Methodist University welcomed alumni to campus for its annual Homecoming this past weekend, Oct. 29-30. As COVID-19 stood in the way of festivities last fall, the entire MU community was especially eager and thankful for the opportunity to share memories in person with old friends, and meet new ones.
Methodist University welcomed alumni to campus for its annual Homecoming this past weekend, Oct. 29-30. As COVID-19 stood in the way of festivities last fall, the entire MU community was especially eager and thankful for the opportunity to share memories in person with old friends, and meet new ones.
After a week of activities, students held a pep rally in the Berns Student Center on Friday, and they received their “Beat Brevard” t-shirts to wear to Saturday’s football contest. That evening, alumni gathered for a welcome party, and the community held the traditional homecoming bonfire behind the Riddle Physical Activities Center.
On Saturday morning, President Stanley T. Wearden met with many for coffee and shared in the celebration of alumni and University friends who received the 2020 and 2021 Alumni Awards. Those recognized for their achievements included:
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Rebecca “Becky” Spell Van ’74 (2020), Dr. Mary (Monroe) Atwater ’69 (2021)
- Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Madeline Monday ’14, ’19M, L. Jameco McKenzie ’15 (2021)
- Outstanding Alumni Service Award: Diana Sims ’69 (2020), Steven Faircloth ’87 (2021)
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award: Debbie Yeatts ’07, ’11M (2020), Lynetta Allen-Geddie (2021)
- Philanthropist Award: D. Keith Allison (2020), Ed “Tuna” Keil ’70 (2021)
There were also touching ceremonies that remembered and honored alumni, staff, and faculty who died since the most recent Homecoming. This included the annual ceremonial tee shots taken by students and staff of the Professional Golf Management program.
On the athletic fields, Homecoming presented a promising two-sport doubleheader for Monarch fans. The women’s soccer team, undefeated in conference play and the top seed from the East Division, hosted Huntingdon College (Ala.) in the USA South Conference Tournament quarterfinals at 11 a.m., prior to the regularly scheduled Homecoming football game at 1 p.m.
In the first Homecoming match since the opening of the Nancy and Murray Duggins Soccer Stadium, the Monarchs defeated Huntingdon 2-0 and they will host the semifinals and final this coming weekend.
At Monarch Stadium, the Monarchs football team did indeed “Beat Brevard” in thrilling come-from-behind fashion, as a one-yard touchdown run with 49 seconds left in the game lifted the Monarchs to a 31-27 win. During halftime, the 2021 NCAA-III National Champion Methodist University Women’s Golf team received its championship rings (below).
Homecoming weekend came to a close with other special events that included the 50th Reunion Classes of 1970 and 1971 celebrating a meal together and sharing remembrances of their time at then “Methodist College.”