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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Oct. 17, 2023) — Milligan University welcomes alumni and friends to campus next weekend, Oct. 27-28, for its annual Homecoming celebration. In addition to alumni-specific events, the weekend includes several events that are open to the public—a parade, 5K run/walk, concert, theatre production, lectures and athletic events.
Notably, this year’s Homecoming festivities will include an appreciation reception for President and Mrs. Greer on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m. in the Gregory Center Lobby. The reception honors and celebrates their service to Milligan before Greer retires as the university’s 15th president at the end of the 2024 academic year and transitions to the role of chancellor.
“Homecoming is a special time to reconnect, reminisce and make new memories at Milligan,” said Rhajon Smith, vice president for institutional advancement. “It’s the perfect opportunity for students, 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 Dale Clayton (’73). Corey (’96) and Ronda Vaught Paulson (’97) will receive the Professional Excellence Award. The Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are Rich Aubrey (’85), Eli Cramer (’24) and Sidney Burns Greatti (’11). The Spirit of Milligan Award will be presented to Bill Gwaltney.
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, “A Botanical Solarium: Following Years in Ukraine,” by alumna Alys West (’98), will open at 11 a.m. with a reception in the Milligan Art Gallery in Derthick Hall. Inspired by her years spent ministering in Ukraine, West’s exhibit shares her creative approach to finding joy and beauty in the world God created.
The weekend also includes two faculty lectures. At 11 a.m., Dr. David Campbell, professor of economics, will present “Milliganomics: A Tradition of Faith and Free Markets.” This lecture will explore the history of Milligan economists, including Frank Knight, Eugene Price and President Greer. Retired professors Drs. Lee (’69) and Pat Magness (’69) will discuss various highlights from their 58 years at Milligan in their lecture, “Buffalo Bites: A Mountain of Memories,” at 2 p.m. Both lectures will occur in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre in the Gregory Center.
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, “Celebrating the Music of Appalachia,” at 3:45 p.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in Seeger Chapel. The concert celebrates the music of our region as Milligan’s instrumental and vocal ensembles perform bluegrass, old time, folk and country songs.
Milligan’s musical theatre will perform “The Drowsy Chaperone” on Oct. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2:30 p.m. in Milligan’s McGlothlin-Street Theatre located in the Gregory Center. This musical comedy won five Tony Awards and will transport viewers back to the Roaring Twenties with its colorful cast and songs. Tickets can be purchased in advance at milligan.tix.com.
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.