Buckle up and save the date for Methodist University’s Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 27-29.
Buckle up and save the date for Methodist University’s Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 27-29.
Alumni, students, friends, faculty, and staff are all invited to a weekend filled with excitement, laughter, and memories. This year, Monarchs will find traditional events such as the campus tours, alumni awards, and a variety of affinity group events. However, there are also a variety of new and exciting events added to this year’s slate including the first ever Homecoming football game under the lights, karaoke night hosted by the Black Alumni Chapter, softball alumni game, and much more.
“Not only will you have the opportunity to reunite with old friends and relive cherished memories, but we’ve planned some incredible attractions that make this Homecoming truly special,” said Taylor Murphy ’15, MU’s director of Alumni Relations. “There is something for everyone, so Homecoming is the perfect time to come back to our alma mater.”
Anyone can register in advance and select which specific events they would like to attend. Alumni can even purchase this year’s Homecoming t-shirt while registering. MU also offers a discount for those staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Ramsey Street, and a list of other area hotels.
“This year’s Homecoming is a great opportunity for alumni to come back and witness the growth of the University,” said Methodist University Alumni Association President Kim Dresser ’05. “The Homecoming committee has worked hard to incorporate many events, and fall is a beautiful time to be on campus.”
Below is a comprehensive list of this year’s Homecoming Weekend events. Any event containing an asterisk is a new offering in 2023. For the most up-to-date comprehensive schedule—as times and locations are subject to change—please visit the Homecoming page.
For questions, visit the Homecoming page or contact Alumni Office staff at alumnioffice@methodist.edu or 910.630.7485.
Signature Events
Friday, October 27
Campus Tour
3:30 p.m., Stout Hall
Alumni can explore all the exciting changes and recall familiar places on this walking tour of campus with a University Ambassador.
Welcome Reception
5– 8 p.m., Fairfield Inn & Suites
Mingle with alumni and enjoy hors d’oeuvres catered by ScrubOaks with a cash bar.
Athletics Hall of Fame
6:30 p.m., Matthews Ministry Center
Join your fellow Monarchs as we celebrate the honorees: Julia (Best) Emery ’01, Eirik Nordseth ’15, Jake Smerka ’20, and Jasmine Stephens ’12. The 1991 and 1992 men’s tennis teams will also be recognized as teams of distinction.
Homecoming Bonfire
8 p.m., Gravel Lot Behind Riddle Center
Join current students for this special Homecoming tradition while enjoying free food, giveaways, and more. Sponsored by the Student Government Association and Student Activities Committee.
Saturday, October 28
Campus Tour
9 a.m., Stout Hall
Alumni can explore all the exciting changes and recall familiar places on this walking tour of campus with a University Ambassador.
Alumni Association Meeting
10 a.m., Alumni Dining Room
All are welcome! Come meet the Alumni Association and grab a breakfast treat!
Candlelight Memorial Service
11:30 a.m., Matthews Ministry Center
Join us in remembering alumni and friends who have passed away since we were last together for Homecoming 2022.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
2 p.m., Alumni Dining Room
Each year, we recognize the outstanding achievements of extraordinary alumni. Join your fellow MU alumni as we honor the 2023 Alumni Award recipients, Fredy Oxom ’11, Daniel Renz ’14M, Jason Sparrow ’17, Dr. Cameron Dodworth, Dave Eavenson ’96, and the Stout family.
Alumni Tailgate
4–6 p.m., Alumni Headquarters, (Berns/Riddle Parking Lot)
Purchase the Homecoming Package or pay separately for the meal only.
Meet and Greet with King the Mascot
4 p.m., Victory Bell (Corner of Monarch Stadium)
Come meet our official University mascot.
Athletic Events
Saturday, October 28
Women’s Soccer vs. Pfeiffer
1 p.m., Duggins Stadium
Men’s Soccer vs. Greensboro
3 p.m., Duggins Stadium
*Football Game vs. N.C. Wesleyan
6 p.m., Monarch Stadium
Affinity Group Events
Friday, October 27
*Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity 10-Year Celebration
7 p.m., Alumni Dining Room
*Karaoke Night hosted by the Black Alumni Chapter
9 p.m.-2 a.m., Heart & Soul Soulfood and Lounge
Saturday, October 28
*Softball Alumni Game
10 a.m., Don Price Field
Contact: Alex Allaman ’18M at awickham@methodist.edu
Women’s Basketball Alumni Game
10 a.m., Riddle Center
Contact: Cheryl McNair at cmcnair@methodist.edu
*Women’s Basketball Brunch
10:45 a.m., Riddle Center
Contact: Cheryl McNair at cmcnair@methodist.edu
Men’s Basketball Alumni Game
11 a.m., Riddle Center
Contact: Aloysius Henry at ahenry@methodist.edu
*Men’s Basketball Alumni Lunch
Noon, Outdoor Basketball Court
Contact: Aloysius Henry at ahenry@methodist.edu
*RA Reunion
12:30 p.m., Cape Fear Commons Community Building
Contact: Nan Fiebig at jfiebig@methodist.edu
*Black Alumni Chapter Pre-Game Party
1-5 p.m., Cru Lounge
Contact: Jay Carroll ’15 at jaycarroll7215@gmail.com
PGA Golf Management Ceremonial Tee Shot
1 p.m., Downback
Remembering Jamie Caffelle ’02 with a ceremonial tee shot and reception.
Contact: Nicky Howard at rhoward@methodist.edu
Chorale “Gathersing”
1 p.m., Choral Room (Downstairs Reeves Fine Arts Building)
Contact: Sarah Crews ’20 at sarah.crews54@gmail.com
Nursing Tailgate Party
4 p.m., Robert J. Chaffin Building
Contact: Jennifer Caviness ’00 at jcaviness@methodist.edu
PGA Golf Management Tailgate
4 p.m., Parking Lot Near Library/Dining Hall
Contact: Nicky Howard at rhoward@methodist.edu
*Black Alumni Chapter Homecoming After-Party
10 p.m.-2 a.m., Heart & Soul Soulfood and Lounge
Contact: Jay Carroll ’15 at jaycarroll7215@gmail.com
Sunday, October 29
Dr. Mary M. Atwater ’69 Endowed Scholarship Brunch hosted by Black Alumni Chapter
11 a.m., Matthews Ministry Center
Contact: Jay Carroll ’15 at jaycarroll7215@gmail.com
All alumni welcome!