As Eastern Nazarene College celebrated its annual homecoming this past weekend, its campus was filled by current students and alumni. The festivities were kicked off during chapel on Friday morning, where a number of alumni were recognized as award winners and hall of fame inductees. Dr. Paul H. Blaney (’66) and Dr. Fletcher L. Tink (’66) were two of these notable alumni, both receiving the Alumnus of the Year award. However, most of the fun didn’t begin until later that night.
Alumni and friends gathered at Lombardo’s Function Facility in Randolph, Mass., for ENC’s tenth annual Celebration Dinner. Here, former students, family members, faculty, and friends gathered to enjoy food and live music, and to reminisce. As this was happening, students on ENC’s campus were filling up the gymnasium for the annual homecoming dance and coronation. At this circus-themed event, students gathered to dance, take pictures, and witness the crowning of the homecoming king, Greg Whitney, and queen, Emily Ludwig. Even though the night ended too soon, there was a plethora of events on Saturday for the campus to look forward to.
Saturday was packed full of different games, events, and reunions. The day began at 9:00 a.m., where many people gathered in the Lahue Physical Education Center for a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The following people were inducted into the Caroll F. Bradley Hall of Fame: Mark Carr (82), Lynn (Norman) Simpson (86), Dr. Jerold McCloy (65), Richard Reyenger (74), Donald Eads (72), and the 1971-1972 men’s basketball team. As this was wrapping up, the women’s volleyball team began preparing for their in-conference match, where they, despite their best efforts, were defeated by Curry College.
Later on, booths were set up at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium for the SGA Street Fair. Fans poured in both to watch the ENC men’s and women’s soccer teams, and buy souvenirs or snacks to support the many clubs and organizations on campus.
After both soccer teams were defeated by Roger Williams, many alumni retreated back to campus for other events. The weekend came to an end on Sunday with a retirement celebration for long-time library director Susan Watkins. Many friends and family joined together in the Nease Library to celebrate the service that Watkins offered to ENC.