Abilene Christian University will celebrate the "Greatest Homecoming on Earth" with festivities ranging from concerts and parades to carnivals, pep rallies and ending football games. Homecoming weekend, which kicks off Thursday, Oct. 18, will host various events on ACU's campus and around the Abilene area to honor alumni, benefit scholarship funding, and celebrate ACU's rich traditions and heritage.
Homecoming celebrations begin Thursday with the annual Gutenberg Dinner. This dinner honors distinguished alumni in the field of journalism and mass communication. This year's recipients include Pamela Hamm ('85) an anchor and reporter for KWES in Midland, Greg Staley ('92), who serves as communications manager for the Travel Industry Association in Washington, D.C., and Steve Wen Ho Lin ('86), President and CEO for Greater China for the Grey Global Group in Hong Kong.
ACU's Homecoming carnival will be held Friday from 4:30-8 p.m. in the campus mall area. Wristbands for rides are $3 each, or $2 each if purchased between 4:30-5 p.m. The carnival, featuring food, music and fun for all ages, is free and open to the public.
Jam Fest, a live music event featuring current and former ACU students, will begin at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Zona Luce Building on the ACU campus. The event is free.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ACU students will perform in the annual Homecoming musical at the Abilene Civic Center. This year's musical, AIDA, features the music and lyrics of Tim Rice and Elton John. Tickets and show times for AIDA are available online.
On Saturday, the Homecoming parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., and circle the perimeter of campus. The colorful floats and spirited music attract all ages, and the Abilene community is welcome to attend.
Homecoming Chapel will begin Saturday at 10:45 a.m. in Moody Coliseum. Following Chapel, the annual Pre-Game Party will be held in the campus mall area.
Another highlight of the weekend, the Homecoming football game, will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. This year, the Wildcats will face the West Texas A&M Buffaloes. Halftime festivities will feature the Big Purple Band, as well as the crowning of this year’s Homecoming Queen.
To get a complete listing of scheduled events visit http://www.acu.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
