Anderson University alumni and their families joined current students and their families, faculty and staff for Homecoming and Family Week at Anderson University.
Despite weather-related delays, Homecoming 2024 was worth the wait.
This year’s Homecoming was especially unforgettable with the Trojan Football Team playing at home on Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium. Crowds donned their Black and Gold and came out Saturday to enjoy tailgating in the stadium parking lot.
Early in the afternoon Trojan fans gathered for the Trojan Walk to cheer on the arriving Football Team. This was the first–ever Trojan Walk to happen during Homecoming. At halftime, Emma Ruth Pederson was crowned Homecoming Queen and Ian Thomson was crowned Homecoming King. Also crowned were Mr. And Mrs. Freshman, James Parson and Peyton O’Brien; Mr. And Mrs. Sophomore, Weston Pack and Carlie Kneece; and Mr. And Mrs. Junior, D’Andre Hicks and Leah Duncan.
The Trojans fought well but Mars Hill prevailed, winning 31-16.
In another Homecoming competition, the Women’s Basketball Team played at Abney Gym, losing Friday to Flagler 83-71, but defeating Clayton State Saturday 66-63.
In Homecoming highlights, the Fun Zone moved this year to the Athletic Campus for the young and young-at-heart. In addition to performances from the South Carolina School of the Arts, there was a delicious Southern-style BBQ lunch and also, faculty reconnected with alumni during a meet-and-greet. The College of Health Professions hosted Teddy Gets a Checkup, where youngsters were given a small stuffed bear and learned some wellness fundamentals (with an emphasis on “fun”). Homecoming participants made new memories taking selfies and photos at a beautiful photo backdrop that proclaims, “Long Live Anderson.” Also, AU’s Clay Collective had a variety of student-produced ceramic items for sale.
Homecoming and Family Weekend was preceded by a weeklong Homecoming celebration for students that included a huge Homecoming Dance, where students were eager to show their dance moves, a “Battle of the Classes” on the Athletic Campus Practice Field and a faculty vs. staff kickball game. There was also a chance to see stars of the silver screen during Outdoor Movie Night at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.
Anderson University is especially grateful to Homecoming Sponsor South State Bank.