Methodist University’s 2023 Homecoming was one for the record books – bringing alumni, students, family, staff, and friends all together for an unforgettable weekend.
Methodist University’s 2023 Homecoming was one for the record books – bringing alumni, students, family, staff, and friends all together for an unforgettable weekend.
This year’s Homecoming featured a blend of both steadfast traditions and new events, allowing the entire MU community to reconnect past friendships and build new ones.
“What I love about Homecoming is the opportunity to deepen our sense of community,” said President Stanley T. Wearden. “It’s wonderful, of course, to see our alumni and to have opportunities to talk with them about the exciting things happening at their alma mater. But most of all, I hope alumni, current students, faculty, and staff made an effort to meet and get to know each other on this important weekend. The stronger the community, the stronger the university.”
The weekend was jampacked with various signature events such as the Alumni Awards Ceremony (winners listed below), Athletics Hall of Fame Induction (inductees listed below), Candlelight Memorial Service, Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship Brunch, alumni basketball games, and class reunions. There were also many student-centered events, such as the Homecoming bonfire, pumpkin smashing, and food trucks.
“It’s really nice to see all of the former staff, students, and alumni come back to our campus,” said senior Sarah Haywood, who is majoring in Kinesiology. “We’re like a family with everyone coming back together to hang out and play games. It’s really fun.”
The Monarch community also had a chance to experience a variety of new events like the Black Alumni Chapter karaoke night, RA reunion, and the men’s and women’s basketball brunches.
MU’s Homecoming brought alumni from near and afar together, including Rev. Danielle Baker ’90 who traveled all the way from Morristown, New Jersey.
“The last time I visited campus was 12 years ago, and it’s amazing to see how much has changed and evolved. I just love it,” said Baker, who earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration. “Even though there’s been a lot of change on campus, the one thing that remains consistent is the community of love. I wasn’t sure if I would be lost coming back after all these years, but everyone has been welcoming.”
Big crowds gathered together for tailgating and fellowship as they supported three of Methodist University’s teams on Saturday: women’s soccer, men’s soccer, and football. Head over to the official site for MU Athletics to learn more.
To access the top photos from Methodist University’s 2023 Homecoming, we invite you to keep tabs on our Flickr page as photos become available.
2023 Alumni Association Award Winners
- Distinguished Alumni: Fredy Oxom ’11
- Distinguished Young Alumni: Daniel Renz ’14M
- Outstanding Alumni Service: Jason Sparrow ’17
- Outstanding Faculty: Dr. Cameron Dodworth
- Outstanding Staff: Dave Eavenson ’96
- Philanthropist Award: The Stout Family
2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
- Julia (Best) Emery ’01 (Softball)
- Eirik Nordseth ’15 (Men’s Soccer)
- Jake Smerka ’17 (Men’s Lacrosse)
- Jasmine Stephens ’12 (Women’s Lacrosse)
- Teams of Distinction: 1991 & 1992 Men’s Tennis teams