Homecoming 2023

Homecoming is a great time for alumni to return to the campus they once called home, reconnect with former classmates and revisit traditions you know and love. It's a special time at a special place.

For 2023, we're excited to offer an in-person format for Homecoming on the Plainview campus as well as some virtual offerings for those who cannot make the trip to reminisce in person. This includes both some livestream opportunities and some on-demand events.

Plan to join us here on campus, then reach out to your classmates and invite them to join you for a great weekend of reminiscing and reconnecting! There is no place like home!

 

Homecoming Royalty Information

Get Information & Apply

 

Download Homecoming Schedule

Schedule of Events

• Wednesday, Feb. 15
• Thursday, Feb. 16
• Friday, Feb 17
• Saturday, Feb 18
• Other Activities

 

Wednesday, Feb. 15 

5 p.m. CST:  Military Alumni Reunion

Join us via Zoom for a time to connect with others who have served or are currently serving our country from the Wayland Alumni Family.

Registration Link: WBU Alumni Homecoming 2023

 

Thursday, Feb. 16

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Jimmy Dean Museum & Museum of the Llano Estacado open

10 a.m.-5 p.m.:  Abraham Art Gallery open (Mabee LRC atrium level)

The Abraham Art Gallery Exhibit will be open for visitors, featuring an exhibit of book illustrations by R. Gregory Christie on display through May. 

 

6 p.m.:  Flying Queens® Basketball vs. USAO

Watch Wayland's Flying Queens® take on University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, live in Hutcherson Center. Available to livestream remotely.

 

8 p.m.:  Pioneer Basketball vs. USAO

Watch Wayland's Pioneers take on University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, live in Hutcherson Center. Available to livestream remotely.

 

Friday, Feb. 17

9 -10:45 a.m.: Registration and Coffee (Harral north foyer)

 

10 a.m.-4 p.m.:  Jimmy Dean Museum & Museum of the Llano Estacado open

Both museums will be open for local visitors with standing exhibits and special features. 

 

10 a.m.-4 p.m.:  Abraham Art Gallery open (Mabee LRC atrium level)

The Abraham Art Gallery Exhibit will be open for visitors, featuring an exhibit of book illustrations by R. Gregory Christie on display through May. 

 

11 a.m.:  Homecoming Chapel (Harral Auditorium)

Join us for a special homecoming chapel with a panel discussion featuring some of our alumni. We'll also recognize our honor class alumni and introduce our homecoming queen and king candidates. Alma Mater Performed by: Wayland Singers. 

Livestream: https://www.wbu.edu/about/spiritual-life/chapel/index.htm 

 

 

Noon:  Legacy League Luncheon (UC 211, free for Class of 1973 or prior)

This special luncheon recognizes the 50-year honor class and any graduates prior to 1973 as well as our Distinguished Alumni honorees. Additionally, we will have the International Choir perform. It is open to any homecoming guests with an advance RSVP.

(Registration is closed: 2/8/23)

 

1:30-5 p.m.:  Homecoming Headquarters open (Gates Hall)

Registration continues, campus tours depart from here at 2:30 and 3:30. Find information on all things Homecoming here!

 

2-5 p.m.: Honor Class Reunions (President's House B&B, 1307 W 6th)

Honor classes will gather at the President's House for a time of reminiscing and catching up with some refreshments. Honor classes include 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013.

 

6 p.m.:  Blue & Gold Awards Banquet (Trinity Auditorium-9th and Utica, $15)

Join us as we honor this year's Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Alumni Benefactor, Distinguished Young Alumnus, Alumnus of the Year & our Pioneers of Promise student honorees. 

Menu: Chicken Parmesan, Green Beans Almandine, Oven Roasted Red Potatoes, Green Leaf/Iceberg Salad, Silver Dollar Dinner Rolls, Dessert, Tea/Water (Catering by: Gilbert's Catering) 

(Registration is closed: 2/16/23)

 

 

Alumni to be Honored:

Donnie Brown, BA'93 (Plainview campus)
Director of Spiritual Life, Wayland, Plainview, Texas

Rick Cooper, BS'81, MEd'85 (Plainview campus)
Men's Basketball Operations, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Kathie Jackson, BS'74 (Plainview campus)
Retired Longtime Educator, Amarillo, Texas

Richard Miller, BS'87, MDiv'21 (Plainview campus)
Pastor, Happy Union Baptist Church and retired probation officer, Plainview, Texas

Dr. Hailey Budnick, BS'14
Neurosurgical Resident, IUPUI, Indianapolos, Indiana; Distinguished Young Alumnus

Sally Dillman Eaves, BS'75
Co-Owner, Salt Shop Handmades, Plainview, Texas; Distinguished Benefactor

 

8 p.m.:  School of Creative Arts Showcase (Harral Auditorium, free)

Our Wayland Singers and International Choir will show off their talents in this fun new event. Additionally, we will have exhibits displayed around the foyer. 

 

 

 

Saturday, Feb. 18

9:30 a.m.: WBU Choirs Mini-Concert and Reunion (Miller Recital Hall)

Join hosts Dr. Ann Stutes, Dean of the School of Creative Arts, and Dr. Sarah Herrington, Director of Choral Studies, for a time of fellowship and reminiscing and hear our Wayland Singers and International Choir. 

 

10 a.m.-4 p.m.:  Jimmy Dean Museum & Museum of the Llano Estacado open

Both museums will be open for local visitors with standing exhibits and special features.

 

10:30 a.m.:  Grand Opening Celebration for Flying Queens Museum (Museum Complex)

Join former Flying Queens and the Flying Queens Foundation for an unveiling of the new museum and experience it for yourself.

 

11 a.m.:  Young Alumni Coffee & Conversation (Broadway Brew)

Meet our Director, Jeffrey Vera, for coffee and free pastries at the Broadway Brew and network with other young alumni.

 

1 -2 p.m.:  School of Christian Studies Alumni Mixer (Flores Bible Building)

Catch up with professors and former faculty as well as fellow SCS alumni at this informal mixer in the Flores Building. 

 

2-5 p.m.:  Abraham Art Gallery open (Mabee LRC atrium level)

The Abraham Art Gallery Exhibit will be open for visitors, featuring an exhibit of book illustrations by R. Gregory Christie on display through May. 

 

2 p.m.:  Flying Queens® Basketball vs. Texas Wesleyan

Watch Wayland's Flying Queens® take on Texas Wesleyan, live in Hutcherson Center. Our Wayland Singers will be performing the National Anthem.  

Available to livestream remotely. Sponsored by Plainview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

 

4 p.m.:  Pioneer Basketball vs. Texas Wesleyan

Watch Wayland's Pioneers vs. Texas Wesleyan, live in Hutcherson Center. Presentation of Homecoming King and Queen winners during halftime.   Available to livestream remotely. Sponsored by Plainview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

 

8 p.m.: SAC Hosts "Show up & Glow Up" Kahoot (Pete's Place, free)

Compete against other students for prizes in trivia, dance-off and rock-paper-scissors for a fun night to cap off Homecoming. Free glow sticks and goodies to all participants. Hosted by Student Alumni Council. 

  

Homecoming@Home

Live far from Plainview but want to participate from home? We will mail a "Homecoming-in-a-Box" for $5 for registered alumni who indicate this option, then send the links to watch selected activities remotely. Boxes will include WBU swag and other items to help you celebrate homecoming with your family in your own home. Limited to the first 150 remote registrations received by Feb. 9. 

 

Lodging Information

Following are lodging options in Plainview and special deals, if any, that are offered:

• Comfort Suites - 3615 Grandview Drive,  (806) 293-7700, 10% off regular rates with WBU event mention
• Holiday Inn Express - 4213 W. 13 ^th,  (806) 296-9900, 15% off regular rates with WBU event mention
• President's House Bed & Breakfast, 1307 W. 6th St., 806-869-0885, discount for WBU event guests
• Quality Inn - 600 N I-27,  (806) 293-9454, $74/night, mention WBU event 
• Super 8 - 4005 Olton Road,  (806) 293-4181
• The Hitching Post RV Park & Cabins  - 4018 N. I-27, (806) 789-3066, $40 nightly for RV site, cabins vary