Homecoming Weekend Successful
BLUE DERKIN
STAFF WRITER
This past weekend, Hillsdale College again welcomed its returning alumni to a mix of sport, pageantry, and fun. Indeed, this year’s Homecoming celebration offered much to those who made the journey back to their alma mater — Central Hall, after being under construction for some time, was rededicated, and the football team put up its first win of the season.
On Friday night, the annual Alumni Awards Banquet was held, attracting around 225 people. Soon, there was a steady trickle of alums, revisiting their respective Greek houses and reliving fond memories. But Homecoming proper begins on Saturday. This year, a special ceremony served to kick off the festivities — the long-awaited re-dedication of Central Hall, signaling an end to the massive restoration project undertaken by Hillsdale. The ceremony, according to Director of Alumni Affairs Tim Sullivan, was well-attended and a smashing success. Involved in the spectacle was a ribbon-cutting ceremony, replete with emissaries from all levels of college life. Participants in the actual cutting included Jim Feaiherston, ’56, who is President of the Alumni Board, Dr. Roche, and Don Mossey, President of the Board of Trustees. Representing the student body were Aaron Streett, President of Student Federation, Knute “Cody” Lee, President of this year’s Senior Class, and Ben Bauman, President of Men’s Council, which was instrumental in raising needed funds.
In addition, retired Professor Emeritus Arlan Gilbert, Professor Sam Knecht, Vice-President of Administration .Tony Fowler represented the faculty and administration, and representing the various construction teams were David Foulke of Foulke Construction and Fred Naucke of the Preservation Company of America. In all, there were eleven participants in the physical cutting of the ceremonial ribbon. Also, Dr. Roche and Don Mossey spoke, and the Hillsdale College Choir gave a moving performance on the Central Hall steps, singing the Alma Mater and “America, The Beautiful,” which, according to Sullivan, left nary a dry eye among the crowd. The ceremony ended with a Benediction given by Hillsdale’s own Fr. Duane Beauchamp.
Melissa Bringard, the Chi Omega representative, was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime of this Saturday’s football game. She was escorted by her father Jerry.
Following shortly thereafter was the Annual Homecoming Game, in which the Chargers gave their best performance to date, drubbing St. Francis by a score of 49 to 6. At the game, of course, the Homecoming Queen was announced. Voted on by the Student Body, this year’s queen was senior Missy Bringard of Chi Omega. An Early Childhood Education and Spanish major, Missy was escorted by her proud father, Mr. Jerry Bringard, and supported by her sisters in Chi Omega
In short, this year’s celebration was well attended with approximately 800 to 1000 alumni returning and, according to Sullivan, “A great weekend, with plenty of excitement and historical significance The weather even cooperated. It was a perfect Homecoming.”
