Click here for a complete schedule of Homecoming events

A high-flying weekend filled with balloon rides, music, good food, athletic and children’s games, Southern Wesleyan University will have Homecoming 2008, Sept. 26-29.

“We welcome the public to join us as Southern Wesleyan University celebrates our homecoming,” said Joy Bryant, director of alumni and constituent relations. “It will be a time of fellowship and fun for the whole family. We’ll have many alumni returning to visit our campus and hope our community members will join us in celebrating our university.”

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Southern Wesleyan’s Central campus will host a variety of activities throughout the day, starting with a women’s cross country meet at 9 a.m. and men’s cross country meet at 9:45 a.m. A welcome tent will be located on Wesleyan Drive. The first 100 guests to check in at the tent will receive a special gift.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., there will be an open house and tours of Southern Wesleyan’s newest facility, Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center. Music will be performed from 9:30 until 10:50 a.m., when the homecoming chapel will be held for the first time at Newton Hobson. The chapel will feature various SWU music groups and Year of Jubilee speaker, Southern Wesleyan University President David Spittal.

“Our newest building, Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center, will be the gathering place for part of our homecoming festivities. We are so proud of this beautiful facility, which offers seating for 1,200. This building allows us to bring larger performances to our community and can serve as a community venue for events,” Bryant said.

At noon, lunch will begin for all guests at the University Dining Commons. Special seating will be provided for the 1906-1957 “Senior Class” reunion, as well as for the class of 1988 and 1998. At 12:15 p.m. there will be reunion lunches in Founders’ Hall for the classes of 1958 and 1968.

Youngsters are invited to Southern Wesleyan University’s Homerun Derby at the Dr. Keith Connor Baseball field. Coach Mike Gillespie will present an award to the winner in each age category. The derby is open to boys and girls.

“Southern Wesleyan University graduates who are young at heart can join fellow alumni at noon at the soccer field for the men’s alumni soccer game,” Bryant said.

After lunch, walking tours and carriage rides will leave from the front of the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center every 30 minutes, beginning at 1 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 3 p.m.

“Enjoy the afternoon inside or out as you make your way to Bryant Lodge, located near the soccer field, where the afternoon will be filled with music, games, barbecue and ice cream floats,” Bryant said. “We will have class events sponsored by the Student Government Association, including float races beside Bryant Lodge. Barbecue plates will be available from 4 - 6:30 p.m.”

Warrior fans will gather to see Southern Wesleyan University’s volleyball team compete against Brenau at 1 p.m. Also, the SWU Women’s Soccer Team will face North Greenville University at 3 p.m. and the SWU Men’s Soccer Team will play North Greenville at 5 p.m. A coronation of Southern Wesleyan University’s Homecoming King and Queen will take place during the men’s soccer game.

“Your family may want to consider tailgating at this year’s homecoming games. Pack your own tailgating meal or enjoy a barbeque dinner in front of Bryant Lodge, located across from the soccer field. Get a plate and sit back and watch the game at the soccer field or grab a table and listen to the music by the pond,” Bryant said.

At 4 p.m. the class of 1978 will have a reunion dinner in the screened area of Bryant Lodge.

From 4 until 8 p.m., weather permitting, hot air balloon rides will be offered. (Participants must sign a waiver.)

“We hope children will enjoy the evening as they exhaust themselves on the children’s inflatable rides and games,” Bryant said.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, homecoming services will be held at several local churches. A morning of worship at Trinity Wesleyan, where the service starts at 10:30 a.m., will feature Rev. Julius Scipio giving the message and the Southern Wesleyan University Singers leading musical worship. Services will also be held at 11 a.m. at Pickens View Wesleyan Church and at Central First Wesleyan Church/Alive. At Central First Wesleyan, there will be a traditional service at 9:30 a.m. and contemporary worship at 11a.m. The speaker at Central will be Dave Holdren.

“Beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, come support the SWU golf team at beautiful Crosscreek Plantation, located on Wells Highway in Seneca, for The Jack Shadwick Invitational,” Bryant said. “There is no charge to be a spectator and we’d love to have you join us.”

For details or to register, call the Southern Wesleyan University Alumni Center at 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5384, or (864) 644-5384 or e-mail jcrain@swu.edu. 

Click here for a complete Homecoming schedule

Southern Wesleyan University