Point Loma Nazarene University’s Homecoming Week ran Feb 15-18 with many events and activities planned for alumni, students and faculty to celebrate their alma mater and reconnect with classmates and friends.
PLNU’s annual “We Are Loma 5k” took place on Feb. 17. The 5k was 3.1 miles and the race kicked off at 8 a.m. In keeping with his track record, Christopher Broze, a third-year media communication major, won for the second year in a row, with a time of 17 minutes and 11 seconds.
“The turnout was great! It has gotten bigger every year and it is so awesome to see so many people come out for the event,” Broze said via text message. “The Alumni Team, ASB, Hooligans, The Women’s Soccer Team and the racers brought the best energy for the race. I can’t thank all of the amazing volunteers enough for all of the work they put into this event!”
Prior to the 5k, the alumni dinner, Loma Live concert in the Greek with Pat Barrett (singer-songwriter and worship leader) and a tailgate dinner before the men’s and women’s basketball games were held on Feb. 16.
Barrett’s performance was highly anticipated along with the men’s and women’s basketball games and the tailgate dinner rallied the university in support of PLNU’s athletics.
Alumna Michelle Sheridan, class of 2000, had been looking forward to homecoming.
“I think that having class reunions is awesome. I love having department reunions and I love the idea so that former students can maybe see if their professors are still there or see other former classmates that they maybe don’t keep in touch with,” Sheridan said.
Sheridan said that even though homecoming is a time for alumni to come together, it is also a weekend for students to engage in the university community.
“I think that as much as homecoming is an important time for alumni to come back, I think that current students really get to show their school spirit and the pride they have in their school,” Sheridan said. “My favorite part was watching Tim Hall and Bobby B get recognized at the basketball game.”
With many alumni eager to return for homecoming weekend, some students were just as thrilled about the activities for the weekend.
First-year nursing student Mikaela Pison was excited for the homecoming plans.
“I thought the events were really fun. Getting the parents involved and seeing the alumni and hearing their stories” Pison said. “I also thought the basketball game was a fun event that I got to experience with my friends and being surrounded by school spirit was awesome.”
Charis Johnston