Blue skies and unseasonably warm weather welcomed hundreds of visitors to Henderson’s campus in November for FHU Homecoming 2025: “Find Your Way Back”! Celebrations lasted all week, serving up spirit competitions, fine art performances, athletic events, classmate reunions and many more activities that reminded students past and present what’s so special about the FHU family.
A treasured annual tradition, spirit competitions dominated student thought throughout homecoming week, as social clubs rallied their members to show their love for FHU in fun and creative ways. Clubs earned points by participating in a series of seven friendly competitions: Paint It Up, Puff It Up, Cheer It Up, Hoop It Up, Can It Up, Float It Up and Tailgating.
A great deal of planning goes into each event, especially for club officers and committee members. As a homecoming representative for Xi Chi Delta, junior Jamison Long was responsible for attending meetings, developing plans and delegating responsibilities. “The most challenging part is the rushed feeling of the week itself,” Jamison said. “I have to help make sure that everything is in line, not only on the homecoming side of things but also making sure the club I’m representing is in good spirits, bringing the energy and overall having an enjoyable time.”
Senior Clay Kirkland, a Sigma Rho homecoming representative, also acknowledged the challenging but rewarding nature of the week. “I always look forward to the big games like Hoop It Up and Puff It Up because they are just fun and classic homecoming events. I also love seeing all the alumni come back.”
Saturday evening, at the conclusion of spirit week, clubs gathered in Brewer Sports Center to hear the results of each competition. Awards were as follows:
While students celebrated their achievements, most, like Jamison Long, still recognize the true purpose and joy in spirit week events: “Despite homecoming feeling like a competition between clubs, at the end of the day, it is a time to enjoy each moment with your fellow clubs, alumni and Christians.”
Beyond the competitive spirit, campus came alive with entertainment for out-of-town guests visiting for the weekend. Friday evening, local band Four Docs and a Jock performed an energetic concert in Chapel Hall. Later, crowds gathered in the Brewer Sports Center parking lot for an epic Block Party, complete with food trucks, bounce houses and live music by the Legacy Jazz Ensemble. Some lucky visitors even got to throw pies in the faces of faculty and staff volunteers as a reward for meeting certain FHU Day of Giving goals.
The goals met were a part of a fundraising effort to purchase cans for the Can It Up student competition. With each level of giving unlocked, a new faculty or staff member earned a pie in the face. At the end of homecoming, all canned goods were donated to the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Saturday morning events included a concert by the FHU Chorale, directed by Dr. Scott Wyatt. Students performed several Broadway showstoppers as well as a selection of sacred choral works to a packed audience in Chapel Hall.
FHU Theatre also delivered top-tier entertainment with nightly performances of “Anastasia: The Musical” on the newly enhanced stage of Dryden Auditorium. The cast and creative team, made up of FHU students, alumni and friends, delivered a magical experience that delighted guests of all ages. Following Friday night’s performance, theatre alumni gathered for a special reunion, celebrating their shared passion for the stage and reminiscing about past FHU productions.
For alumni, a return to campus means revisiting the friends, memories and life lessons that helped shape some of the most formative years of their lives. Reunion gatherings for the anniversary classes of ’85, ’95, ’05, ’15 and ’25 gave former classmates the chance to reconnect.
Alumna Sherra (Williams) Taylor, class of 1985, was excited to celebrate her 40th class reunion this year. During her visit, she enjoyed walking around campus and meeting up with longtime friends. She fondly remembers her time as a member of Tri Zeta and being a part of Makin’ Music for three years. While 40 years may have passed since her time as a student, she said that she still maintains the FHU friendships that are so special to her. “Just this past Thursday night, I ate dinner with my two former roommates,” Taylor said. “We love to reminisce when we’re together.”
Some alumni are also getting the opportunity to share their alma mater with their own children, with many legacy students now connecting to the campus their parents also love. The 7th Annual Legacy Pinning Ceremony recognized 50 of these students as they began their FHU journey, representing a portion of the even larger number of legacy students on campus.
Keynote speaker Lee Johnson (’97), whose son Will was also being pinned, offered some perspective and insight to all of the legacy students. “The friends that you make here will be lifelong friends,” he said. “Right now they share the same pains, the same fears and the same concerns that you do. And the reason that’s a unique bond is because those people will be important later on in your life, whether you realize that today or not.”
For the fifth year, Dr. Matt Barker and his small group communication class organized the annual 5K for the Children benefitting the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. This year, a total of 182 individuals contributed to the cause by purchasing T-shirts and runner’s packs, and 151 runners participated in Saturday morning’s race — the largest turnout in the history of the event!
This year’s 5K also raised a record amount, with $10,604.54 donated through registrations and sponsorships. Throughout the six years of fundraising for the Carl Perkins Center of Chester County (including selling face masks in 2020), the class project has raised a total of $46,300.
“It is always an honor to partner with the Carl Perkins Center to support their mission of protecting children and strengthening families in Chester County,” Barker said. “I am thankful for everyone who participated, sponsored or volunteered to make this event successful. We are excited to be able to donate over $10,600 to the Carl Perkins Center this year to support their mission of continued service to children and families in the local community.”
Brewer Sports Center became a hub of activity Saturday, as crowds flocked to watch Lion athletes in action. While Lady Lion Volleyball came up short against the University of the Cumberlands, both Lady Lion and Lion Basketball teams prevailed over the competition, defeating Bryan College and Faulkner University, respectively.
Following all games, a special dinner and induction ceremony welcomed three new members into the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame: Tyler Alverson (cross country, Class of 2019), Jonathan Edwards (men’s soccer, Class of 2009) and Jason Shelton (men’s basketball coach, 2005-16).
Before visitors departed on Sunday morning, about 500 gathered for a worship service organized by FHU staff and board members, including a sermon delivered by President Shannon. During the service, $2,800 was collected to purchase Bibles for alumnus Dr. Mani Pagidipalli’s effort to hand out 12,000 Bibles in 365 days in India.
From the Saturday morning 5K to the final basketball game, FHU Homecoming 2025 offered something for everyone. Current students competed in spirit week and created lasting memories with their clubs, while alumni reconnected with old friends and watched their own children become Lions. Whether experiencing homecoming for the first time or the 40th, one thing remains clear: There’s always a reason to find your way back home.
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