Alumni and their families converged on the Anderson University campus on a warm November day for Alumni and Family Day—joining current students, faculty and staff in celebrating all things AU.
Homecoming and Family Day, November 7, began with a Parent Prayer Walk at Brashier Glade. There was also a faculty meet and greet outside the stadium and a Golden Anchor Pinning Reunion for the Class of 1976, a recognition of the Class of 2001 and a Hall of Fame Lunch. The previous night, parents were invited to the Parent Association Dinner.
Before the Homecoming football game against Mars Hill University, alumni spent time catching up with old friends on the Anderson campus, also spending time with sons and daughters who are current students.
Tennis alumni took part in matches that morning, and by the afternoon, Trojan fans began gathering outside Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium for tailgating and a chance to catch up with old classmates while enjoying an informal cornhole game or two.
Then it was time to strike up the band for the Trojan Walk, cheering on Anderson’s Football Team as they arrived on buses provided by Electric City Transport.
Between the first and second quarter of the game, Anderson University paid tribute to the sacrifices of those who served in our Armed Forces, as well as those who continue to serve. President Evans Whitaker read a proclamation designating Anderson University as a Purple Heart University and being established as a Military Friendly Spouse University.
During halftime, Maggie Hill was crowned Homecoming Queen and Jude Strutz was crowned Homecoming King. Also honored were Paulina Chang as Ms. Senior and Will Finley as Mr. Senior, Claire Pugh as Ms. Junior and Sam Faulkner as Mr. Junior, Camryn Johnson as Ms. Sophomore and Tyler Ledbetter as Mr. Sophomore, and Azure Forrester as Ms. Freshman and Chuck Hawkins as Mr. Freshman.
As the November air cooled for some real “football weather,” The Trojans turned on the heat, defeating Mars Hill University on Spero Financial Field with the final score of 17-14.
Following the game, there was music in the air at Henderson Auditorium as the commercial music group AUthenticity performed pop, country and other favorites.
Homecoming and Family Day capped off an event-filled week for students on campus that included a Homecoming Dance, an outdoor movie night, silent disco, and Fall Fest—a “fair” type event featuring several food trucks and amusements including a ferris wheel and other rides. Also, students faced off faculty in the Faculty & Staff vs. Student Kickball Game.
In summary, Homecoming was a chance to celebrate the many ways God has blessed Anderson University—and for Trojans to celebrate each other.