Milligan University will host its annual Homecoming weekend Oct. 24–26 — a time for friends, family, fun and fellowship in the Milligan community.
Events will take place throughout the week leading up to the weekend, with the majority on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Director of Alumni Relations and Development Belle King said this year’s theme for homecoming is “Wonderful Weekend.” The theme “draws inspiration from the Wonderful Wednesday tradition” and will include inflatables, an alumni band, brunch and more.
King said she is responsible for planning half of Homecoming while coordinating with the vice president’s office, the Student Government Association, and groups such as the advancement and student life teams.
Planning for the concert and the play are handled independently by the music department.
The Gregory Center will host a musical theater production, “Freaky Friday.” Tickets are $13.50 online or can be purchased at the box office in the front entrance of Gregory. Showtimes are Oct. 23-25, at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Attending this show during homecoming is a great way to support the performing arts. “A lot of people have put hard work into this production,” said sophomore Irie Manning. “In the end, our goal is to bring joy to the crowd that is in the audience, and that is a beautiful thing. It’s art and you should enjoy art.”
Manning said the cast had only one month to prepare for the production, with rehearsals held throughout the week, including Saturday and Sunday. Practices included singing, dancing, and learning parts such as melody, countermelodies and harmonies.
The Milligan Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, Heritage a capella group, Milligan Orchestra and other student musicians will perform in the annual Homecoming concert, with this year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time.”
“There are a lot of students in our music ensembles that are involved in different things, but I think this concern unites us all,” said senior Amelia Terri. “Getting to perform the songs is positive and rewarding for us. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Terri said the music is very recognizable and that she hopes the audience enjoys the concert.
Homecoming also includes events such as the parade, lip-sync battle, and hands-on science activities for kids in the science building. More information can be found in the print edition of The Stampede, Milligan’s student-run newspaper, in the “Homecoming Highlights” section or on the Milligan website.
Cover Photo: Performers at Milligan’s 2024 Homecoming Concert, themed “Back to the future: classic hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s”
