Homecoming Celebration At SWU Oct. 26-28

Southern Wesleyan University graduates and their families will join faculty, staff and students for Homecoming 2012, Oct. 26-28 at the university’s campus in Central.

“We welcome the public to join us as Southern Wesleyan University celebrates this historic homecoming,” said Joy Bryant, director of alumni and constituent relations. “We’re thrilled to have our alumni returning to visit our campus and hope our community members will join us in celebrating our university.”

This year, Southern Wesleyan celebrates its new president, Todd Voss, with an inauguration ceremony at 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center. An entertaining evening will start at 7 p.m. in Newton Hobson with music from An Atlas to Follow, a group featuring 2009 graduate Amanda Kinney. Then, comedian Jonnie W. will take the stage with his guitar and razor sharp wit.

Saturday’s festivities offer fun for all ages. At 8:30 a.m., alumni, faculty, staff and students can enjoy coffee and conversation at the President’s House, 201 Fernway Drive. Morning activities at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center will include an organ concert by Professor and Fine Arts Division Chair Jane Dill and Homecoming Chapel featuring Dan Seaborn, 1982 SWU graduate, founder and CEO of Winning at Home. 

Reunion lunches will start at Noon in The Founders for special “milestone” classes. There will also be an “All you can eat” buffet at the University Dining Commons cafeteria, open to the public at a nominal charge.

Alumni will also have a chance to see present and future changes on campus with guided tours of the newly-renovated Tysinger Gym and Lowell Jennings Campus Life Center, as well as a walkthrough of the future Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center. At 2 p.m., the Science Division will host a drop-in (reservations requested).

Athletic events include a 5k benefit run organized by Southern Wesleyan’s Staff Council and Alpha Sigma Lambda, starting at 7:30 a.m. For details and registration information, go to swu.edu/run2fall. Also, former Warrior athletes will take to the basketball court, while Connor Field will host a “battle of the bats” between the “old guns” and “new guns.”

Starting at 5 p.m., fans are invited to put on SWU Blue and come to Childs Soccer Field as the Lady Warriors play Emmanuel College. At 7 p.m., the Warriors take on Emmanuel’s Men’s Soccer Team. The 2012 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned between the women’s and men’s soccer matches.

Also during the afternoon, youngsters can enjoy the Children’s Zone beside the Rickman Library. Starting at 4 p.m., alumni can join current students for a barbecue dinner on the grounds at Bryant Lodge, beside Childs Soccer Field. Tickets are $7 per person.

On Sunday, alums are invited to stick around for worship and fellowship with friends with homecoming services at Trinity Wesleyan Church at 10:30 a.m., featuring guest speaker Rev. Patrick Styers and a meal following services. Also, ALIVE Wesleyan Church will have the final homecoming service at their current location, featuring Dan Seaborn as guest speaker. Traditional services start at 9:30 a.m. and a contemporary service will start at 11 a.m. nearby at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center.

To register or get details about Homecoming, go to www.swu.edu/homecoming or contact the Alumni Center at 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5384, or e-mail jcrain@swu.edu