For many, CBC Homecoming is quite literally a coming-home experience. It is a time for alumni to come back together as a whole and get a glimpse of what the campus is like today. With all the events held on Feb. 1, there was plenty to do.
The first event on Saturday morning was the annual Endowment Scholarship Breakfast, held in the Mabee Student Center. The purpose of this breakfast was to thank the donors of the scholarships and to provide a way for the students to meet their donors.
“Mary Ned Foster and her husband are literally the sweetest people, and she just kept saying she was proud of us and it made me so happy,” said senior Katherine Lee.
This is the fourth year that Lee received the Mary Ned Foster endowment scholarship, but she got the opportunity to meet her donor for the first time this year. Lee said that she was glad to finally put a face to the name she had known throughout her college career.
“I will remember them for the rest of my life,” Lee said.
Soon after the breakfast, there was a get-together for past homecoming queens in the Story Library. This year’s homecoming court also attended so that the past queens could meet the soon-to-be queen and runner-ups.
This year was the first time CBC hosted this event, so, for some, this was their first time meeting other queens.
“[This gathering is] special because it’s reminiscing but it’s also hearing stories from years past, before I was ever here,” said alumna Lauren Crawley. “It’s fun hearing some of the same memories shared decades apart.” Crawley was crowned in 2015.
Another attendee was alumna Robyn Smith-Dodson, who was crowned in 1991. She enjoyed talking about how much she loved living in Bruce Hall, which had been the women’s dorm before 2015, and making life-long friends during her time at CBC.
Before the start of the women’s basketball game, there was a luncheon for all alumni. Several awards were given out for distinguished service among their peers. Alumnus Charles Reddin was named Distinguished Alumnus for serving in the Christian community for at least 20 years. Alumni David and Megan McFerron were named Outstanding Young Alumnus for excelling in their chosen professions and demonstrating the love of service to their community.
Alumna Angela Rice was awarded the Mustang Community Impact Award for going above and beyond in her service to the community. Alumna Kellie Harper was awarded the Mustang Ambassador of the Year Award for being a vital member of the Mustang Ambassador program.
The first game of the day in the Reddin Fieldhouse was the women’s basketball team against the Harris-Stowe State University Hornets. It was a close game, but the Lady Mustangs remained ahead of the opponent and won with a final score of 83 – 80.
Senior Kory Westerman and junior Grace Coates with 21 points each. Others added greatly, such as junior Holly Allen with 18 points and freshman Alaina Ellis with 10 points.
After the first game came the crowning of this year’s homecoming queen. Senior Kaylee St. John, last year’s homecoming queen, had the privilege of crowning junior Olivia Farris.
“I’ve loved getting to know each of the girls; talking with them, building relationships, getting to know Kaylee and Mrs. Marieca [Ashworth, student services coordinator,] more,” said Farris. “Just the overall atmosphere has been amazing.”
Farris was escorted by her father, alumnus Robbie Farris, and junior Payton Foster. Farris also spoke about what becoming queen meant to her.
“I’m so grateful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to serve on homecoming court with all the wonderful ladies and to get to serve as homecoming queen,” said Farris.
Following the crowning, the men’s basketball team pummeled the Hornets with a final score of 97 – 76. Junior Tedrick Wolfe scored 18 points, while senior Darius Polley and sophomore Jalen Adams scored 16 points.
While the basketball games were happening, two baseball games were also held against Benedictine College. The Mustangs’ baseball team won both of these games, with the final scores of 7 – 4 and 13 – 5.
Saturday night, the President’s Leadership Council hosted a fundraiser event, Battle of the Bands. Five bands competed for the trophy, four of which were comprised of current students, and the fifth of employees.
The winner was “PB&J,” the employee band, made up of Preston Jones, Brentley Spencer and Justin Moore. The first runner up was “Welcome to Chapel,” and the second runner up was “Mouse Rat.”
