Freed-Hardeman Family Celebrates Homecoming 2024
Freed-Hardeman Family Celebrates Homecoming 2024
Precious Memories: FHU Legacy Families Cherish Historical Connections
Freed-Hardeman University celebrates a six-generation legacy family, honoring over a century of faith, education, and cherished connections. From the late 1800s to today, the Anderson-Williams family’s rich history embodies the university’s enduring values of God, family, and community.
Hall-Rolland Ribbon Cutting
Freed-Hardeman University honors tradition and progress with the grand reopening of Hall-Roland Hall, its oldest student residence. Newly renovated with modern comforts while preserving its historic charm, the dorm continues to foster faith, scholarship, and community for future generations.
Sonshine Singers/Chorale Reunion
Homecoming 2024 was a celebration of music, memories, and deep bonds as former members of FHU’s Sonshine Singers and Chorale reunited to honor the legacy of Dr. Gary McKnight. From heartfelt performances to cherished personal stories, the weekend marked a special tribute to the McKnights and the lasting impact they’ve had on their students. As alumni from all over the world gathered to sing once more, the spirit of community and faith continued to shine brightly.
Costuming Pericles
Collett Heenan’s senior capstone project for FHU's Theatre program captivated audiences with intricate costume designs in “Pericles.” Drawing inspiration from folklore, mythology, and the evolution of the play's setting, Heenan’s costumes told a visual story of transformation and adventure. Her dedication to the craft continues to shape her journey in the world of costume design.
School spirit was on full display all week long, starting with a Sunday night Maroon Madness event, filled with music, lights, fog—and plenty of energy in support of student-athletes. Sunday also officially kicked off social club spirit week, as five clubs competed in friendly events, including “Paint It Up,” “Puff It Up,” “Cheer It Up,” “Hoop It Up,” “Can It Up,” “Float It Up” and tailgating.
PKA club member Ben Rivers shared his enthusiasm for the week’s activities. “I am so excited to watch our club members compete and do the things they do best,” he said. “We have so many talented people, and it makes me so happy watching them display those talents.”
Cade Crews, from Sigma Rho, also appreciated the camaraderie these events fostered. “It’s always fun to compete, to work toward a goal and to grow closer with those you might not normally be around. All of these things are what make homecoming so much fun.”
This year’s club winners were Xi Chi Delta, who earned the Amy Glass Spirit Trophy, and Phi Kappa Alpha, who swept all seven individual events to win the coveted Homecoming Spirit Competition Trophy.
With hundreds of guests visiting campus, FHU offered an array of entertaining options for visitors of all ages and interests. Friday evening’s Block Party in the commons featured live music by the Legacy Jazz Ensemble, a giant bonfire, pies in the faces of willing FHU faculty and staff members, and a variety of delicious food options from Lion’s Pride Dining Services and visiting food trucks.
Despite drizzly conditions Saturday afternoon, crowds flocked to University Street for the annual Lion Walk and Homecoming Parade. Led by FHU ROTC members and banner bearers Annie Ballard (’35) and Jackson Ramey (’38), the Lion Walk featured President David Shannon and his wife, Grand Marshals Chancellor Milton Sewell and his wife, FHU cheerleaders, Riley the Lion, the Lion and Lady Lion basketball teams, and the 2024 Homecoming Court. Special guests included future FHU Lions (ages 0-5th grade) making their homecoming debut.
Following close behind were five colorful parade floats, created by talented members of the social clubs. Each represented a different popular board game: Clue, Ticket to Ride, Monopoly, Candyland and The Game of Life. The floats entertained spectators with skits, music and crowd giveaways.
Saturday’s entertainment options also included a concert by the FHU Chorale with the Transcendence Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Scott Wyatt. The standing-room-only performance in the Draughon Center drew a packed audience.
In the Black Box Theatre, audiences experienced shipwrecks, sword fights, mistaken identities and pirates during four spellbinding performances of FHU Theatre’s homecoming play, “Pericles,” by William Shakespeare.
A special coronation ceremony Saturday afternoon recognized senior students selected as 2024 homecoming royalty. Spencer Bowen, a senior Bible major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was crowned homecoming king, and Harper Shelton, a senior kinesiology and secondary education major from Centerville, Tennessee, was crowned homecoming queen.
Spencer, the son of Mike and Sherry Bowen, is a member of Chi Beta Chi social club, where he has served as sports captain, homecoming representative and vice president. He shared his appreciation for the people behind the scenes at FHU.
“There are many people here who go unappreciated for the work they do,” he said. “I am grateful to attend a university full of people who truly want us to succeed, have fun and grow in Christ. There are many unrecognized people who make this place truly special, and I appreciate them and their humility the most.”
Harper, the daughter of Craig and Misty Shelton, both FHU graduates, has been a member of the women’s golf team and Phi Kappa Alpha social club, where she has twice served as a community service officer. She expressed gratitude for the Christian education FHU provides.
“A positive Christian environment full of like-minded people has allowed me to make the most of my time at FHU,” she said. “I will forever appreciate the opportunities to learn and grow educationally, spiritually and socially here. My family had a big impact on why I chose Freed-Hardeman, and I thank them for taking the time and effort to encourage me to come here.”
Other senior candidates for homecoming royalty were Rachel Hibbett, a public relations major from Henderson, Tennessee; Reagan Malone, a sport administration major from Arab, Alabama; Max Ballard, a marketing business administration major from Columbia, Tennessee; and Ben Rivers, an accounting major from Columbia, Tennessee.
Once again, Dr. Matt Barker’s small group communications class organized a homecoming 5K fundraiser to benefit the Chester County Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. This was the fifth year for the fundraiser and the fourth year for the 5K for the Children.
“This year, 164 people registered for the 5K, and 35 businesses and individuals sponsored the event,” Barker shared. “Their generosity allowed us to raise over $9,000 for the Carl Perkins Center. We also donated diapers and canned food items to help provide for the needs of the families and children they serve.”
Since initiating this project five years ago, Barker’s classes have raised over $35,000 in total to benefit this worthy cause.
A special Breakfast of Champions Saturday morning invited basketball fans to once again celebrate FHU’s 2024 NAIA National Championship Men’s Basketball Team. During the breakfast, both current and former team members watched a compilation of video messages from fans who offered their congratulations and shared their own personal stories of witnessing the championship win.
In addition to FHU faculty, staff and alumni messages, the team also received congratulations from U.S. Representatives David Kustoff and Kirk Haston, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Basketball enthusiasm continued as crowds flocked to Brewer Sports Center’s Smith-Kirk Court to watch their Lady Lions take on Bryan College while the Lions battled against LSU-Alexandria Saturday afternoon.
Athletic appreciation continued that evening with the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony, held in the auxiliary gym. Three new members were officially inducted into the Freed-Hardeman University Sports Hall of Fame: Joe Burleson (1960-62) for coaching after FHU, Beau Caviness (2013-18) for baseball and Hannah (Griffin) Skelley (2012-16) for women’s golf. Gayle McDonald was also recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for her work serving the athletic department as both an athletic trainer and as the faculty athletics representative.
Finally, homecoming attendees had many opportunities to honor the past while looking towards the bright future of the school. A Friday afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the reopening and the 100-year history of Hall-Roland Hall women’s dormitory. Members of the Hall family, the Roland family, former residents and more gathered to tell stories of the dorm’s past before getting the chance to tour its recent extensive renovations.
Saturday morning’s Legacy Pinning Ceremony took place in Old Main Administration Building’s Chapel Hall. The sixth annual ceremony honored 52 freshmen and transfer students whose parents or grandparents also attended FHU.
Keynote speaker Don Williams (’79), whose grandson Braden Williams was recognized as a sixth-generation legacy student, concluded his personal remarks with a sentiment that was surely shared by many in attendance. “Thank you, Freed-Hardeman, for teaching us how to live and how to make a living, and thank you for teaching the biblical principles that you still hold dear in a changing and uncertain world,” Williams said. “May you always walk in the paths of God’s word now and forevermore.”
Capping off a memorable homecoming week, FHU alumni led a special worship service Sunday morning in Brewer Sports Center, with President David Shannon (’89) delivering the message.
Whether students or alumni, visitors or locals, friends or strangers, all those who participated in FHU Homecoming 2024 walked away renewed, refreshed and saying, “Thanks for the memories.”