This past weekend, Milligan University held its annual homecoming festivities, which featured high alumni attendance and a lively parade as the centerpiece. With a “Back to the Future” theme, this year’s homecoming included more than 20 events across campus for not only current and former students, but also for members of the faculty and the community to enjoy.
The center of the festivities was the annual parade, which featured different clubs, sports teams and student organizations. SGA President Ashley Roberts and SGA Parliamentarian Marcos Moreno led the parade, followed by newly-inaugurated president Dr. Stephen Waers and his family.
“Everyone was having a lot of fun,” said Geneva Schepers, a dance team member. “Everyone was happy and enthusiastic, and everyone along the sides of the road was cheering (the dance and cheer team) on. It was a really fun energy.”
According to director of alumni relations and development Belle King, the registered attendance totaled over 550 people for this year’s festivities, which included alumni, students, staff, teachers and friends. 340 people of the 550 were alumni. However, this number may not be entirely accurate, as some attendees did not register in advance.
This year’s homecoming featured special reunions for “Vintage” Buffs (classes of 1973 and earlier), the 1974 Summer Traveling Choir, ECS Alumni and the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
“Milligan is, was, and always will be a part of my life, deep in my heart,” said Tom Fore, class of 1970. “I have fun memories from my time at Milligan, and we come back as often as we can. It is just a great place, and I would recommend anybody for their education to come here.”
“Milligan is, was, and always will be a part of my life, deep in my heart,” said Tom Fore, class of 1970. “I have fun memories from my time at Milligan, and we come back as often as we can. It is just a great place, and I would recommend anybody for their education to come here.”
In addition to the parade and the reunion events, the festivities included a production of ”Peter Pan & Wendy,” the Celebrate Milligan dinner, the Buffalo 5K run, an alumni vs. student flag football game, the “Murmuration” art exhibit and a homecoming concert. The week prior to homecoming, SGA hosted events for Milligan students, including the Apple Fest and Midnight Dodgeball. Adding to the celebration, was the inauguration of Dr. Waers as Milligan’s new president, which underscored the whole weekend and gave even more reason for the community to come together.
header image by campus activities, image 1,2,3 by Emily Haas
by Emily Haas