HOMECOMING MEMORIES

PANTHER COMMUNITY BONDS OVER SHARED EXPERIENCES ON THE HILL

Alumni may be taken in different directions after graduation, but they can always find their way back home to their alma mater.

“This year’s Homecoming celebrated the Panther spirit that links our community together,” said Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations. “When alumni took part in the festivities with their children, we felt honored to be part of their family traditions.”

Visitors exuded pride for their Panther community as they participated in Homecoming activities that occurred Oct. 7-9. The crowd energy amplified from campus to downtown LaGrange, where guests gathered for Flashback Friday at Overlook Plaza and jammed out to the music of The Reasons Why.

Saturday brought about feelings of nostalgia as alumni congregated to the area surrounding Callaway Auditorium for the annual Red and Black Reunion Row tailgate. Classmates reunited and recalled stories of the past while enjoying meals cooked over a grill. The drumline from Callaway High School carried the hype all the way to the Panther football game at Callaway Stadium.

“Whether it is a favorite professor, a time-honored tradition or a cherished friendship, there are people and places that forever link the Panther community to LaGrange College,” Pirkle said. “Homecoming may last for a short period, but the memories that were created will last a lifetime.”

Jerry HA’19, H’21(center of group) and Beverly (with back to camera) Wilkinson converse with college staff at the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars 10-year reunion.

The Reasons Why—a band made up of Ronnie Everitt ’94; Greg Gregory ’73, M’76; Sam Thrower ’75; and Chris Barnes—performed classic and modern hits for Flashback Friday at Overlook Plaza.

Devin Billings ’12 tailgates with his daughter outside Callaway Auditorium.

Catching up at the alumni tailgate are, from left, Theatre Arts Professor Kim Barber Knoll, Peggy Cobb Schug ’70 and Sheila Hodges.

Lamar Dodd Art Center, along with the Education and Nursing Departments at West Side, opened its doors to visitors during Homecoming. Here, “Ben” ’13 and Laura Terrell Ladd ’06 and daughter Norah visit with Art and Design Professor Margaret Reneke.

Malachi Parker ’24 and Bailey Moss ’23 were crowned this year’s King and Queen.

The Panther Football team charges onto the field for its matchup against Maryville College.