By Eliza Rohda ‘26

²¤ÂÜÊÓƵ welcomed crowds of nearly 250 to campus for a warm weekend on October 17–19. 

 

Alumni returned to campus with family and friends to attend volleyball and soccer games, watch the theatre department’s performance of Ramshackle Inn, attend chapel again, and more. The weekend’s schedule was filled with a golf scramble, tours of the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, a University Singers concert and reunions for the classes of 1975, 1980, 2000, 2005 and 2015. 

 

As a new addition to the regular Homecoming festivities, an academic showcase was held on Friday. The research and writing of Prof. John Baker, Dr. Garrett Best, Prof. James Butler-Gruett, Mrs. Deb Cleveland, Prof. Bob DeHart, Dr. Tim McNeese and Dr. Clark Roush was presented, highlighting the talents of ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵ’s faculty. 

 

At the first event, select alumni were able to meet students and offer career advice. Hosted by the new Success and Career Exploration office, the event allowed students to learn from and network with alumni who have found success in the areas of business, real estate, medicine, coaching and more.

 

During the led by President Westbrook on Saturday morning, an announcement was made naming the new Center for Ministry in honor of Smith and Mary Kite. Alumni Awards were given as well, with Susan (Killen '79) McKeever being named Alumna of the Year. Young Alumni of the Year was given to Jordan '03 and Jacqueline (Keesee '04) Sikes. A Bloom Award was presented to Dr. R. Wayne White for his excellent service on the board of trustees since 2008 and as chair for the last six years. The Bloom Award, created in honor of Dale McNeill, a local florist and former adjunct professor at ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵ, honors those who have given outstanding service to the university.

 

homecoming court 2025
Later that day, the was honored during the Women’s Varsity Soccer game. Representing the student body were freshmen Reagan Bryant of Kinder, La.,  and Eli Nething of York, Neb.; sophomores Eli Nutting of Fort Collins, Colo. and Erica Testerman of Buffalo, Mo. and juniors Lilly Carr of Henderson, Neb. and Shawn Smith of Clovis, Calif. Candidates for king and queen included Jaden Beske of Rhinelander, Wis., Mayah Colle of York, Neb., Cierra Dringman of Beaver City, Neb., Dayton Fraser or Eudora, Kans., Isaac Stark of McCool Junction, Neb. and Katie Taylor of McCook, Neb., with Terrence Packer of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Reagan Branum of Spearfish, S.D. being crowned as the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen. 

 

At the annual induction ceremony, Dickie Hill '64, Chris Luther '94 and Carrie (Berzins '13) Pine were recognized for their contributions to Panther athletics. The inaugural Performing Arts Hall of Fame took place as well, honoring Talley (Banning ‘98) Morrow, Nate Magner '01, Sara Firm '10 and Dr. Brianna (Bailey '15) Smith for their achievements in York University’s performing arts.