Samford University welcomed thousands Nov. 1-3 to campus in celebration of Homecoming with a packed schedule of festivities including tailgates, alumni and faculty presentations, family-friendly events, awards and football.
The celebrations began on Wednesday with the annual Bulldog Bash in Seibert Stadium where attendees enjoyed performances by the dance and cheer teams.
On Thursday, campus visitors could see decorated boards displayed by student organizations on Ben Brown Plaza and celebrate honored alumni at the Showcase Luncheon. The luncheon featured seven alumni: James Briscione, Dr. Lewis Brooks, Keith Kirkland, Nancy Lipham, Rev. Mark Willard, Donna Yeatman and Blake Ellenberg Youngblood. Thursday evening students celebrated the crowning of the 2018 king and queen, seniors Anne-Chason Wachter and Trent Taylor, at the Homecoming Ball where they were presented alongside the rest of the court.
In addition to campus-wide events, several schools and departments hosted lectures and other presentations by faculty and alumni on Friday and Saturday. Friday also marked several celebrations to thank those who have demonstrated longtime commitment to Samford including the Leadership Forum and the Alumni Candlelight Dinner. Five alumni were honored with alumni awards—Bradley Dennis ’73, Kimeran Stevens ’70, Jeremy Towns ’13, and Allison and Tyler Fuqua ’06.
“It’s family. It’s home. Samford is a place that takes young individuals and gives them a launching pad into their greatest future possible,” Towns said. “That’s how I look at Samford. It has given me resources as a means to be able to impact the community. Samford has been a family that is irreplaceable in my life.”
Saturday tailgating created excitement for the final event everyone was anticipating—the football game against Wofford College. The Quad was bursting with activity from reunion and school tailgates.
For Jordan Hovater ’17, returning to Samford always feels like reuniting with old friends.
“It doesn’t matter who it is. I could meet someone and feel like I’ve known them for years and then all my old professors are there and everyone remembers my name. It’s not because I’m special. It’s because that’s how special the professors are here and how much emphasis they put on their students and that’s been really special for me,” he said.
The Samford football team closed the weekend with a fantastic 35-20 win.
