Homecoming 2020 on the Hill
From November 16th through the 19th, Dallas Baptist University was alive with the excitement of Homecoming, and despite there not being an opposing basketball team to play and other restrictions due to COVID-19, students, staff, and alumni were thrilled to celebrate the University together.
Homecoming 2020 launched with a commemorative package mailed to alumni with a T-shirt, coffee mug, and pom-poms to help ignite another year of enthusiastic celebration of their alma mater.
Events kicked off with Battle at the Burg on Monday night that showcased some of DBU’s finest as the men’s basketball team split in two and participated in a scrimmage-style game with captivating performances from the Patriettes, Cheer Team, and Alpha Delta Kappa.
After the game, the student body migrated from the Burg to the top of the hill, where DBU had the pleasure of hearing some of its very own students perform at Sellar Nights. With performances from “Bobby V and Tokyo,” Kylee Shipp and Cade Kellam, and Jon Ewing, DBU wrapped up night one of Homecoming week with great music and even greater fellowship.
On Tuesday, DBU held its 32nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot on campus. Student Life offered both a 5K running route and a 3K walking route so all could be involved.
DBU student David Collier expressed, “I ran the race this year because I love that DBU allows students and faculty to give back to causes that have such an impact. I love that DBU hosts events that are fun to attend but also hold the Christian values of service and giving.”
DBU is thankful for the opportunity to serve through this annual event and have it be a special part of Homecoming.
As with many aspects of the week, Homecoming Chapel looked different this year for DBU. Staying true to tradition, an invitation to attend Chapel on Wednesday morning was extended to the entire campus including faculty and staff members. The DBU family gathered not in the chapel itself, but in the chapel parking lot with masks on and hearts open, ready to worship together. For just a moment, DBU was able to pause and reflect on the past year.
In the midst of the chaos, DBU was reminded of the goodness of the Lord as DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright reminded everyone of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” DBU recognized its on-staff alumni and presented the candidates for the 2020 Homecoming court. Though the location of the Chapel may have changed, the spirit of celebration did not.
DBU wrapped up its on-campus homecoming festivities by hosting the 2nd Annual Mr. Patriot male talent contest on Thursday night. With notable moments like a slam poetry reading of “Fireflies” by Owl City, participants throwing Whataburger into the crowd, and high-caliber jump roping, Mr. Patriot 2020 was exciting to say the very least. Before revealing the winner of the contest, Director of Student Life’s David Reyes announced DBU’s 2020 Homecoming Court, crowning Jake Shoemaker and Kelly Hoghaug as King and Queen. He also congratulated Chi Theta Alpha on winning the 2020 Greek Life float contest. At the end of the program, Jansen Wonders was named Mr. Patriot 2020, accepting the Patriot coat and hat from 2019’s Mr. Patriot, Joel Thomas.
Throughout the week, DBU offered many opportunities for alumni to get involved in the fun, hosting daily Greek Life and Class Reunion Zoom meetings and virtual events like “Coffee with the Prez,” allowing former students to stay connected during this time.
DBU's invitation to connect with alumni concluded with Monday evening's 33rd annual Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award Dinner. In partnership with WFAA Dallas and Shelly Slater Strategies, the event was held virtually on the DBU website and on Facebook Live and honored Dallas real estate investors C.T. “Sparkey” & Merrie Beckham.
Despite it being different, DBU’s 2020 Homecoming Week was a great success. We are reminded that even though we may not all be physically together, the DBU family is never far apart. Praise be to God for University Hill! DBU really is home.
Emmalie Ellis writes for the University Communications Department at Dallas Baptist University.