Bob Jones University’s third annual Homecoming promises a wide array of events geared toward alumni, current students and their families and friends from the community.
The weekend from Oct. 12 through 14 will give BJU alumni a chance to revisit their alma mater with their families.
Randy Page, President Pettit’s chief of staff and director of public relations, said that interacting with visiting alumni will be profitable for current students as well.
“It’s a chance for [students] to learn from our alumni, to see what our alumni are doing, how they’re being successful and why a BJU education is important,” Page said.
This year’s Homecoming will see the return of many events, such as U.Day, the M&G Maker’s Market, a 5K run and several intercollegiate sports games.
Guests will include BJU grads Ron Hamilton (“Patch the Pirate”) and pianist Bora Ryu.
In an effort to make Homecoming an exciting experience for all, many new events have been added to this year’s lineup.
Throwback Society Day will kick off Homecoming weekend Thursday by opening all society meetings to visitors. Families will be able to experience a society meeting and alumni will be able to revisit their old societies. The weekend will include many society soccer games as well.
Another new event called Classroom Connect will open Friday classes to visitors to enjoy.
For those interested in learning about Greenville’s rich history, John Nolan, faculty member in the department of art, will offer a bus tour of the city. Tours are $8 per person.
Many of the buildings and departments on campus will also be open for visitors to give themselves self-guided tours.
On Saturday, Memorabilia will be available for purchase in the basement of The Museum & Gallery and on the sound stage of Unusual Films.
The Museum & Gallery will also reopen for Homecoming before closing again for renovations.
The Bruins Family Game Show, a highlight of last year’s Homecoming, will be moved from Stratton Hall to Rodeheaver Auditorium due to the unexpectedly large turnout last year.
Pam Cushman, director of events management, said the BJU administration decided to change the name of the 5K race from Turkey Bowl 5K to the Bruin Nation Family 5K race.
“We made that change because we want people to know that it’s inclusive, not exclusive,” Cushman said. “We’ve tried very hard to design the week to meet the needs of alumni and parents and students, so it’s almost like a threefold audience.”
Other Homecoming activities include affinity reunions, meet-and-greets with authors, a student pep rally, several sports events and concerts, the Bruin Village for children and much more.
Of all the weekend festiviities, Cushman said the men’s soccer match on Saturday is expected to draw the largest crowd overall. Last year the game drew over 4,000 spectators.
