Every year, Blue Mountain Christian University celebrates the founding of the school with a special festivity during the Friday of Homecoming weekend. Outlined in a schedule for the weekend provided by Kaycee Bragg, the celebration began on Friday, November 3 with a special extended chapel. Several awards were presented to faculty and staff for achievement, and the BMCU chorale debuted a piece written for the 150th anniversary of the school. Dr. Shawn Parker and Dr. Jim Futral also spoke, taking time to reflect on the history of the school and its continued dedication to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Following the chapel service in the MLB auditorium, students, alumni and guests walked to the Hearn Plaza outside of the Fisher Washburn building where a dedication service was held for a new statue depicting Jesus walking on the water. Dr. McMillin noted that the statue would eventually rest at the pond in front of the dining hall.
After the dedication service, students had the rest of the day off from classes, but activities continued. Bingo, a student favorite, was played in Fisher Washburn at 1:00 PM, while several concerts were scheduled periodically throughout the rest of the day. Murphy Ridge, “a popular bluegrass and gospel band based in Tennessee,” played at 2 PM, and was “[presented] by the Palmer-Donnell House Guild” (promotional poster). Later that night the BMCU chorale presented a full concert for parents, faculty, staff, and students. As advertised, alumni of the chorale were invited to join the concert halfway through the performance, and the collective group presented several pieces.
On Saturday, November 4, the festivities continued, shifting from Founders’ Day to center on Homecoming and the many alumni who returned to campus for the occasion. On Saturday morning, two sets of activities took place. At the SportsPlex, there was a “baseball reveal,” followed by a “Team vs Alumni baseball scrimmage.” This was a fun time for current students to interact with alumni and exhibit their skills. While these activities were taking place, on the main campus, there was a “Reunions [and] Topper Spirit Brunch” where alumni were able to reconnect with fellow students and society members, and the “Scholarship Reception at the SUB,” where donors were able to meet the students benefiting from their gifts.
The celebration centered on the Homecoming Court, where maids and escorts from all the campus societies were presented to students, faculty and family, along with the candidates for homecoming king and queen. Josh Taylor and Carolyn Meeks were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. This was followed by the women’s basketball game and men’s JV basketball game.
The Founders’ Day and Homecoming celebrations this year were a celebration not only of recent alumni and students, but of the strong history that has continued to support Blue Mountain Christian University as it has encouraged learning and serving God and His world. Blue Mountain Christian University gratefully looks forward to celebrating the next 150 years.
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