Samford University in Birmingham welcomed alumni from many states, including Alaska, for 2013 homecoming weekend Nov. 15–16. The agenda included time for fellowship, worship and celebration of achievements by individuals and the university.
On homecoming Saturday, the campus quadrangle was a sea of tailgate tents and tables for 55 organizations, classes and affinity groups. While graduates reminisced, their children and grandchildren enjoyed an array of amusements.
“We always come back for homecoming. It’s fun,” said graduate Andrew Murphy who met his wife, Lindsey, when both were in the Samford band. They brought their three children — Isaiah, 4; Evie, 2; and Lucy, 6 months — to enjoy the parade and other activities.
A gameday crowd of 8,415 in Seibert Stadium watched as the Samford Bulldogs defeated University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in a 17–14 overtime thriller.
Alumni of the Year were honored at the traditional alumni banquet on Friday. They are: 1983 graduate Mark Cottingham, worship and arts pastor at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Ga.; 1962 graduate Mickey Newsome, executive chairman of Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc.; and 1983 graduate Sylvia Snider Young, president of Hospital Corporation of America’s Continental Division in Denver, Colo. Jeff Stephens, a 2004 graduate and general manager of Birmingham-based 365 Incorporated, was named Outstanding Young Alumnus, an honor given to a distinguished graduate of the last 10 years.
Alumni Association president Keith Herron, class of 1986, noted that Samford’s 45,000-plus alumni live, work and serve in a variety of ways throughout the world, and that the 2013 honorees are exemplary of the “thousands of Samford alumni who are making a difference every day.”
The program included introduction of new Alumni Association officers: Birmingham attorney Gil Simmons, class of 1983, president; and Birmingham teacher Lori Littlejohn Sullivan, class of 1979, vice president for activities. Birmingham realtor David Spurling, class of 1998, will continue to serve as vice president for annual giving.
Samford President Andrew Westmoreland noted the frequent stories he hears of people who arrived at the university much like the proverbial stranger.
“Samford invited them in and helped them become the men and women they are today. We are all better for the experience we have shared at Samford,” he said.
Prior to the banquet, many alumni and students gathered for choral vespers in Reid Chapel. Worship leaders included alumni Bob Hatfield, who holds bachelor’s and doctor of ministry degrees; and Rosemary Mims Fisk, a 1977 graduate. The program of song, Scripture and worship concluded with alumni members of the A Cappella Choir joining the current choir to sing “Beautiful Savior.”
Throughout the weekend, seniors Rachel Gregory, an elementary education major from Brentwood, Tenn., and Jacob Hamilton, an English major from Dallas, Texas, reigned as homecoming queen and king. Chosen by vote of the student body, they were announced at an elegant on-campus ball Nov. 14.
Special homecoming reunion events included programs for the 50-year class of 1963 and Chi Omega sorority alumnae who were celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Zeta Zeta chapter.
(Samford)
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