Homecoming

Date: October 24 – 25

Location: Milligan University Campus

Each year, Milligan University welcomes alumni and friends to campus 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, lectures and athletic events.

Schedule

FRIDAY, OCT 24

By appointment  Homecoming Visit Day
Little Hartland
We invited alumni with prospective student to experience Milligan. Tour campus, eat in the cafeteria, and meet with our Admissions staff.

3–4 p.m.  “Vintage” Buffs Reception
McMahan Student Center
Classes of 1974 and earlier are invited to a reception!

6:30 p.m. Celebrate Milligan Dinner
McCormick Dining Center, Sutton Hall
Join us as we recognize the achievements and contributions of some of our alumni and friends.

6:30 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs Columbia/Alumni Night
Steve Lacy Fieldhouse
Volleyball alumni are invited to the Alumni Night vs Columbia

7:30 p.m. Freaky Friday
McGlothlin-Street Theater, Gregory Center
Milligan Musical Theatre presents Freaky Friday, a new musical in which a stressed-out mom and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies the day before the mom’s wedding. Based on Mary Rodgers’ novel and the Disney films, this hilarious and heartwarming show explores family, empathy, and second chances with a fresh pop/rock score.

SATURDAY, OCT 25

All Day Scavenger Hunt
Various Locations
Join the Homecoming Scavenger Hunt and explore campus at your own pace! Snap photos of each clue on your phone, email them in as proof, and you’ll have a chance to win a $50 bookstore gift card. Only on Oct 25.
Scavenger Hunt Rules

8 a.m. Buffalo 5K Run/2.5K Walk
Upper Level, Steve Lacy Fieldhouse
Hosted by Associated Ladies for Milligan. Proceeds benefit student scholarships at Milligan.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration
Gregory Center Lobby
Be sure to stop by and pick up your free gift!

9:30–11:30 a.m. Class of 1975 50th Reunion Brunch
Stephens Annex, Sutton Hall
We invite the Class of 1975 to join us for this special milestone!

9:30–11:30 a.m. Cheer Reunion
Steve Lacy Fieldhouse
Calling all past cheerleaders— Reconnect with teammates, meet the current squad, enjoy refreshments, and join a mini cheer clinic.

10 a.m. Alumni vs Students Flag Football
Soccer Practice Field
Students and alumni go head-to-head in a fun and competitive flag football showdown celebrating Milligan spirit across generations.

10–11 a.m. Emmanuel Worship Service
Mildred Welshimer Phillips Memorial Chapel
Join us for worship as we give thanks for six decades of God’s faithfulness and look forward to the years ahead.

By appt only. Starting at 10 a.m. Golf Cart Campus Tours
Start at Little Hartland Take a guided golf cart ride around campus with our Admissions staff and see how Milligan has grown, while reconnecting with the places you love.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. 1980 Class Reception
McMahan Student Center
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. 1985 Class Reception
McMahan Student Center
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. 1990 Class Reception
Little Hartland, main floor
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. 1995 Class Reception
Welshimer Library
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

11 a.m. Art Exhibit: Pieces by Ashlyn Lightfoot Smith (’20)
Milligan Art Gallery, Derthick Hall
Milligan alumna Ashlyn Lightfoot Smith (’20) returns to campus to showcase Junk: Objects, Feelings, and Circumstances, her first in-person exhibition after her senior gallery was moved online during the 2020 pandemic. Through photographs, found objects, and assemblage works, she explores how people assign meaning to the things they keep and the things they let go.

11 a.m.–12 p.m. Stampede Newspaper Reunion
Paxson Communications Building
Celebrate 100 years of The Stampede, Milligan’s student newspaper, at this special reunion exclusively for Stampede alumni. Reconnect with fellow writers, editors, and staff as you honor a century of student journalism and storytelling.

11 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Swimming vs King
Steve Lacy Fieldhouse
Help us cheer on our Buffs!

11 a.m. –1 p.m. Brunch Under Tent
Mary Sword Commons
Wonderful Wednesday’s beloved BRUNCH is making an appearance at Homecoming! Come for the cheddar rounds!

12:15–1:15 p.m. Class of 2020 Coffee Bar
Mary Sword Commons
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

1:30 p.m. Parade
Blowers Blvd
Join us for the Homecoming Parade as students, alumni, and the community come together to celebrate Milligan spirit—you might even see some familiar faces!

2–4 p.m. Inflatables, Games, and Free Kettle Corn
Derthick Lawn
FREE for all! Fun and friendly competition for all ages.

2–4 p.m. Hands-On Science for Kids
Science Building
Open to all families who wish to experiment with our science department faculty and students.

2–3:15 p.m. AllSkate Alumni Band
Derthick Porch
Alumni band AllSkate will perform a lively mix of music for everyone—bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

2–3 p.m. Robert O. Fife Lecture in Christian Reformation featuring Milligan President Stephen Waers
McGlothlin-Street Theater, Gregory Center
“Christian Education, the Hope of the World: Higher Education and the Stone-Campbell Movement in Times of Uncertainty”

3–3:30 p.m. Celebrating 60 Years: Emmanuel Reception
Gregory Center
Join us for a reception as we give thanks for six decades of God’s faithfulness and look forward to years ahead.

3–4 p.m. 2000 Class Reception
McMahan Student Center
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

3–4 p.m. 2005 Class Reception
McMahan Student Center
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

3–4 p.m. 2010 Class Reception
Little Hartland, main floor
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

3–4 p.m. 2015 Class Reception
Welshimer Library
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

3 p.m. Tennis Matches
Mathes Courts
Cheer on our Buffs!

3–4 p.m. Tennis Alumni Reception
Mathes Courts
Milligan tennis alumni are invited to reconnect and celebrate their shared love of the game at the Tennis Alumni Reunion, with a food truck provided for registered tennis alums. Enjoy matches, fellowship, and the chance to catch up with old teammates and friends on campus.

3:30–4 p.m. Lip Sync Battle
Derthick Porch
Get ready for the Lip Sync Battle—an old Wonderful Wednesday tradition making a comeback! Sign up individually or as a group to win, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Lip Sync Contest Rules

3:45 p.m. Homecoming Concert
Mary B. Auditorium, Seeger Chapel
Join the Milligan music department for a journey of fairy tales and other fantastic stories as told through the power of music. This short, family-friendly concert will feature each of the Milligan instrumental and vocal ensembles performing music inspired by a wide array of stories from traditional tales to modern movie adaptations. Highlighting selections from Don Quixote, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, and many more, this free concert is sure to be a highlight of Homecoming for everyone.

4:15–4:45 p.m. Bingo & Wonderful Weekend Getaway Announced
Mary Sword Commons
Add some excitement to the day with Bingo! Win Milligan-themed prizes while having fun with friends and fellow alumni.

5 p.m. Class of 1965 Reunion
McMahan Student Center
Reconnect with classmates at this casual come-and-go reunion—drop in anytime to share memories and catch up. Refreshments provided.

5:30 p.m. President’s Associates Reception
Little Hartland, main floor
By invitation only.

7:30 p.m. Freaky Friday
McGlothlin-Street Theater, Gregory Center
Milligan Musical Theatre presents Freaky Friday, a new musical in which a stressed-out mom and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies the day before the wedding. Based on Mary Rodgers’ novel and the Disney films, this hilarious and heartwarming show explores family, empathy, and second chances with a fresh pop/rock score.