Bluefield, VA – Bluefield University alumni, family, and friends are welcomed back to campus, Thursday, October 21 through Sunday, October 24, for the 2021 Homecoming and Family Weekend.
“Homecoming is a ‘hallmark’ occasion for Bluefield University drawing alumni, family, and friends to celebrate milestone years since graduating from Bluefield,” said Dr. Marshall Flowers, provost at Bluefield University. “This ‘Centennial Year’ will have a significant reach in drawing all alumni, family, and friends back to its alma mater since a 100-year reunion/birthday party is an historic milestone.”
Festivities will begin Thursday with the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and indoor track and field teams at Mountain Top Madness. BU students can gather at 7:00 p.m. in the Dome Gymnasium to meet the winter sports teams.
“Each team will be introduced and will provide a short exhibition to those in attendance. There will be games and prizes for students,” said Bob Redd, director of athletic communications.
At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Department of Theatre will present The 39 Steps, Patrick Barlow’s 2005 stage play following the thrill and mystery surrounding a secret spy organization, in Harman Auditorium.
The 39 Steps is also showing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free for BU students, faculty, and staff. Tickets will be available for $10 to adults and for $5 to senior adults and students from other schools. Call (276) 326-4244 to reserve tickets.
At noon on Friday, BU alumni, family, and friends are invited to Cruise Hall for the Lighthouse on the Hill Centennial Exhibit ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opening of the Hospitality Room. The Homecoming Family Luncheon will also begin at noon in the Dining Hall.
The Dr. Donna Watson Goodness and Light Alumni Award will be presented at 4:00 p.m. on Friday in Easley Library. This award recognizes teacher education graduates for their excellence in the classroom. It was created by the School of Education and Social Science and the Office of Alumni Relations after the 2016-2017 academic year when Dr. Watson bid farewell to Bluefield University.
The Golden Graduate Reception, which “highlights alumni celebrating 50 years of memories” according to Dr. Flowers, will be held in Shott Hall A and B at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
BU volleyball alumni are invited to play with or against one another at 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the Dome Gymnasium. Admission to the Alumni Volleyball Game will be free. Students and faculty will be seated on the floor level, and the second level is reserved for visitors. Buddy Gallemore, head women’s volleyball coach, described the event as “a great time for our current players to interact with former players.”
Dessert will be served in the Hospitality Room on the first floor of Cruise Hall at 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
The Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT) is hosting the Homecoming Dance at The Grind Coffee Shop & Eatery at 9:00 p.m. on Friday.
“There will be free public transportation for students who need it, and plenty of food, drinks, and music for everyone!” said Alysia Townsley, SALT president.
After breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, campus tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. in front of Lansdell Hall.
The Alumni Association will meet in the Dining Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Hal Keene, director of planned giving & major gifts, will host the Introduction to the Heritage Society at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in Shott Hall A and B. This society was formed in 2000 to extend the university’s planned giving efforts and recognize those that have provided for Bluefield University.
The women’s volleyball team will compete against Johnson University at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Dome Gymnasium. Seniors Leslie Flores, Kassidy Brown, Adrianah Grajeda, and Gabby Courtney will be recognized. Like the Alumni Volleyball Game, admission will be free, and visitors will be seated on the second level.
“I think that our morale is high. We are doing well in the conference, and we are playing with a lot of confidence,” Gallemore said.
The Alumni Awards Banquet will be held at noon on Saturday in Harman Auditorium. Alumni are nominated by their peers to be recognized for community service, professional accomplishments, and personal achievements.
Tailgating before the football game begins at 2:00 p.m. with dinner and a tailgate competition at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Alumni and students are welcome.
“SALT and several other organizations will be outside Mitchell Stadium for our Homecoming Carnival Tailgate before the football game. There will be games, prizes, and food!” Townsley said.
The Rams football team will compete against St. Andrews University at Mitchell Stadium at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free for BU students, faculty, and staff. Adults can purchase tickets for $10, and admission will be $5 for students from other schools.
“We continue to play hard and are looking to win these close games we have been playing going forward,” said Dewey Lusk, head football coach. “The team is looking forward to and excited about playing St. Andrews; it should be a great game, a typical Mid-South Conference clash!”
“After the game, students can stop by the Dome to make a s’more or hot dog at our Homecoming Bonfire,” Townsley said. “There will be more music, food, and drinks for everyone!”
At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Highlands Fellowship will lead worship in Harman Chapel. The Dining Hall will begin serving lunch at 11:30 a.m.
The women’s soccer team will compete against Truett McConnell University at East River Soccer Complex at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday followed by the men’s soccer team at 4:00 p.m.
The final presentation of The 39 Steps will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday in Harman Auditorium.
“I hope we will have a record number of alumni and families attending this special Homecoming and Family Weekend. You only celebrate 100 once” said President David Olive. “I also hope everyone who comes will connect or reconnect with friends and share in memories while making new ones.”
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