‘THE MAGIC OF Homecoming 2024 renews bonds ‘THE MAGIC OF

They may have needed printed music to pinpoint the notes, but alumni pep band members didn’t need any help putting spirit into the college fight song. “Our loyalty we pledge to the black and red” seemed to be a fitting theme for them—and the hundreds of alumni who returned for Homecoming 2024 on October 20-27.

Beautiful weather and a full slate of events multiplied opportunities for alumni and friends to gather, celebrate and reminisce. From golf and cornhole tournaments to awards ceremonies and dedications, activities were diverse and well attended.

“I was proud to be able to participate in the Alumni Awards luncheon, which signifies the kickoff of events for Homecoming weekend,” said Spencer King ’00, Alumni Association President. “It’s a reminder of the talented individuals serving in their communities and various fields, proudly representing LaGrange College.

“The Board of Trustees honoring Calvin Williams ’74 as the first African American student-athlete was a special memory that stuck out for me.” (Story on page 16.)

For Riley Hammett ’22, the tailgating highlighted her return to the Hill.

“It brought together familiar faces and friends I hadn’t seen in ages. We laughed, shared stories, and it felt like no time had passed at all. That’s the magic of LaGrange: No matter the miles or years that separate us, the friendships and memories are timeless, lasting well beyond our time on campus.”

The photo essay on these pages captures some of the events from the week. Stories on this year’s honorees are throughout the issue: Sports Hall of Fame, page 25; Shackelford and Young Alumni, page 14; Honorary Alumni, page 27; and Calvin Williams, first African American student-athlete, page 16.

Sisters of Phi Mu gather for a Reunion Row picture. On the facing page, Riley Hammett ’22 captures a photo op with Pouncer.

At right, Steve Rothschild ’91 (left) and Jeff Cotton ’83 pause for a celebratory photo after defeating Keith Colbert ’89 and Tracy Caldwell ’82 to win Saturday’s cornhole tournament.

Riley Hammett ’22 captures a photo op with Pouncer.

Kadence Leithleiter receives the finishing Homecoming touch at the AOII tent.

Dave ’84 and Susan Wilson Lewis ’85 (on the left) and Kevin Jolly ’85, M’92 and Lisa Bonner Tunstall ’84 enjoy the Flashback Friday gathering.

Calvin Williams ’74 (left) and Dr. George Baker ’74 pause for a photo at the large gathering on Red and Black Reunion Row on Saturday.

Alumni gather at the 5th Quarter Social for the Classes of 2018, ’19 and ’20 following the football game. They are, from left, Jair Portillo ’20, Grace Margaret Neal ’20, Caitlyn Deal McCollough ’19 and Kayla White ’19.

President Susanna Baxter hosted the Class of 1974 for a 50th Reunion Celebration on Friday night at Lamar Dodd Art Center. The group poses for a photo.

River City Horns plays in the background while Emily Arnold ’17, M’18 and her fiance, Tyler Franks, chat at the Flashback Friday Party.