Nostalgia will be the order of the day for Wayland Baptist University alums as Homecoming 2002 approaches Nov. 22-23 with reunions, basketball games and theatrical productions planned to entertain returning former students.

Graduates and exes from the Class of 1952 will be gathering for their Golden Anniversary luncheon, while alums from the classes of 1962, 1972, 1982 and 1992 will hold class reunions during the weekend.

Former members of Wayland recruiting groups - including Rejoice, Rec Teams, His Brass and Tribute - will be gathering for a special reunion marking their 20th year serving the university. Those groups will gather Friday evening in the McClung University Center student lounge following the banquet.

Former WBU theatre stars will be shining as they perform musical numbers from past Wayland musicals during the Saturday evening production of Shorts and the City in Harral Studio Theatre.

The weekend begins Friday with registration and coffee at 9 a.m. in Harral Auditorium, followed by the Homecoming Chapel service at 11 a.m. featuring the presentation of the distinguished alumni awards. The Golden Anniversary luncheon is set for 12:30 p.m. in the University Center, with tickets for $9.50 for friends and guests and no charge for members of the Class of 1952.

The afternoon features an open house at the Alumni House, campus tours and a reception for the Classes of 1945, '46 and '47. The annual Homecoming Banquet begins at 6 p.m. in the University Center, with tickets at $10 per person and prior reservations requested. Class and organization reunions will follow the banquet in the home of class members in Plainview, and an 8 p.m. production of Shorts and the City will be held in Harral Studio Theatre. A bonfire and pep rally is slated for 9 p.m.

Saturday's events include organization and class reunions, including a reunion and mini-concert by former International Choir members at 9 a.m. Former athletes will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor during a ceremony slated for 10 a.m. in McClung Center, room 211. A barbecue luncheon will be held at noon in the University Center, featuring the dedication of several scholarship plaques, presentation of the Coming Home Queen and entertainment by Rejoice. At 1:30 p.m., officials will dedicate the engraved brick-lined Heritage Walkway between Harral Auditorium and Hutcherson Center.

A basketball double-header will fill the afternoon, with the Flying Queens taking the court against Huston-Tillotson at 2 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. face-off between the Pioneers and the Yellowjackets of Howard Payne University. The crowning of the Homecoming Queen will be held during halftime of the Pioneer game.

The weekend will be capped off by the 8 p.m. production of Shorts and the City, featuring theatre alums performing musical numbers, in Harral Studio Theatre. Tickets are $4 for alums and $8 for others. A reception for former stars and directors will follow in the Miller Recital Hall.