Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2008-10-15

Samford University will celebrate Homecoming 2008 with a weekend of varied activities Oct. 24-26.

Alumni and students will enjoy reunions, entertainment, fireworks, a campus festival, football and more during the three-day event.

Friday's events include the annual Samford Alumni Association meeting at 4 p.m., followed by an evensong worship service and a special presentation honoring former music dean Dr. L . Gene Black. "It's a Grand Night for Singing" at 7 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall will recognize Dr. Black's 35-year Samford career as professor, dean and conductor of the A Cappella Choir.

A pep rally with bonfire and fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday morning events include the popular Live at the Library at 9:30 a.m. with singer/songwriter Kate Campbell and historian/author Wayne Flynt, both Samford alumni. Their unique performance will combine literature and music, with a decidedly Southern focus.

An 11 a.m. parade with floats, bands, and dignitaries will include Alumni of the Year Bennie Bumpers, Class of 1963, of Birmingham, and Paula and Rod Hovater, classes of 1969 and 1967 respectively, of Roswell, Ga.

Throughout the morning and during a festival on the campus quadrangle 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Samford will host reunion gatherings by affinity groups and student generations. An outdoor picnic lunch will be available, and a reunion luncheon in the dining hall will offer an indoor setting for greeting former classmates and teachers. Art by Samford students, faculty and alumni will be on display in the art gallery.

For the first time, Samford's McWhorter School of Pharmacy will offer a mid-day Homecoming health fair with screenings and flu shots available.

Football activity will kick off at 2 p.m. in Seibert Stadium when the Samford Bulldogs meet the Bulldogs of The Citadel. Halftime activity will include the presentation of the 2008 Homecoming Court and the crowning of the queen.

The Class of 1958 will meet for a Golden Reunion dinner at 6 p.m.

"An Evening to Remember" concert at 7:30 p.m. will feature past and present performance groups, including the A Cappella Alumni Choir, with Dr. Black as guest conductor.

A Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. will be led by alumnus and religion professor Dr. Jim Barnette. The day's events continue with a brunch, afternoon volleyball game and a 6 p.m. concert with Kate Campbell in Brock Recital Hall.

The weekend schedule also includes several academic advisory board meetings and continuing education programs for pharmacy and nursing. Most events are free. For more details and ticket information check the website at www.samford.edu/homecoming2008 or call (205) 726-2807.

 
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.