John Brown University welcomed alumni, students and families back to campus Oct. 2-3 for Homecoming weekend, with events taking place across campus Friday and Saturday.
Friday included a special Homecoming Chapel, class gatherings, the dedication of Spees Plaza and the rededication of the Mabee Learning Resource Center.
That evening, students and alumni gathered for the 5K Glow Run, which started near Hutcheson Hall. Runners completed the course after dark with glow accessories and lights along the way.
The Berry Performing Arts Center was also busy throughout the weekend with JBU Theatre’s production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.” The comedy was performed Friday night and twice Saturday.
Saturday brought much of the Homecoming activity outdoors with the Golden Eagle Extravaganza. Alumni games, the family picnic, KidZone inflatables and varsity soccer filled the athletic fields for much of the day.
“I really liked seeing the families, alumni and everyone spending time together around campus,” junior Emanuel Ramirez said.
“Some had just graduated, while others came back years later with their kids, so it was nice to see so many different generations together.”
He also enjoyed the outdoor picnic because it gave people time to talk, reconnect and meet others in a more relaxed setting.
“It’s always really wholesome to see people of all ages come back and get together,” Senior Yader Suazo said.
Suazo also said he enjoyed seeing alumni return from different states and countries, which showed him how much people still care about JBU after graduating.
The men’s soccer game brought plenty of excitement Saturday afternoon. The Golden Eagles went into halftime trailing but came back in the second half to win 3-1.
During halftime, Brian Either and Camryn Weiss were announced as Homecoming king and queen as part of activities organized by the Student Government Association. The break ended with a hot dog eating contest featuring about six JBU students, who got a little messy while racing to eat as many hot dogs as possible.
Saturday night continued the weekend with class gatherings and a free concert by The Butler Creek Boys in the Cathedral.
For many alumni, Homecoming was a chance to return to campus, see old friends and bring their families back to a place that was once part of their everyday lives.
Photo courtesy of Devyn Davis