PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University welcomes alumni, families, and the community to Homecoming Oct. 18-24 as the celebration returns to the fall with football, reunions, worship, music, and opportunities to honor outstanding Pioneers.
“Homecoming gives us a chance to celebrate the people and relationships that make Wayland special,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services. “Returning to the fall brings that celebration together with football and other campus traditions, and we want our alumni and the Plainview community to be part of it.”
Activities take place throughout the week, with alumni gatherings concentrated Oct. 22-24. The public is invited to join in the festivities, especially on Friday and Saturday. Highlights include Homecoming Chapel featuring Rodney and Sarah Wallace, a Flying Queens documentary episode screening, the Class of 1976’s 50th reunion, the Blue & Gold Awards Banquet, and the Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony.
The Pioneers host Arkansas Baptist College at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium, 24th and Yonkers streets. A campus cookout and afternoon tailgate will help fans get ready for kickoff.
“Whether you graduated 50 years ago, are making your first Homecoming memories, or simply want to spend time with the Wayland family, there is an opportunity to join us,” Vera said.
The published schedule includes:
Monday, Oct. 19: Prevail Worship Gathering, hosted by the Baptist Student Ministry, at 7 p.m. in the SMAC/Trinity Building; Ice Cream at the Laney from 8-10 p.m. at the Laney Student Activities Center.
Tuesday, Oct. 20: Take Care Tuesday, a student mental health awareness event, from 7-9 p.m. in Room 211 of McClung University Center; late-night breakfast from 9-11 p.m. in the university center cafeteria. Breakfast is exclusively for Wayland students, and a valid student ID is required.
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Homecoming Chapel at 11 a.m. in Harral Auditorium, with Rodney and Sarah Wallace, recognition of honor class alumni, and introduction of Homecoming king and queen candidates; A Splash of Pioneer Spirit lemonade gathering takes place from noon to 2 p.m. outside the university center cafeteria; Pioneers of Excellence Dinner at 6 p.m., by invitation only.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Worship Night on the Patio, led by Jarrett Lynch, from 8-10 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23: Class of 1976 check-in and luncheon at 11 a.m. in McClung University Center, Room 211, followed by a campus tour at 1 p.m.; special screening event from 2-4 p.m. at the Flying Queens Museum, with the If Not For Them special episode viewing at 2:30 p.m.; Sip, Mix & Mingle: Dirty Sodas and Boba Tea from 6-8 p.m.; volleyball against College of the Ozarks at 6 p.m. in Hutcherson Center; Blue & Gold Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. in Trinity Building Chapel; Class of 1976 fellowship at 6 p.m. in the Baptist Student Ministry Fellowship Hall in the Trinity Building; the Wayland choir’s free ABIDE concert at 8 p.m. in Harral Auditorium.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony at 9 a.m. in the Learning Resources Center atrium, with limited seating; Pioneers at the Grill, sponsored by PCI, at 11 a.m. in front of Gates Hall, with complimentary food served first come, first served, while supplies last; Class of 1976 lunch at 11 a.m. in the BSM Fellowship Hall; volleyball against John Brown University at noon in Hutcherson Center; Pioneer Tailgate Takeover from 2-4 p.m.; football against Arkansas Baptist College at 4 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium; Class of 1976 final gathering at 7 p.m., or immediately after the game, in the BSM Fellowship Hall.
Visitors also may explore the Flying Queens, Jimmy Dean, and Llano Estacado museums at Mabee Regional Heritage Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday. The Malouf Abraham Family Art Gallery will open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, and 2-5 p.m., Saturday.
Reunion registration links and the latest event details are available at
