crackers
Seasonal Vegetable Crudites Display
French Onion Dip, Dill & Ranch Dip, Garlic Hummus
Will there still be a Hospitality Room for the weekend?
As in previous years we will also have a casual party room on the 5th floor throughout the weekend. However, based on the smallness of this room and the loudness of a large gathering, the main meet and greet on Friday will be the Welcome Social descibed above.
Classmates are invited to the Hospitality Room to continue schmoozing, where we will provide some beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. You are also encouraged to BYOB of preferred libation to be shared during this informal social time!
What's on the Tailgate Picnic menu?
Citrus and Honey Grilled Chicken
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers
Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles
Mixed Grilled Vegetables, Seasonal Fruit Salad, Garden Pasta Salad
Cookies and Brownies
Soda and Water
Do I have to make a dinner choice for Saturday?
The Reunion Dinner will be a buffet, so you can choose whatever you like. If you have any special meal requirements, please indicate that during registration.
What's on the Reunion Dinner menu?
Garden Salad Bar
Seasonal Soup
Grilled Flank Steak (Green Peppercorn Cream Sauce)
Pan Roasted Tuscan Salmon (Garlic Cream Sauce)
Eggplant Parmesan
Roasted vegetable medley
Roasted baby potato medley
Assorted desserts, coffee and tea service
Will there be dinner time entertainment?
To encourage the sharing of old stories and new memories, we will set up a laptop/projector in the ballroom with a slideshow of photos past & present.
What about parking at the Academy?
Very limited on campus, there may be lower field parking near the MCOE. Cars will be towed if parked illegally. A shuttle service will run to Leamy Hall from off CGA lots at Connecticut College and Winthrop School (behind the Chapel) on Saturday only. Look for directions to the lots and shuttle stops.
Are there accommodations for Handicap or Special Needs?
Please indicate any accessibilty needs during the registration process.The Academy has some designated handicap parking spaces available. If your car has an applicable tag, please indicate that in the registration.
There will be a shuttle service around the Academy campus on Friday and Saturday. The shuttle accommodates 15 to 20 people, has a low step at the door, and is wheelchair accessible.
How can I become an Alumni Association member or rejoin?
Visit www.cgaalumni.org/joinrenew for info about the various membership options. You may also call the Alumni Center at (860) 442-2683.
Your Reunion Committee
Bryon Ing
Chris Bond
Bruce Black
Iain Anderson
Mike Vincenty
