Freed-Hardeman’s annual Homecoming celebration, Nov. 6-12, was filled with on-campus fundraisers, a new interpretation of a classic Broadway musical, heated competition between students and reunions between alumni from all over the country.
Cliff Thompson, director of FHU’s theatre department, was responsible for this year’s homecoming play, “Guys and Dolls.” Based on the storyline by Damon Runyon, the musical followed a group of gamblers, entertainers and religious activists in New York City. A matinee performance Saturday and three evening performances Thursday through Saturday ensured that all FHU associates and community supporters were able to enjoy the classic play.
Both students and faculty members occupied the lead roles in the play, including Riley Bowers as Sky Masterson, Alaina Smith as Adelaide, Dr. Gary McKnight as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Melanie Lambert-Wheat as Sarah Brown and Dennis Guinn as Nathan Detroit.
Friday night featured the banquet where the Homecoming King and Queen were announced and alumni awards were presented. Andrew Ashley, a senior exercise science and Bible major from Durant, Okla., was crowned king and Brittany Peppers, a senior elementary education major from Florence, Ala., was crowned queen. Other seniors nominated for the title were Matt Collins, Travis Young, Bailey Hester and Sarah McReynolds.
Six alumni were recognized for their professional accomplishments. Karla Combs, Covington, Tenn., received the award for Alumna of the Year. Dr. Mark Crawford, associate professor of music and coordinator of commercial music at Tennessee State University, received the Dodd Lifetime Achievement Award. John Thomas, campus minister at Columbia Academy, received the Service to Youth Award. Brian Stephens, campus minister at University of Tennessee Martin, was recognized for Service to Community. Amber Milner, Director of the “Together Program” at Arms of Hope, was honored for Service to Profession and Dr. Mark Blackwelder, director of the FHU Graduate Studies in Bible Program, received the Service to the Church Award
The Lady Lions went head to head against the University of Mobile Saturday afternoon and walked away with a decisive victory. The Lions faced nationally ranked Shorter University but were unable to claim a win.
The executive officers of the Student Alumni Association, the student organization in charge of planning the club competitions, presented the student competition awards after the games. Gamma Tau Omega was awarded the Amy Glass Spirit Trophy for best exemplifying the spirit of Homecoming. Chi Beta Chi won third place overall in the club competition, Phi Kappa Alpha finished in second place, and Sigma Rho was awarded the first place trophy as the champions of Homecoming 2011.
A staple of Homecoming each year is the Associates’ craft fair, silent auction and luncheons, this year held in Bader Gym Friday and Saturday. A new aspect this year was the chance to have portraits made by professional photographer Mark Hawks. All proceeds from the luncheon, auction, and craft fair benefit Freed-Hardeman.
Photos from the Homecoming events will be available online in the upcoming weeks at photos.fhu.edu. For more information on Homecoming or other alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 731-989-6021.