Hundreds of Goshen College graduates are expected to return to campus for homecoming weekend at the start of October, including members of the class of 1964, celebrating their 50th anniversary, and former Record editors, who will tour the Center for Communication Studies.
More than 40 events are to take place for alumni, current students and families to enjoy. Activities include alumni awards, homecoming convocation, a theater production, soccer games, food trucks, the music gala and more.“I’m looking forward to the homecoming explore day because my parents and family can come visit the campus and I like to show them where my classes are and what I’m up to on campus,” said Angelica Garcia-Ponce, a sophomore social work major.
Others are focused on athletic activities. “I am excited about the women’s soccer game vs. Indiana Wesleyan University,” said Lars Razor, a senior communication major. “I want to support our athletes and show school spirit.”
Homecoming weekend commences with a convocation on Friday morning at 10 a.m. that highlights the 2024 alumni award recipients. The “Culture for Service” awards will be presented to Charles Hostetter ‘63, and Adam Tice ‘02.
Hostetter served with the U.S. Public Health Service for over two decades. In the late 1980s, as the HIV epidemic ravaged communities, he was named director of the Division of HIV Services for the Public Health Service in Washington.
In 2016, Tice was appointed as the text editor for the Mennonite Worship and Song Committee, which produced the hymnal Voices Together, which features some of his compositions. He is the former music director and current member of The Open Fifths, a male-voice choral ensemble.
“It’s so inspiring to hear how their time at GC has impacted their lives,” said Dan Koop Liechty, the director of alumni engagement and international student adviser.
Samita Thapa, who graduated in 2013, will receive the “Young Alumni Servant Leadership” award. Thapa is the research lead for the gender benchmark at the World Benchmarking Alliance and has been working towards gender equality and empowering women. The “Champions of Character” Awards will go to Sophia Sears ‘17, and Carl Yoder ‘57.
On Friday afternoon, Goshen College is hosting “Connectapalooza” during the city of Goshen’s monthly First Friday evening. Musical performances include GC’s Lavender Jazz Band, songwriter Abbie Thomas and rock band Lalo Cura. Attendees should expect “a super fun event with great music, food, and a very important GC announcement at 7 p.m.,” Koop Liechty said.
Alumni from various graduating classes are encouraged to join their class Facebook groups to reconnect with their peers before arriving on campus as class reunions will be held on Saturday morning. Alumni will then have the opportunity to participate in an alumni baseball game at Sarge Yoder Field at 10 a.m.
Later on, a Latinx reception will be held for former and current Latino Student Union members and the Hispanic Serving Institution Committee to gather at 3 p.m. “I’m excited about the meaningful conversations and the chance to build connections with those who have walked a similar path,” says Fernando Daza, a junior double major in business and peace, justice & conflict studies.
Garcia-Ponce said, “It gives us Latino students a space to interact with others who know and acknowledge our experiences and struggles as first-generation students.”
As part of the reunion for former Record editors, Joe Springer, class of 1980, and Susan Fisher Miller, class of 1979, will lead a panel session to discuss the significance of The Record’s archives in research and writing at 4 p.m. Once the first panel discussion is complete, Anna Groff, class of 2006 and assistant professor of communication, will present a panel of current and recent Record editors to reflect and share their stories regarding journalism at GC. More than 40 former editors are expected to return, including Vic Stoltzfus, the former Goshen College president who served as a student editor in 1955-56.
Groff said, “I hope attendees have a deeper appreciation for The Record and the importance of independent journalism.”
Homecoming Weekend concludes on Sunday as President Rebecca Stoltzfus, class of 1983, will preach during a bilingual World Communion Sunday worship service at College Mennonite Church. After the service, visitors are welcome to join the bake-off fundraiser.
The final event takes place at 2 p.m. in Umble Center and stars Victor Vegas and Fatima Zahara in an original musical. The musical is free and open to the public. “I’d love to see students take full advantage of all the great things going,” Koop Liechty said.
