Joining Together Pats of All Ages: Celebrating 2022 Homecoming on the Hill

From the moment Float Tip-Off began on November 15th until the very last Patriot left the Bonfire Bash on the 19th, University Hill was alive with the excitement of Homecoming. Every float pomped, banner hung, bowl of chili made, skit practiced, routine perfected, and basketball shot contributed to making the Hill feel like home for Patriots past, present, and future.

The week began with the Float Tip-Off on Monday evening as organizations from all across campus braved the cold, dreary weather to bring their float ideas to life. The following evening, the Annual Faculty/ Staff Chili Cook Off warmed the hearts and stomachs of students all across campus and awarded "Chili Willie" with this year's first-place prize.

The sun came out to greet the student body on Wednesday morning just in time for the beloved Homecoming Chapel held outside. Dr. Connor Smith recognized the athletic accomplishments of our
esteemed fall-competing athletes, and Dr. Jay Harley honored all DBU alumni in attendance who now serve as a part of our full-time faculty and staff team. The Women's Auxiliary Board hosted the Homecoming Pepsi Break later that evening to provide warm drinks for individuals working hard on their floats.

Not new to campus, but a new addition to the Homecoming Week festivities, the 34th Annual Turkey Trot was held on Thursday with a new and improved 3K route made possible by the beautiful new Lunsford Trail. A reception held at the finish line celebrated participants of both the 5K run and 3K walk with food trucks and fellowship.

On Friday, the Student Life Office hosted the crowd-favorite Mr. Patriot competition wherein
four young men battle for the notorious cap and coat. Laughs could be heard all across the top of the Hill as the contestants did their best to show off their musical abilities, dancing skills, and skit-writing talents. While each contestant left everything out on the stage, the judges ultimately crowned Jaret V. Grayson as the 2022 Mr. Patriot.

Patriots from far and wide gathered together on the Hill for Saturday's alumni receptions, parade, Patriot Rally, Alumni Awards, and basketball game. Additionally, DBU also welcomed potential Future Patriots onto campus for Admission's Patriot Preview. Beginning at 9:00, alumni were given the opportunity to reconnect with individuals from their college of study prior to the parade, which began at 3:00. Tau Alpha Phi and Alpha Delta Kappa earned first place for their combined float, but it was undeniable that each entry displayed true craftsmanship, creativity, and individuality.

At the Patriot Rally, the Alumni Association honored Bryan Stevenson as the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and recognized Dr. Gus Reyes as the 2022 Honorary Alumnus of the Year. Additionally, Head Basketball Coach Dr. Blake Flickner readied the crowd for the game that night, and the Patriettes Dance Team and DBU Cheer Team proudly led the DBU fight song.

During halftime, DBU recognized the candidates for the Homecoming Court, awarded each class's winning representatives, and crowned Tiffany Padilla and Bohn Crain as the 2022 DBU Homecoming King and Queen. The cherry on top of a week full of DBU spirit was the Patriot's 84-53 win over Newman University. Following the game, Homecoming Week was brought to a close at the Bonfire Bash as fans celebrated the win, gathered together around warm fire pits.

Our university is so thankful for everyone who makes this week possible year after year including each alumnus and student who has made the Hill their home. What a blessing it is to see Patriots of all ages joining together to celebrate friendship, the Lord's goodness, and Dallas Baptist University.