Simply a Success

On October 25-27, the APU campus was a blur of motion, with fresh voices and old faces turning up everywhere during Homecoming and Family Weekend. The events were formally kicked off on Friday morning when all visitors were invited to join the students in chapel. The rest of the day was filled with activities to allow participants to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with APU, including campus tours, class visits, and a creative arts festival. Friday’s main event was the annual Dinner Rally.

According to Lisa Hoffman, alumni events coordinator, the choice of this year’s homecoming theme, Simply APU, was a reaffirmation of APU’s foundations. “(We) felt like with everything happening in the world this year, we wanted to get down to the basics (of being) a focused community.”

Saturday was a day to honor the achievements of alumni and the love and support of students’ families. Every year the university recognizes outstanding alums for either their accomplishments; on Saturday, alumni from each school were inducted into the Academic Hall of Honor. At the same time, there was a special grandparents luncheon for families to attend.

The events of Homecoming and Family Weekend culminated on Saturday night with the homecoming parade and flag and powder puff football games in Cougar Stadium. The weather was just dry enough for students, alumni, and their families to flock to the football field and enjoy a Mexican food buffet. There was time for students and children alike to tackle the inflatable climbing wall, slides, or one of the many game booths. After the living areas showcased the creative efforts they put into their floats, friends and family gathered around as President Jon Wallace introduced this year’s homecoming king and queen. The night was topped off with an APU win in the powder puff football game against Biola University.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome of the weekend,” said Hoffman, mentioning the turnout of 1,800. Though the community was shaken by the events surrounding the cancellation of the Cougar football game, “the way the campus pulled together and was supported by those who attended made it a really exciting place to be.”

Posted: November 1, 2002