BETHANY, W.Va. (Oct. 14, 2024) – Laughter and nostalgia were the theme of this weekend as Bethany College hosted its Homecoming of Champions. It was a truly unforgettable experience as alumni, students, and friends reunited on campus to commemorate the traditions and camaraderie that define this remarkable community.
The festivities kicked off on Friday with the 1933 Society ceremony and reception, where distinguished alumni gathered to acknowledge the new inductees for their impressive academic achievements. This was followed by a heartfelt 50th reunion reception for the Class of 1974, where longtime friends reminisced over appetizers and drinks, rekindling cherished memories.
As evening set in, the Homecoming Celebration & Class Reunion Reception at Commencement Hall became a lively and heartwarming gathering. The Class of 1974 took center stage as they were presented with the inaugural Class Cup, awarded for having the highest donor participation for their class appeal. The alumni award winners—David Eugene McConahy ‘87, Elizabeth Wells McIlvain ‘77, Rev. Tim Bobbitt ‘92, and Robert ‘67 and Georgiana Riley ‘71—were met with a standing ovation, honoring their remarkable contributions and dedication to Bethany. Later, attendees enjoyed an inspiring art show at Renner Art Gallery, showcasing the incredible talents of Bethanians and adding a creative flair to the festivities.
Saturday dawned bright and bustling, starting with the Greek Life Breakfast, where alumni and current students gathered for a delicious meal and morning cocktails. The Town Hall meeting in Wailes Theatre provided an engaging update from Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi and Board Chairman Ken Bado ’77, highlighting the College’s progress and future initiatives. The day continued with the Grimes Lecture, featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Dave Wottle, whose inspiring journey exemplified the spirit of champions that resonated throughout the weekend.
Later, two significant campus dedications—the Classes of 1974 and 1999’s Oglebay Gates refurbishing project and the Class of 1992’s outdoor seating area, Harmor ‘92—marked the hard work and contributions of alumni who are committed to enhancing the Bethany experience for future generations. In addition, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the new Living Memorial Daffodil Garden, dedicated to honoring the memories of those who have shaped the Bethany community.
As the afternoon rolled in, families gathered at the tailgate area next to Bison Stadium, where laughter and joy filled the air before the much-anticipated football game against Westminster. Fans proudly donned their green and white, rallying behind the team in a show of school spirit. During halftime, Santiago Bruni ’25 and Lindsey Garrison ’25 were crowned as Homecoming King and Queen, adding a special moment to the game’s excitement. The 1994 men’s soccer team was also recognized for their national championship, along with the 2022 and 2023 women’s volleyball teams for their back-to-back PAC championship wins.
Bethany College’s Homecoming of Champions was not just a tribute of past achievements but a strong reflection of the vibrant community that continues to grow and inspire.
About Bethany College
Founded in 1840, Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. With a commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a rich history of tradition, Bethany College prepares students for lifelong success through a comprehensive education that emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and service.
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