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MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY, Tenn. (Oct. 21, 2022) — Milligan University welcomes alumni and friends to campus next weekend, Oct. 28-29, for its annual Homecoming celebration. In addition to alumni-specific events, the weekend includes several events that are open to the public—a parade, bridge dedication, 5K run/walk, concert, theatre production, lectures and athletic events.
“Homecoming at Milligan is a special time to reconnect, reminisce and make new memories,” said Rhajon Smith, vice president for institutional advancement. “It’s an exciting opportunity for parents, students, and alumni and their families to come together and enjoy our beautiful campus.”
On Friday evening, the annual “Celebrate Milligan” dinner will honor several Milligan alumni and friends for their achievements and contributions. The Distinguished Alumnus Award will go to Roger Babik (’79). Jason Derry (’96) and Suzanne Lake Nadell (’97) will receive the Professional Excellence Award. The Athletics Hall of Fame inductees include members of the 1998-99 women’s basketball team. The Heritage Award will be presented to the Phillips and Magness families.
Saturday morning begins with the Associated Ladies for Milligan’s annual Buffalo 5K Run/2.5K walk, sponsored by Workspace Interiors. The race starts at 8 a.m. at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse and proceeds benefit student scholarships.
A photography exhibit, “Houses of the Lord,” by alumnus Amy Shumaker (’20), will open at 11 a.m. in the Milligan Art Gallery located in Derthick Hall and run through Nov. 4. The exhibit details the many architectural and theological styles of Christianity in Appalachia.
The weekend also includes two faulty lectures. Retired professors Drs. Lee (’69) and Pat (’69) Magness present “Jesus and the Arts” at 11 a.m. in the Willis Room located in the Gregory Center. At 2 p.m., Dr. Rich Aubrey (’85), retired basketball coach and current campus minister, presents “Athletics as Connection,” also in the Willis Room.
At 1 p.m., the bridge at the campus entrance will be dedicated in memory of legendary coach, administrator, professor and World War II veteran Duard Walker (’48), who passed away in 2020.
The annual Homecoming parade will make its way down Blowers Boulevard at 1:30 p.m. and lead into the festival on Derthick lawn, which includes kettle corn and inflatables for kids of all ages.
Milligan’s area of music will perform a short, family-friendly concert, “All That Jazz,” at 3:30 p.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in Seeger Chapel. The concert showcases the beloved jazz repertoire and includes iconic songs such as “What a Wonderful World,” “I Wan’na Be Like You” from Disney’s Jungle Book, and “Georgia on My Mind.”
The theatre arts area will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Oct. 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. in Milligan’s McGlothlin-Street Theatre located in the Gregory Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance at milligan.tix.com.
In addition to alumni and student athletic events, Milligan volleyball hosts conference foe Point University at 11 a.m. inside Lacy Fieldhouse. The soccer teams will compete against Johnson University on Milligan’s Anglin Field. The women’s game begins at 5 p.m. The men’s game is slated for 7 p.m.
All meal events, theatre performances and the walk/run are ticketed events. The remaining events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule of events and more information, visit milligan.edu/homecoming.