PLAINVIEW, TX — “Traditions Ignite” is the theme for Wayland Baptist University’s 2024 Homecoming celebration, which starts with a virtual event on Wednesday, Feb. 7, includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mabee Laboratory Sciences Building on Friday, and the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen on Saturday as festivities continue through Feb. 10.
“Homecoming is a great time for alumni to return to the campus they once called home, reconnect with former classmates and revisit traditions they know and love. It's a special time at a special place,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services. “For 2024, we’re excited to offer an in-person format for Homecoming on the Plainview campus as well as some virtual offerings for those who cannot make the trip to reminisce in person. Homecoming includes both livestream opportunities and on-demand events.”
Homecoming kicks off at 5 p.m. Wednesday with the annual Military Alumni Reunion. Taking place via Zoom, this virtual event allows Wayland alumni who are veterans to connect with others who have served or are currently serving. A link is available on the homecoming page in the alumni section of wbu.edu.
As alumni arrive Thursday, Mabee Regional Heritage Center’s three museums will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alumni and friends can browse through the Flying Queens Museum, Jimmy Dean Museum and Museum of the Llano Estacado. Also, Malouf Abraham Family Art Gallery, on the lower level of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Learning Resources Center, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m., Wayland’s Flying Queens take on the Texas Wesleyan University Lady Rams at Hutcherson Center in the first game of a “Red Out” basketball doubleheader. Wayland’s Pioneers take on the Texas Wesleyan University Rams at 8 p.m. Held in conjunction with Heart Awareness Month, all fans are encouraged to wear red. One lucky fan will win a drawing for a blood pressure monitor. Both games will be livestreamed.
While the “Red Out” doubleheaders is played, a 360 photobooth and stand still photobooth will be available in Hutcherson Center.
“For alumni, this is an opportunity to create some Homecoming memories as we unite to ignite,” Vera said.
Alumni can ignite their day with coffee from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Friday. Registration and Coffee takes place in the north foyer of Harral Memorial Auditorium. The museums at Mabee Regional Heritage Center, as well as Malouf Abraham Family Art Gallery, also welcome alumni and friends starting at 10 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
Continuing a longtime tradition, Homecoming Chapel is set for 11 a.m., Friday, in Harral Auditorium. Honor classes will be recognized, Homecoming queen and king candidates will be introduced, and Jeremy Bryant (BA '99), a 20-year sales and marketing representative with Foster Communications will be the featured speaker. Bryant has been the voice of Angelo State University Athletics for 19 years. His “Sports Huddle” program is the top-ranked sports talk show in San Angelo, and he is a six-time recipient of the Lone Star Conference Broadcaster of the Year award. The chapel service will be broadcast on KWLD 91.5 FM in the Plainview area and livestreamed at /about/spiritual-life/chapel/index.htm .
Homecoming activities continue at noon with the Legacy League Luncheon, and RSVP event which recognizes members of the 1974 50-year honor class as well as all graduates prior to 1973. Two events take place after the luncheon — Pioneers baseball at 1 p.m. and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Mabee Laboratory Sciences Building at 1:30 p.m.
The Pioneers take on the Tabor College Blue Jays in a nine-inning game at Wilder Field. The game will be livestreamed. Starting at noon, Wayland Baptist Student Ministries will be offering free hotdogs at the ballfield.
In an historic moment for the university, the ribbon-cutting for the Mabee Laboratory Sciences Building celebrates the opening of the facility as well as the successful conclusion of Wayland’s Impact 2020 Campaign. Refreshments will be served, and there will be opportunities to tour the building, which houses the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences. The public is encouraged to attend as Wayland celebrates another milestone.
Homecoming Headquarters will be open in Gates Hall from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, for alumni registration, information, and campus tours, which take place from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Honor Class Reunions takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the BSM Fellowship Room in the Trinity Building. Honor Classes include 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014.
“This is an opportunity for alumni to reminisce and catchup while enjoying refreshments,” Vera said.
The annual Blue and Gold Banquet takes place at 6 p.m., Friday in Trinity Building Chapel. At this RSVP event, Wayland Alumni Association will recognize Distinguished Alumni Award winners, Distinguished Alumni Benefactor winners, the Distinguished Young Alumnus, the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and two Joe and Freda Provence Distinguished Lifetime Service Award winners. Also, Sarah Wallace will be recognized with BEST Award.
The Math and Science Alumni Reunion in Moody Science Building kicks off Homecoming events at 9 a.m. Saturday. Breakfast will be served on a first come, first served basis.
“If you are a math or science major, come fellowship with former classmates or students from other decades and hear more about our current programs,” Vera said. “A small breakfast will be served, and there will be tours of the new Mabee Laboratory Sciences Building.”
An alumni coffee mixer takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Broadway Brew in downtown Plainview.
“We’ve got coffee and free pastries while they last,” the Alumni Director said.
The baseball team is back in action at noon as the Pioneers take on the Tabor College Blue Jays again at Wilder Field. The game will be livestreamed for alumni across the nation.
The Flying Queens take the Wilda and Harley Redin Court at Hutcherson Center at 2 p.m. to play the University of Science and Arts – Oklahoma Drovers for the start of another doubleheader. The Pioneers take the court to challenge the USAO men at 4 p.m. Both games will be livestreams for alumni unable to attend.
“During halftime at the Pioneers game, the 2024 Homecoming queen and king will be crowned, plus it’s Senior Night at both games,” Vera said.
Pioneer Store will have a pop-up store at “The Hutch” for those who want to get their swag on by purchasing WBU gear.
“Traditions will ignite among Wayland alumni during Homecoming 2024,” the Alumni Director said. “Whether in person or online, it going to be a great time for alumni from campuses. From gathers to recognitions to coffees or a ribbon-cutting ceremony, it’s going to be fun. We hope everyone will take part in the festivities.”
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