Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2011-10-19

 

Samford University will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 28 and 29 with reunions, recognition of special alumni, a parade and other fun activities.

The two-day celebration begins for members of the Class of 1961 and earlier at the traditional Golden Bulldog Brunch on Friday, Oct. 28, at 11:30 a.m. at the Samford president’s home.

On-campus events kick off Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Reid Chapel with a vespers service featuring the Samford Chorale and A Cappella Choir.

The 6:30 p.m. Homecoming banquet will honor 2011 Alumni of the Year Joe McDade, Class of 1961, and Mark Davidson, Class of 1992; and 2011 Outstanding Young Alumna Kitty Rogers Brown, Class of 2001. A 7:30 p.m. pep rally and bonfire is sponsored by the Student Government Association’s activities council.

Saturday morning events include a McWhorter School of Pharmacy Continuing Education seminar, hot air balloon rides, an art sale sponsored by the education school, a women’s basketball scrimmage, and reunions for band alumni, S-Club members and pharmacy graduates.

Alabama historian and author Wayne Flynt, Class of 1961, will speak at the popular Live at the Library program at 9:30 a.m. in Davis Library. The 10:30 a.m. parade, always a hit with spectators, will include the Samford marching band, floats and walking groups.

Journalism and Mass Communication’s Wall of Fame ceremony at 11:15 a.m. in Bolding Studio will honor two distinguished alumni:  the late Hugh Frank Smith, Class of 1937, who was the first three-time editor of the Crimson student newspaper; and George H. Smith, Class of 1960, M.A. ’70, a Birmingham area businessman who was public relations director at Samford in the 1960s.

The Class of 1961 will enjoy its Golden Reunion luncheon at 11:30 in Wright Center.

Mid-day events include a men’s basketball scrimmage, and reunions for nursing, education, Omicron Delta Kappa, classes of 1986 and 2001, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Cornerstone curriculum and the Classics department. Some reunions will include barbecue.  Lunch will also be available in the university dining hall.

At 2 p.m., the Samford Bulldogs will meet Western Carolina in Seibert Stadium.  Football game halftime will feature introduction of the Homecoming court and announcement of the Queen and senior honor escort. Post-game events include an A Cappella Choir alumni reception and performance, and a 6 p.m. volleyball match against Wofford.

 

Some events, including Friday’s brunch and banquet and Saturday’s Class of 1961 luncheon, require advance reservations and payment.  Many events allow for walk-up participation and payment.  For a complete schedule and event details, consult the homecoming website at www.samford.edu/alumni.   Football game tickets are available at www.samfordsports.com. Or, call (205) 726-DOGS (3647).

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.