MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Oct. 17, 2025) — Milligan University welcomes alumni and friends to campus next weekend, Oct. 24-25, for its annual Homecoming celebration. In addition to alumni-specific events, the weekend includes several events that are open to the public – a parade, 5K run/walk, concert, theatre production, a lecture and athletics events.
This year’s theme, Wonderful Weekend, honors the beloved Wonderful Wednesday tradition introduced in 1969 – a surprise day when classes are canceled and campus comes alive with treats, games, and themed fun. The tradition offers a much-needed break and brings the community together in joyful celebration.
“Homecoming is a special time to reconnect, reminisce and make new memories at Milligan,” said Rhajon Smith, vice president for institutional advancement. “It’s the perfect opportunity for alumni and their families as well as our students to come together and enjoy our beautiful campus.”
On Friday evening, the annual “Celebrate Milligan” dinner will honor several Milligan and Emmanuel alumni and friends for their achievements and contributions. The Distinguished Alumnus Award will go to Deborah Kay (Carmichael ’83) Carpenter and Steven Carpenter (MDiv ’93). Hillary (Hughes ’15) MacLellan (MACAM ’19) will receive the Young Alumni Award. Kari (West ’95) Richards and William Rogers, Jr. (’99) will receive the Professional Excellence Award. The Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are Jacklyn (Talbert ’09) Barton and Dallas Eddie Carver (’75). The Spirit of Milligan Award will be presented to Robert and Sabine Schnelle.
At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the Women’s volleyball team takes on Columbia at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse during their alumni night. Volleyball alumni are invited to attend to reconnect with teammates and coaches and celebrate the legacy of the program and achievements of the current team.
Saturday morning begins with the Associated Ladies for Milligan’s annual Buffalo 5K Run/2.5K Walk, sponsored by Workspace Interiors. The race starts at 8 a.m. at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse, and proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Students and alumni are given the opportunity to go head-to-head in a fun and competitive flag football game held at 10 a.m. on the soccer practice field. This game celebrates Milligan spirit and tradition across generations, bringing together past and present Buffs.
An Art exhibit, “Junk: Objects, Feelings and Circumstances” by alumna Ashlyn Lightfoot Smith (’20), will open at 11 a.m. with a reception in the Milligan Art Gallery in Derthick Hall. Using photographs, found objects and other assemblage works, Lightfoot Smith explores the way humans ascribe meaning to objects in their lives.
The annual Homecoming parade steps off down Blowers Boulevard at 1:30 p.m., leading straight into the lively festival on Derthick Lawn. Guests can enjoy kettle corn, inflatables, and fun activities for kids of all ages, along with a special performance by AllSkate, an alumni band.
In celebration of Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan’s 60th anniversary, Milligan president, Dr. Stephen Waers, will present “Christian Education, the Hope of the World: Higher Education and the Stone-Campbell Movement in Times of Uncertainty” at 2 p.m. The Robert O. Fife Lecture in Christian Reformation will take place in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre inside the Gregory Center.
Milligan’s area of music will perform a short, family-friendly concert, “Once Upon a Time,” at 3:45 p.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in Seeger Memorial Chapel. The concert will feature Milligan’s instrumental and vocal ensembles as they bring to life a wide range of beloved stories from traditional tales to modern movie adaptations.
Milligan’s musical theatre will perform “Freaky Friday” on Oct. 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m. in Milligan’s McGlothlin-Street Theatre located in the Gregory Center. Full of catchy songs and comedic twists, Freaky Friday is a family-friendly show suitable for all. Tickets can be purchased in advance at milligan.tix.com.
All meal events, theatre performances and the walk/run are ticketed events. The remaining events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule of events and more information, visit milligan.edu/homecoming.