From indoor and outdoor art exhibits and a theatre production, to playtime for kids and play calling during Lark sporting events, Homecoming Weekend 2024 is sure to see imaginations on display September 26 to 29. Several new activities have been added to this year’s lineup including the aforementioned art exhibits and theatre production, as well as a golf simulator long drive tournament. Events and entertainment are open to alumni, friends, fans and the entire community.
“In a world of staying in contact via social media, it’s fun to see friends connecting in person!” shares Lisa Longacher, acting vice president of advancement. “It is also an opportunity for the Hesston College community to come together to celebrate – for our students to meet people who came before them, as well as for alumni and friends to see that while there are changes and improvements to campus, the current HC students still get the Hesston experience.”
Kicking off the festivities Thursday, September 26, are two fine arts options. The Roots and Branches art auction and exhibit is open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. It is also opening night for theatre’s fall production, “Antigone,” which begins at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance at hesston.edu/bookstore.
On Friday, September 27, Professor of Art Joshua Cross will highlight the Roots and Branches art exhibit and the unique pieces created by artists using wood from the Hesston College campus during formation at 11 a.m. The Golden Gables Luncheon for alumni celebrating 50-year or greater reunions will include a presentation on the History of Theatre at Hesston College. Registration for the Golden Gables Luncheon is required.
Friday afternoon presentations will take place in Kropf Center and include an information session at 2 p.m. where Director of Engineering Education Joel Krehbiel will share about the college’s mechatronics engineering program, followed at 3 p.m. by a campus update with Interim President Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch. At 4 p.m., Bible faculty members Michele Hershberger and Nick Ladd will present “Biblical Literature in a Modern World,” highlighting the impact Hesston College’s staple course has on students in today’s world.
An international dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Bontrager Student Center will start the evening’s activities with a menu featuring campus favorite tikka masala, as well as options for the whole family. Payment will be accepted at the door. Other evening activities will be a Larks volleyball game at 6 p.m. in Yost Center followed by a meet and greet with the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
Activities on Saturday, September 28, include class reunions, a disc golf tournament, Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, outdoor art exhibit, T-shirt painting, receptions at newly renovated buildings and more. In the evening, HC will host the first community day of the academic year with the annual Homecoming Family Festival. Highlights of this event include food trucks, kids’ activities and Lark flag football.
The weekend will culminate on Sunday, September 29, with a 10:30 a.m. service at Hesston Mennonite Church. A complete list of activities and details can be found at hesston.edu/homecoming.