Williams Baptist University (WBU), a private Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, is gearing up for its annual Homecoming & Family Weekend, scheduled for Nov. 5‑8. The four‑day celebration offers a blend of faith‑centered worship, athletic competition, musical performances and family‑friendly activities.
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Kickoff Concert
Christian artist Evan Egerer will open the weekend with a concert at 7 p.m. in Manley Chapel. General‑public tickets are $5 and can be purchased through the event’s Eventbrite page; current WBU students receive free admission with a valid ID.
Friday, Nov. 6 – Homecoming Bonfire
At 8:30 p.m., a bonfire will be lit at the Pavilion on McClellan Drive, across from the Shell Field parking area. Parents, alumni and current students are invited to gather around the fire and enjoy the evening.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – Main Events
The bulk of the festivities takes place on Saturday. The day begins with a reunion for former members of the Southern Singers and Williams Singers at 8:30 a.m. in the Maddox Fine Arts Center, followed by a rehearsal at 9 a.m. to celebrate the choir’s 50th anniversary.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Family Fun Zone in Carter Field House will host inflatable games and other amusements for children and families. A faculty meet‑and‑greet is scheduled for 9:30‑10:30 a.m. at Eagle Grill in the Mabee Student Center, giving alumni and parents a chance to reconnect with WBU professors.
The annual Fine Arts Showcase will begin at 11 a.m. in Manley Chapel, featuring performances by WBU’s music ensembles, The Cast drama group, and the Singers Reunion Choir.
Lunch will be served in the Mabee‑Gwinup Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a cost of $8.80 for alumni and families.
A women’s basketball reunion, honoring 50 years of women’s basketball at WBU, will run from noon to 3 p.m. in the Southerland‑Mabee Center’s Rose Room, inviting former Lady Eagles to celebrate their legacy.
Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams will host the University of the Virgin Islands in back‑to‑back games. The women’s game starts at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m.; admission is $5, payable by cash or card.
Between the games, the homecoming court will be recognized, culminating in the crowning of the homecoming king and queen. Past homecoming queens in attendance will also be honored, with additional recognitions taking place during halftime.
The day concludes with the homecoming dance at 7:30 p.m. in Eagle Grill.
Sunday, Nov. 8 – Chapel Service and Farewell
A chapel service will be held at 10 a.m. in Manley Chapel, open to alumni, students and families. WBU President Stan Norman will deliver the message.
Lunch will be available again in the Mabee‑Gwinup Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., priced at $9.90 for alumni and families.
From 1‑4 p.m., the Williams Corner store—part of WBU’s Williams Works program—will be open, offering gifts, home décor and seasonal Christmas items.
All events are designed to strengthen the bonds of faith, family and community that define Williams Baptist University.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
