Kentucky Wesleyan College is celebrating Homecoming and Family Weekend from October 24-27, with events on campus and throughout the Owensboro community. Festivities include celebrating the arts, hosting educational lectures, an alumni and awards celebration, football, and a “Bash on the Lawn.”
Signature events for the weekend include:
- A Taste of the Arts, presented by Wonder Boy Media, on October 24 at 6 p.m., which will feature live performances from theatre, band, and choir along with various exhibits and “tastes” of Owensboro-themed cuisine by McHenry Event Planning. A limited number of tickets are still available.
- The Pillars Lecture Series on October 25 at 4 p.m. featuring mini-lectures by Dr. Kyle Besing, Allyson Sanders, and Chase Andrews. No advanced registration is required.
- An already sold-out Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration, presented by Independence Bank, on October 25 at 6 p.m., which will honor the 2024 Alumni Award recipients with the induction of Lilburn “Ray” Harper ’85 into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
- The 4th Annual Panther Pride 5k, presented by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, on October 26 at 8 a.m., which will offer a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Kentucky Wesleyan’s campus and a picturesque finish line in Steele Stadium. Day-of registration will be offered.
- Football vs. Hillsdale on October 26 at noon at Steele Stadium
- The 4th Annual Bash on the Lawn on October 26 from 3-6 p.m. is free and open to the entire community. This year’s Bash will feature live music by Soul N The Pocket, food trucks, vendors, putt-putt by Holes to Go, inflatables from Wild Child Inflatables, live characters from Magical Memories Character Co., and more.
Other events include a special meet-and-greet with President James Cousins, campus tours with Wesleyan icon Scott Kramer, the Golden Jubilee 50th Reunion celebrations for the Class of 1974, the Silver Jubilee 25th Reunion celebrations for the Class of 1999, a Homecoming Worship Service, numerous home athletic events, affinity reunions, and more.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our alumni and the families of our students back to campus this year for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024,” said Summer (Crick) Aldridge, senior director of engagement. “We hope members of the community will join us on campus to enjoy the events and will welcome our alumni back to town when they spot them throughout the city this weekend.”
Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Lilburn “Ray” Harper ’85
2024 Alumni Awards
Outstanding Alumna – Cathy (Meeks) Bishop ’78
Alumni Achievement Award – Bill Carlyle ’62
Outstanding Young Graduates – Hillary (Lantrip) Croft ’14 and Sara (Fleischmann) Williams ’15
Roy Pickerill ’75 Alumni Service Award – Kelly (Keohane) ’94 and John Steitler
Gus E. Paris Distinguished Service Award – Peggie Greer
Honorary Alumna – Becca McQueen-Ruark
