Homecoming events draw large crowds to campus

 

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – Homecoming activities at California Baptist University drew an estimated 7,500 alumni and friends to campus on Nov. 4-5.  

Friday evening, the annual Alumni Awards Dinner recognized several alumni: Dave King (’69), recipient of the Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement Award; Darrel Walker (’75), Alumnus of the Year Award; Candice Trummell (‘07), recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award; Mike McGuffee (’74), recipient of the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministry Award; and Eric McBride ('09) recipient of the Alumni Service Award.

On Saturday, the festivities shifted outside with a Block Party featuring games, live music, food, academic displays and activities for the whole family.

For Juliana O’Neal, a freshman international studies major, it might have been her first homecoming weekend but the event made her feel at home.

“The atmosphere feels like one big family here,” O’Neal said. “There’s stuff here for people of all ages to do and listening to the live music has been fun as well.”

The Christian band The Digital Age performed in the afternoon for the second annual “Zest”ival music concert.

Alumnus Nick Van Dyke (’87) said he enjoys homecoming because it reminds him of the pleasant memories he has of CBU.

“Coming back for homecoming is such a good feeling because from my experience [at CBU], this a second home for me,” Dyke said.

Grace Allen (’15) said her two years at CBU were the best years of her life.

“I found myself while I was here at CBU,” Allen said. “I got to grow a lot and learn a lot about myself and my faith in Christ, about Him and how much He loves me.”

The annual Fortuna Bowl championship games on Saturday evening drew a packed crowd of more than 5,000. Bus Drivers won the women’s game and Fruit of the Boom came out on top on the men’s side. The night also featured a firework show after the games.