Homecoming promises international flavor February 21-23
Homecoming at Wayland Baptist University has traditionally been a time to celebrate the past through reunions while catching up with old friends in the present.
This year’s homecoming festivities will be no different in that respect, but a special aspect of Wayland’s heritage will be the focus of most events. The tradition of international students and the unique cultures they have brought to Wayland’s student body over the years will be celebrated this year with the theme “Wayland Around the World.”
Through testimonies and talent presentations at the Friday banquet from some of Wayland’s current international students, the spotlight will shine on the role the university has played in training students from other lands and sending them as missionaries back to their countries.
The majority of the homecoming schedule remains intact from previous years, but a few changes come with the 2008 lineup. For starters, the Golden Anniversary dinner has been replaced with a breakfast for the Class of 1958 honorees and their guests to be held on Friday morning at 7 a.m. This event gives the honor class a chance to visit with more time and still attend other homecoming events that have been in conflict.
Another change is the combining of class reunions into one location to allow for easy access and visiting by the groups, said Danny Andrews, director of alumni development and organizer of the event. Honor classes to be recognized will be 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988 and 1998.
Friday afternoon will feature a special induction ceremony for Dr. J. Hoyt Bowers and Dr. Gerald Thompson into the Division of Mathematics and Sciences Hall of Honor in Moody Science Building.
Saturday’s traditional luncheon will take on a more informal flair (possibly in the new Laney Student Activities Center), leading up to the ball games. While details of that event are still being firmed, the plan is for a family event that will encourage folks to come for lunch and stay to cheer on the Pioneers and Queens.
Begin making your plans now to return to Wayland for homecoming 2008! It’ll be a weekend to remember with international flavor.