Southwestern Adventist University welcomed more than 600 alumni to the campus for the annual Homecoming event. SWAU alumni traveled from all over the country to visit their alma mater.

The weekend featured inspiring and personal messages from Michael Gibson (‘16), Dominick (‘16) and Ashley (Riddle) Alipoon (‘16), and Chris Morris (‘97) for the three church services at Keene Church. The Alumni Choir organized and shared praise music for the Summit Service. Peter Choque (‘16) and Melissa (DePaiva) Gibson (‘16) shared music for both Daybreak and the Chapel Sabbath School, playing some of the same songs they last played for their graduation from SWAU. Chuck Dart (‘76) was the superintendent for Chapel Sabbath School, sharing the lesson study. LeeLee (Fry) Dart (‘86) shared about her online Bible study ministry for the special feature.

Every year the Alumni Board chooses to honor alumni who are making an impact on their community and on SWAU. This year’s Alumni of the Year are Emmanuel Castilla (‘08) and Susy Morales (‘06). The Alumni Hall of Fame inductee is Renee Sensabaugh (‘81). The Young Alumni of the Year is Michael Gibson (‘16). The Volunteer of the Year is Shari Harriss (‘81). Each of these individuals have made significant contributions through their careers and ministries. Please visit the Homecoming page to read through their bios and learn their stories.

Homecoming started off with registration in the Hopps Museum and Welcome Center with cookies and lemonade provided by the Southwestern Volunteer Association. Vespers Friday evening featured the student leaders from the Spiritual Life and Development office and the Department of Music, led by Jonathan Wall. An afterglow was planned back at the Hopps Museum featuring some of the smaller telescopes from the Thomsen Observatory, delicious pan dulce from the local Don Goyo Panaderia in Fort Worth, and a bingo game that encouraged current students and alumni to work together to finish their cards. Prizes for the game were announced at the Saturday night Tailgate party.

Following the church services and the traditional potluck in the gymnasium, Saturday afternoon was full of activities. Alumni and community members joined SWAU Nursing faculty and students for a ribbon-cutting of the new Pediatric Simulation Suite, sponsored by a gift from Wayne (‘92) and Misti Powell. An art show and mini concert was featured in the Meadows Gallery of the Chan Shun Centennial Library. The Dinosaur Science Museum was open for all. The Office of Student Success gave tours, showing off the renovated spaces and program that was supported by the Alumni Association offering call at Homecoming 2024.

This year’s Alumni Board Project is the University's Finish Line Award. The award exists for one purpose: to make sure no student stops short of the finish line. For seniors who have invested years of hard work, sacrifice, and faith into their degree, an unexpected financial barrier in their final year shouldn't be the thing that stands between them and graduation day. Alumni raised $7200 towards this award. To further support this scholarship opportunity, please call Johanna Penick at 817-202-6231 or johanna@swau.edu.

The time together was capped off by Honoree parties across campus and the newest tradition – Tailgate. This year’s Tailgate event featured games in the gym for all ages, including a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, face-painting, and prizes. The Tailgate menu included Mrs. Grady’s famous vege-burgers, hot dogs, and root beer floats. All attending alumni received this year’s Tailgate t-shirt. The grand finale was a fireworks show sponsored by the Sensabaugh family.

Photos from the event can be viewed, and downloaded, from a link on the Homecoming page. The full bios for the honorees and weekend photos can be viewed at swau.edu/homecoming. The services can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwYmNnWFNeQ.