OCTOBER 11 - 13, 2024
HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2024
Dear Bethany Alumni and Friends,
As campus prepares for the start of another academic school year, we are delighted to announce the upcoming Homecoming of Champions, set for October 11 – 13, 2024! This year’s theme, paying homage to the 2024 Olympics and our esteemed Grimes Lecture speaker, Olympic gold medalist Dave Wottle, promises an exhilarating celebration of athletic excellence and camaraderie.
Homecoming at Bethany is a cherished tradition, a time when campus buzzes with excitement and anticipation. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and celebrate the strong ties of the Bethany community.
Get ready for a sensational lineup of events and activities that capture the essence of Bethany’s spirit and heritage. From lively tailgates, inspiring lectures, and vibrant receptions, there’s no shortage of excitement in store.
One highlight of this year’s celebration is the opportunity to honor our extraordinary athletic heroes who have left their mark at Bethany and beyond. We invite you to join us in recognizing their achievements and celebrating their enduring legacy.
To make your homecoming experience even more memorable, we recommend that you register and book your hotel accommodation early. Take advantage of special discounts at Oglebay Resort, Hampton Inn in Wheeling, or SpringHill Suites in Washington, Pa., by mentioning ‘Bethany Homecoming’ when you reserve your room.
Event tickets can be purchased through the registration page. Please note that tickets to the football game against Westminster will be $10 per person, free for children 10 and under.
Join us as we come together to celebrate the spirit of champions at Bethany College. Register now and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at demili@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7633.
Warm regards,
Deno Emili ‘78 Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Planned Giving Bethany College
SCHEDULE of EVENTS
Friday, October 11
* Registration Required
9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Registration
Erickson Alumni Center
Stop by to pick up your nametag, tickets, reunion gift, and welcome information. Complimentary coffee will be available along with a bookstore coupon.
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Main Street Bank Golf Scramble*
8:30 a.m. Check in/Registration $125 Individual/$425 Foursome
Highland Springs Golf Course
Join fellow golfers for the 20th annual golf outing. Come back to campus afterwards for a luncheon and post-game ceremonies.
3 – 6 p.m.
3:30 – 5 p.m.
4 – 6 p.m.
5 – 6 p.m.
6 p.m.
6 – 8 p.m.
Wheeling Oglebay Campus
8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Lounge Accommodations
Erickson Alumni Center
1933 Society Ceremony & Reception*
James E. Allison Patio at Erickson Alumni Center
Inviting all members of the 1933 Society to gather in celebration of new inductees.
Class of 1974 Reception* Phillips Lounge
Class of 1994 Happy Hour Old Main Corridor
Women’s Lacrosse Alumni Game Ault Field
Homecoming Celebration & Class Reunion
Reception* - $25
Commencement Hall
Kick off this exciting weekend with friends, entertainment, food, drinks, music, and celebrate our annual alumni award recipients.
Art Show
Renner Art Gallery
The Art Show is open to all alumni as we show off outstanding art completed by Bethanians!
Saturday Shuttle Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Wheeling Oglebay Campus
Saturday, October 12
* Registration Required
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
8:30 – 10 a.m.
9 – 10 a.m.
10 a.m.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
12 – 6 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Erickson Alumni Center
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. 5th Quarter Tent
Stop by to pick up your nametag, tickets, reunion gift, and welcome information. Bookstore coupons will be available.
Greek Life Breakfast* - $10
Commencement Hall
Inviting all Greek Life alumni, employees, and students – past and present – to gather together and enjoy the traditional morning breakfast and alcoholic beverages!
Softball Alumni Event
Softball Field
Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Event Ault Field
Live Town Hall
Wailes Theatre
Join Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi and Board
Chairman Ken Bado ‘77 as they give an update on the state of the College.
Lounge Accommodations
Erickson Alumni Center
Enjoy beverages and light hors d’ouevres
Grimes Lecture Series featuring Olympic Gold
Medalist Dave Wottle
Wailes Theatre
Following Dave Wottle’s impressive showing at the 1972 Olympics, he later worked at Bethany College as both a coach and director of enrollment. His talk is sure to be enlightening, engaging, and memorable!
12:45 – 1:30 p.m.
Lecture featuring Civil War Author/Historian
Charles Vavrina ‘71
Wailes Theatre
Alumnus Charles Vavrina ‘71 will present on the Civil War loosely based on his book, “When This Cruel War Is Over,” the life of a soldier.
Saturday, October 12
* Registration Required
1 p.m.
1 – 1:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
1: 45 – 2:30 p.m.
2 – 2:15 p.m.
2 – 4 p.m.
2:30 – 6 p.m.
4 – 7 p.m.
4:30 p.m
Private Luncheon with Dave Wottle - by invitation only
Back Dining Room
Dedication for Oglebay Gates refurbishing
Oglebay Gates
The classes of 1974 and 1999 will be working on sprucing up our historic Oglebay gates. Join us as we dedicate the work they were able to accomplish!
Tailgate Area Open
Hummel Parking Lot
To reserve a tailgate spot, email BRobinson@bethanywv.edu.
Class of 1992 Outdoor Seating Dedication
In front of the Library / Richardson
Join donors from the Class of ‘92 and others who have contributed, for the dedication of a beautiful new landscaped seating area.
Lecture featuring Professor Autumn Mayle ‘ll Wailes Theatre
Bethany Professor Autumn Mayle ‘11 will give an overview of student traditions at Bethany over the years.
Dedication of Living Memorial Daffodil Garden
Adjacent to Kirkpatrick Building
Family Fun
Adjacent to Football Field
Bookstore Open
Adjacent to Football Field
VIP Reception
Ault Field End Zone
By invitation only, major donors and members of the Bronze Bison and 50th Reunion Class can gather at the VIP tent!
Football Game* - $10 (children under 10 are free)
Bison Stadium, Coach Don Ault Field
Tickets are required to sit within the stands to watch Bethany vs. Westminister. Old Main Society, Bronze Bison, and the 50th Reunion Class will receive free tickets in the mail.
Saturday, October 12
* Registration Required
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Halftime
7:30 – 10 p.m.
9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Class Photos
Tailgate Area by the 5th Quarter Tent
Women’s Volleyball & Men’s Soccer Championship Team Recognition
Bison Stadium, Coach Don Ault Field
5th Quarter* - $20
Adjacent to Football Field
Stay around after the football game to enjoy music and celebrate the evening. Tickets include unlimited food, drinks, and adult beverages.
Open Mic Night*
Boomer’s
This is always a wildly popular event that allows Bethanians to show off their talents! Sign up to attend or perform!
Sunday, October 13
* Registration Required
9 – 10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Scroll Breakfast*
Wilson Lodge – Glassworks, Oglebay Resort
Open to the Class of 1974 and all other alumni who have already celebrated their 50th reunion.
Church Service
Bethany Memorial Church
ACCOMMODATIONS
WV 26003
**Bethany also has blocks of rooms at these facilities with a limited amount available. Please call in advance and mention Bethany Homecoming to ensure that your accommodations are discounted.