Southern Wesleyan welcomes home alumni, friends

CENTRAL, SC – There’s no place like home and, for many, Southern Wesleyan University is like a second home.

The university’s annual Homecoming is Oct. 22-23, with a patriotic theme, according to Joy Bryant, executive director of alumni and constituent relations. The public is invited to join Southern Wesleyan alumni in a weekend of events celebrating the university’s past and getting a glimpse at its future.

“Our theme is ‘There’s No Place Like Home.’ We’ll be celebrating the special place we hold in so many hearts,” Bryant said. “Each year, we have an opportunity for folks to visit or return to the campus, to see how things are growing, to share memories and to rekindle relationships,” Bryant said. “People enjoy sharing the Southern Wesleyan experience with their family and friends.”

This year’s homecoming events include a naming ceremony for the university’s new education building Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. The structure will be named in honor of Dr. John Newby, president of Southern Wesleyan University from 1979 to 1994.

On Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m. there will be a 5K Run, with a $10 entry fee. There will also be a Classic Car Cruise-In that day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants are to meet on Wesleyan Drive in front of the Education Center. For a $10 registration fee, owners can be eligible for a “best in show” car award and trophy.

“We’re looking forward to having classic cars on our campus and voting on the best,” Bryant said.

Next, at 11 a.m., alumni, students and friends are invited to attend a Homecoming Chapel Service at First Wesleyan Church, with Dr. Brad Fipps, as the featured speaker.

“We’re looking forward to having lots of visitors on our campus. We have activities for all age groups, from the free Legacy Land Festival for Children on Childs’ Field to the senior division of the home run derby,” Bryant said.

A homecoming cookout, $5.25 per person, noon - 2 p.m. at Childs’ Field will feature hamburgers, baked beans, slaw and dessert.

Also at noon is a Home Run Derby at Conner Baseball Field. Batters ages 5 to 95 are invited to take their best shot at home runs and prizes on the Warriors’ baseball diamond. Registration is $3.

Soccer games include an alumni soccer game at 9:30 a.m., the Lady Warriors at 1 p.m. and the men’s soccer game at 3 p.m.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the university’s Admissions Department will give free tours of the campus at the top of each hour. Tour groups meet in Heritage Square, by the fountain.

The Annual Class Float Races will take place at Dr. C. Maurice Burns Lake at 2:30 p.m. The float races are a chance for students to compete in building and operating a watercraft.

At 3:45 p.m., during the men’s soccer game, the Homecoming Court will be presented.

The final event of the day is the Homecoming Gala at 6 p.m. in Newton Dining Commons. Dinner tickets are $13 each.

“We invite everyone to come and plan to stay all day. You don’t want to miss the Homecoming Gala this year,” Bryant said. The SWU concert choir and the university’s jazz band will perform at the event.

For details or reservations, contact the Alumni Center at 644-5384 or 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5384.

Southern Wesleyan University