2024 PMC Broom Drill at Widener University Homecoming

October 26, 2024

The Pennsylvania Military College cadet alumni Broom Drill is an annual tradition for Homecoming Weekend at Widener University in Chester Pennsylvania. It celebrates a time in 1858 when students began practice drilling with brooms, anticipating the later provision of rifles.

Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) became Widener College (later University) in 1972. The roots of PMC and Widener date back to 1821.

Homecoming 2024 took place on October 25 & 26, culminating with the Widener versus Alvernia University football game which Widener won 34-24.

This video covers the entire Broom Drill CLOSE UP, as well as the additional Widener pregame ceremonies, National Anthem and football coin toss.

Special alumni reunion classes in the spotlight this year are:

PMC Class of ‘64 (60 years)
PMC Class of ‘69 (55 years)
Widener Class of ‘74 (50 years)

Note: The class of ‘74 spent two years as PMC cadets. Many continued ROTC training and were commissioned as officers in the US Army, Marines, etc.

In 2025 the last class with PMC roots (one year as a PMC cadet ) will celebrate their 50th reunion and the Class of ‘75 will lead the Broom Drill parade.

The ROTC program still exists at Widener as The Dauntless Battalion, which is also the name of a classic 1923 march, written and dedicated to PMC by American march king John Philip Sousa.

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This video is an exclusive PMC Museum You Tube Channel production and property.

Video Producer - Andy Fraser, PMC ‘67

Camera - Justin Jackson, Widener ‘17