SWU Homecoming 2015 – Making new memories
Southern Wesleyan University President Todd Voss and his wife Julie crowned Tiana Robbins as the 2015 Homecoming Queen and Kaleb Spaugh as the 2015 Homecoming King.
SWU alumni Bob Cooley of Easley and Billie Faye Harvey of Central wait for the start of the Homecoming Parade at Southern Wesleyan University. Cooley, a ministry major and retired minister, is a 1973 graduate of the university. Harvey is a retired SWU employee who received her English degree in 1989 and also attended Wesleyan Methodist Academy, a high school once operated by the university.
Dr. Don Campbell, professor of music, leads students and alumni in singing the National Anthem before the men’s soccer game on the new soccer field.
Southern Wesleyan University’s 2015 Homecoming Oct. 30 and 31 wasn’t only about sharing memories from times past; it was also about making exciting new memories with music, fun and fellowship.
Homecoming started with a “Kickoff Concert” featuring the Rick Webb Family and the University Singers, performing and leading in musical worship on the stage of Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center. During the concert, outstanding alumni were also recognized.
Damon Qualls, assistant principal at Berea Middle School and a 2013 graduate of the university’s Greenville learning center, received the Young Leader Award. Dr. Vicki Luther, chair of the Early Childhood Special Education program at Middle Georgia State University and a 1992 graduate, received the Professional Excellence Award – School of Education. Dr. Ashley Joiner George, communications professor at Samford University and a 2007 graduate, received the Professional Excellence Award – College of Arts and Sciences. The Professional Excellence Award – School of Business, was presented posthumously to DePayne Middleton Doctor, a 1994 alumna who was employed at Southern Wesleyan’s Charleston learning center. Receiving the award were her parents, Rev. Leroy Middleton and his wife Frances. Dr. Keith Connor, retired professor of physical education and longtime athletic director for the university and a graduate of the last high school class at what is now SWU was named Alumnus of the Year.
“Run2Fall”, the SWU Staff Council’s 5k run, shifted to a Friday night “glow run” this year, with Alex Pena of Anderson taking first place for the second year in a row with a time of 20:29. The first woman to cross the finish line was Paula Preusz Lemons, 1994 SWU alumna, with a time of 25:17.
Following coffee and doughnuts with the president, SWU 2010 alumnus Rev. Josh Ivy spoke at Homecoming Chapel, which was followed by a parade up Wesleyan Drive. The celebration then moved to the university’s new track and soccer complex area for “SWU’s, Blues and BBQ’s” – a picnic lunch with live music, which continued throughout the afternoon with jazz, gospel, bluegrass and blues.
In Warrior athletics, The Women’s Volleyball Team defeated Belmont Abbey College 3-1 Friday night and also defeated Pfeiffer University Saturday evening 3-0. The Men’s Soccer Team lost to Pfeiffer 4-1 Saturday while the Women’s Soccer Team lost to Pfeiffer 3-0.
Dr. Don Campbell, professor of music, led students and alumni in singing the National Anthem before the men’s soccer game. At halftime, Tiana Robbins of Chesnee was crowned as the 2015 Homecoming Queen and Kaleb Spaugh of Hertford, N.C., was crowned the 2015 Homecoming King.