John Brown University celebrated its annual Homecoming Week from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4, welcoming alumni, trustees and students back to campus for a week filled with events, school spirit and community.
Throughout the week, JBU hosted the fall meeting of its Board of Trustees, alumni reunions and several student activities, culminating in the Homecoming weekend festivities.
Friday’s schedule included the Homecoming Chapel in the Cathedral, women’s volleyball in Bill George Arena, and a performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
Students also participated in Homecoming Spirit Week, which featured themed dress-up days from pajama day on Monday to Sports Shirts Wednesday and Class Themes on Friday. The week concluded with the student vote for the Homecoming Royalty and Court, organized by the Student Government Association.
Saturday’s celebrations included an Esports open house, rugby and volleyball matches, and both men’s and women’s soccer games. The highlight of the day came during halftime of the men’s soccer match, when seniors Jon Sims and Mayson Montgomery were crowned 2025 Homecoming King and Queen.
The coronation featured a court made up of pairs from each class, along with three senior finalist couples. Each court member received a sash and a gift card, while the king and queen were honored with crowns, sashes and flowers.
Sims, who also serves as SGA’s vice president of elections and legislation, said the experience was deeply meaningful. “Being nominated originally was a huge honor in and of itself: I have loved JBU, the people and the roles I have been able to take on, but when I actually was voted Homecoming King, it was way more than I could have expected,” Sims said. “It is truly an honor and a privilege to be supported in this way by so many of my students! And the most special part for me was being king with my girlfriend Mayson alongside me as queen, it felt a little too close to a Hallmark movie.”
He added that, as part of his SGA role, he was involved in coordinating the voting process. “I know it’s not a great look considering the outcome,” Sims said, “but it was a great experience learning how to get students involved in nominations and voting and coordinating the day of events was fantastic!”
Montgomery shared that her coronation experience was particularly special because of the sense of belonging she has found at JBU.
“I was so honored to be part of the Homecoming Court, and even more to be Homecoming Queen,” Montgomery said. “Homecoming used to be kind of a painful tradition in my high school, as I was not super popular, and so I always felt a little rejected. Something I love about John Brown is that it is not about wearing the best clothes or having the most money — it’s about the community loving one another as Jesus calls us to.”
“It was such a wonderful experience to feel so loved by JBU, especially because this community has loved me so abundantly already,” she added. “I have been poured into by so many amazing people on campus, and I am so incredibly grateful for JBU.” Senior SGA senator Samara Cuesta also reflected on the week’s significance for students and alumni alike.
“I love Homecoming, it’s always a lot of fun,” Cuesta said. “It’s awesome to talk to alumni and hear their stories, and to hear them speak so positively about the changes JBU has had and how they keep loving it. The events are great too!”
Homecoming 2025 once again showcased the university’s commitment to faith, community and tradition, bringing together past and present members of the JBU family to celebrate the place they all call home.
Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Castillo
