Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge will host its annual Homecoming & Family Weekend festivities from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 8. The university has planned a variety of events for students, families, alumni, and the community.
Christian artist Evan Egerer will open the celebration with a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in Manley Chapel. Tickets are $5 for the general public and can be purchased at evanegererwbu.eventbrite.com. Current Williams students are admitted free with a valid student ID.
On Friday at 8:30 p.m., a homecoming bonfire will take place at the Pavilion on McClellan Drive, near Shell Field. The event is open to students, parents, and alumni.
Saturday’s schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. with a Southern Singers and Williams Singers reunion at Maddox Fine Arts Center. Alumni of the choir, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, are invited to rehearse together starting at 9 a.m.
The Family Fun Zone, featuring inflatable games and entertainment, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Carter Field House. A faculty meet-and-greet at Eagle Grill in the Mabee Student Center offers alumni and parents the chance to reconnect with staff from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
At 11 a.m., Manley Chapel will host the annual Fine Arts Showcase with performances by WBU music ensembles, The Cast drama group, and the reunited Singers choir. Lunch will then be available in Mabee-Gwinup Cafeteria between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at $8.80 per person for alumni and families.
A women’s basketball reunion, marking 50 years of the sport at Williams, will take place in the Rose Room of the Southerland-Mabee Center from noon to 3 p.m. Former Lady Eagles players from all eras are invited to attend.
Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams are scheduled to play home games Saturday against the University of the Virgin Islands. The women’s game will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m. Admission is $5, with both cash and card payments accepted. Homecoming recognitions, including the crowning of the 2023 king and queen and recognition of past homecoming queens, will take place during the basketball breaks.
To close out Saturday’s activities, a homecoming dance will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Eagle Grill.
On Sunday, alumni, students, and families are invited to attend a chapel service at 10 a.m. in Manley Chapel. WBU President Stan Norman will deliver the message. Lunch will then be served in Mabee-Gwinup Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at $9.90 per person.
Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m., the Williams Corner store will be open, offering home decor, gifts, and Christmas items as part of the university's Williams Works program.
Williams Baptist University is a private Christian institution located in Walnut Ridge.