CBU fall homecoming and family weekend attracts 5,000 to campus

RIVERSIDE (Nov. 7, 2012) - About 5,000 people attended California Baptist University's homecoming and family weekend celebration Nov. 1-3. The change of date to the fall meant that CBU hosted two homecoming events this calendar year—the first in February, when about 4,500 people attended.

The fall homecoming weekend began Thursday evening, Nov. 1, with a "Switchfoot" concert that packed out the Van Dyne Gymnasium with 1,600 attendees. Switchfoot includes guitarist Andrew Shirley, who is an alumnus of CBU.

The Alumni Awards Banquet held Friday evening recognized the classes of 1962 and 1987, as well as professional and athletic achievement.

Marilyn Crabtree, a 1962 graduate, received the Alumni Service Award for her work with the Sacramento Area Alumni & Parents Regional Network. Crabtree was instrumental in organizing the network and continues to spearhead and coordinate area events.

Tom Holladay, a 1977 graduate, was honored with the Distinguished Service in Christian Ministries Aware. Holladay serves as a teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest and also teaches a daily 10-minute podcast called DriveTime Devotions that covers a Bible chapter each week.

Dr. Richard Phillips, an alumnus from the class of 1985, received the Alumni Philanthropy Award for his work as founding chairman of CBU's board of visitors and his help in organizing the university's Oxford international business studies program.

During the banquet, three former CBU athletes were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. They included Verania Willis Lindo, 2005-07 women's volleyball; Russell Thompson , 2004-07 swimming; and Candice Thomas, 2004-07 softball.

CBU's women's volleyball played Fresno Pacific University Friday evening in Van Dyne Gymnasium, losing the game 3-1.

Saturday featured the fourth annual Block Party. The program included the third annual Lancer 5000 5k Walk and Run, artisan walk, live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, interactive booths and children's activities that included inflatable attractions and pony rides. In the weekend's second women's volleyball contest, the Lancers defeated Azusa Pacific University, 3-0.

Saturday night's program featured the crowning of seniors Brandon Fries as Mr. CBU and Aubree Worrell as Ms. CBU. Led by the Lancer cheerleaders and CBU Crazies, about 3,500 people cheered for men's and women's intramural teams competing in the Fortuna Bowl. Both games went to teams considered underdogs: the Bus Drivers women's team beat SWAT, 14-0, while in the men's contest, Beast Mode won over Dynasty, 7-6.

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Caption: A fireworks show concluded homecoming festivities. (Photo by Grace Ferrell)