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Homecoming: Gathering at the heart of it all
Walla Walla University alumni have a reputation for their thoughtful reflection, passionate creativity, joyful faith, and commitment to service around the world. A culture of kindness and generosity continues to shape the WWU experience. This spring, nearly 1,000 alumni returned to campus for a vibrant homecoming weekend, celebrating shared values, reliving treasured memories, and building new connections rooted in the university’s enduring mission.
SEMINARS
Alumni also enjoyed a variety of seminars on Friday afternoon, including “Practicing the Power of Gratitude” with Elmar Sakala ’65 and ’68, where he explored the role of gratitude over thousands of years as viewed by various world religions. Also featured was Lynelle Ellis ‘90, professor of communication, presenting “Seventhday Adventists and the Movies.”
EXCELLENCE IN THOUGHT
The annual campus Awards Celebration took place Friday morning to celebrate and honor the scholarship and achievements of students, staff, and faculty. Thanks to generous contributions from alumni and friends of WWU, 976 awards were given out to students from over 210 different scholarship funds totaling $1,242,504.
MESSENGERS REUNION
Friday night, members of the singing group Messengers, (1966-1987) and (1998-2003), presented a concert of songs they featured as ambassadors for WWU at churches and camp meetings throughout the Northwest and beyond.
ALUMNI ALL-STARS
Saturday night featured a special one-of-a-kind program emceed by Jerry Woods ’97 and Foundation President, and featured alumni from the honor years. It was a special evening full of music, pictures, stories, and laughs.
SUNDAY FUN-DAY
Sunday morning started off with the Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run/ Walk. Early morning risers tackled the 5k with smiles all around. The proceeds from the event went to support the WWU worthy student fund.
FUN IN THE VALLEY
The weekend’s festivities also included the annual car show, a golf tournament held at Wine Valley Golf Course, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Student Life and Ministry Center.
