Homecoming Preview

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME (COMING)

by Shea Sutherland

Tabor College’s annual Homecoming event is here. This weekend serves as a time to connect, reminisce and participate in the numerous activities hosted on campus for past and current students.

“The first annual Fall Festival was held on Oct. 7, 1961, and was called a homecoming event that included a soccer game, dedication of athletic fields and an outdoor buffet dinner on the green with a guest lecturer,” said Rod Hamm, director of alumni and donor relations. “The second annual event was officially called Homecoming and included a morning convocation on Friday and an evening meal that was followed by a basketball game.”

As alumni migrate back to campus, multiple events will be available to the entire Tabor community. Hamm is one of many who play a big part in coordinating the logistics of this event.

“I coordinate each event that takes place over the weekend, making sure that not too many things overlap,” said Hamm.

One particular event that Hamm is responsible for organizing is the 50-year class reunion. This includes honoring the class of 1972 at the Friday night dinner.

The 50-year class reunion represents the purpose of Homecoming well. Homecoming serves as a time to make memories as current students, but it also allows former students to draw on memories with classmates.

“The best part about Homecoming for me is seeing people reconnect with one another, including some who haven’t seen each other in 50 years,” said Hamm.

Hamm said that other Homecoming activities will include sporting events, such as football and volleyball, and alumni games for baseball, tennis and women’s basketball. In addition, there will be an open house for the Shari Flaming Education Commons, Music Fest, class reunions, a Dutch lunch, taco truck, inflatables for children and the Bluejay Bash.