Westmont Magazine A Change for Homecoming
Three years after moving to September, Homecoming continues to evolve. The Alumni Office and Alumni Board are seeking ways to make the weekend more enjoyable and affordable for alums.
Due to the expense of each meal and a desire to provide more time for reunion gatherings, the Saturday evening dinner party and the Sunday morning brunch have disappeared from the 1999 schedule. This change provides greater freedom in the schedule and significantly reduces the overall cost of Homecoming.
A new tradition will debut this year when Westmont hosts a special dinner on Saturday for alums celebrating their 25th reunion. (Yes, class of 1974, you’ll be the first to enjoy this privilege.) Westmont already honors the 50th reunion class, the “Golden Warriors,” at Commencement.
Another new feature is an elegant Saturday brunch that includes the traditional talk and question-and-answer session with President David Winter. Reunion classes will present their gifts at this time, and the College will honor the Alumnus/a and Volunteer of the Year.
Instead of the usual Sunday morning worship service, a Celebration Service late Saturday afternoon will give alums an opportunity to sing, pray, praise, and worship together. On Sunday morning, alums can visit the Santa Barbara church they attended as students.
Just before the Celebration Service, alums will enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the formal gardens and talk informally with President Winter and his wife, Helene.
Favorite events, such as the carnival and lunch on Saturday and the mini-classes taught by Westmont professors, will return. Sports fans can watch the men’s soccer team meet cross-town rival UCSB on Friday, and the women’s soccer and volleyball teams play on Saturday.
“We’re privileged to host alumni on campus,” says Mary Given, executive director of alumni and parent relations. “It’s a treat to see friendships rekindled, and faculty enjoy meeting and reacquainting themselves with former students. The beauty of the grounds also touches alumni. We hope Homecoming will connect the past with the future as alumni rejoice in the education and growth they experienced and support our vision for educating future Christian leaders for the glory of God.”