There was something special in the air during Methodist University’s 2024 Homecoming – blending the past, present, and future all while creating memories that will last a lifetime. The iconic weekend, Oct. 18-20, brought alumni, students, family, staff, and friends to campus for a time jampacked with signature events such the Alumni Awards Ceremony (winners listed below), Athletics Hall of Fame Induction (inductees listed below), Candlelight Memorial Services, Black Alumni Chapter Brunch, alumni athletic events, and class reunions.
Top Photos of Homecoming
To access the top photos from Methodist University’s 2204 Homecoming, view our Flickr page.
A Homecoming to Remember
There was something special in the air during Methodist University’s 2024 Homecoming – blending the past, present, and future all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The iconic weekend, Oct. 18-20, brought alumni, students, family, staff, and friends to campus for a time jampacked with signature events such the Alumni Awards Ceremony (winners listed below), Athletics Hall of Fame Induction (inductees listed below), Candlelight Memorial Services, Black Alumni Chapter Brunch, alumni athletic events, and class reunions.
“Other than Commencement, Homecoming is my favorite event of the academic year,” said President Stanley T. Wearden. “It’s such a great opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to spend time together as one united Methodist University community. I enjoyed seeing everyone at the many events we hosted and hope everyone took advantage of the opportunity to meet someone new – someone who graduated before or after you, or a current student.”
There were also many student-centered events leading up to the weekend, such as the Homecoming bonfire, rally towel and sign making, and even bingo.
“I love being able to see my Monarch family from years past come back and catch up on life,” said junior Caroline Peterson, a Nursing major. “It was a fun week full of activities that helped me meet new people and connect with old friends. Homecoming allows you to get a feel of what being a Monarch truly means – a community of smiling faces and connections that last forever.”
The weekend even included a variety of new events including men’s and women’s lacrosse alumni games, Black Alumni Chapter Game Night, Music Bingo, and a 50+ Class Year Reunion.
Methodist University’s Homecoming brought alumni from near and afar together, including Gary Miller ’67, who traveled to Methodist University for the first time in 27 years from Titusville, Florida. He encouraged some of his former classmates to attend the Homecoming with him this weekend – a moment he will never forget.
“I hadn’t been this excited for anything in a long, long time,” said Miller. “I don’t know how many more Homecomings I’ll get to attend, so I wanted to make the most out of this year. I’m truly blessed.”
Big crowds gathered together for tailgating and fellowship as they supported Methodist University’s teams on Saturday: women’s soccer and football. Head over to the official site for MU Athletics to learn more.
2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions
One of the joys of the athletic community is the opportunity to honor the outstanding student-athletes of years past. The following Monarchs were inducted into the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame:
- Kaitlin (Flaherty) Bisplinghoff ’11 (Women’s Tennis)
- James Green ’84 (Men’s Basketball)
- Ruth Keegan ’95 (Women’s Soccer)
- Max Reber ’14 (Football)
- Teams of Distinction: 1999 & 2000 Softball teams
“When I first started playing soccer as a child, I never imagined this moment would come true,” said Keegan. “The journey has been filled with hard work, dedication, and countless unforgettable memories.”
2024 Alumni Association Award Winners
Methodist University is also proud to honor some of the alumni, faculty, staff, and philanthropists who have helped make a difference. The following received Alumni Association Awards:
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Diedre Windsor ’94
- Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Christopher Biggins ’14
- Alumni Service Award: Dr. Mica (Gay) Mitchell ’01
- Outstanding Faculty Award: Dr. Denise Bauer
- Outstanding Staff Award: Rebecca King ’12
- Philanthropist Award: Norwood E. Bryan Jr.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Windsor. “Returning to campus 30 years later, I was truly impressed by the incredible progress the University has made. As a non-traditional student, it can be sometimes be challenging to feel closely connected with your university, but the warmth of this recognition reminded me of the profound impact Methodist University has had on my life and career.”