Homecoming Weekend 2025 Schedule

This online version of the weekend schedule is being updated constantly and will include additional details and photos than what we can include on the printed schedule. Be sure to pick up a printed copy of the schedule when you arrive on campus for homecoming.

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Friday | Sabbath | Sunday | Announcements | Alumni of the Year 2025

Friday, April 25

Heubach Morning Worship
Heubach Chapel | 7:30 - 7:50 a.m.
It’s been 29 years since the seed of Morning Worship was planted by two ASWWU/C Spiritual Vice Presidents! Join in this worship experience.

Registration and check-in
Administration Building, 4th floor | 8 - 10 :50 a.m. and 12:15 - 4 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, lanyard, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.

Havstad Alumni Center visiting hours
Havstad Alumni Center | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
A gathering space for alumni, family, and friends, available for you to rest and visit with friends while you are here.

WWU Historical Exhibit
Havstad Alumni Center, Heritage Room | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Rich in WWU history, available to visit while you are on campus.

The Atlas
The Atlas, corner of College Ave and Whitman Dr, kitty corner from Smith Hall | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy a hot or iced drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.

50-Year Reunion Breakfast – MUST REGISTER FOR EVENT - $15 (complimentary to members of the Class of 1975)
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room | 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a WWU update with your fellow '75 class members, and help select the 50-Year Reunion class gift. Register at wallawalla.edu/homecoming.

Student Development Center
Village Hall Lower Level | 9:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Visit the Student Development Center to discover how you can support current students in their career path development.

Awards Celebration
University Church, Sanctuary | 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy this special program highlighting the best of WWU student and faculty academic achievements as well as scholarships awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year, and celebrating Alumni of the Year 2025 (Elmar Sakala ’65 & ’68, Ginger Ketting Weller ’85, two more names TBA.

Alumni Business Meeting
Fine Arts Centers (location to be confirmed) | 1 p.m.
Learn about alumni programs and hear a report of the alumni activities this past year.

Seminars, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Several locations on campus

2PM - "Seventh-day Adventists and the Movies"

Seminar: "Seventh-day Adventists and the Movies" | William Landeen Library Lecture 2025
Peterson Memorial Library, Reference Room | Lynelle Ellis '90, professor of communication | 2:00 p.m.

Lynelle Ellis, from the Communication Department at Walla Walla University, will present: Seventh-day Adventists and the Movies for the Landeen Lecture 2025. Based on her doctoral dissertation research, she will discuss the complex relationship between Seventh-day Adventists and visual media. Ellis will discuss how the church's initial apprehension toward the movie industry, considering concerns over moral content, secularism, and potential distractions from spiritual life, was not unique to the SDA faith tradition. The lecture will also include information about "angels and the theater" and about key historical figures within the church who impacted the church's position on movies over time. Present day member practices including the tension between more conservative factions within the church, who may call for a complete separation from secular media, and those who advocate for engagement with film as a means of outreach, education, and artistic expression will also be explored.

Dr. Lynelle Ellis is an associate professor in the Communication Department at Walla Walla University, where she teaches courses such as Media and Culture, Redemptive Cinema, and Social and Spiritual Influence through Media. She holds a PhD in Communication from Regent University, with a focus on the intersection of media, culture, and faith. Her dissertation, Seventh-day Adventists and the Movies: An Historical and Contemporary Exploration of the Conflict Between Christianity and Visual Media, explores how the SDA community has engaged with cinema over time.

In addition to her teaching, Dr. Ellis leads seminars on Media Choices, helping individuals and families make informed, faith-aligned decisions about their media consumption. She is passionate about guiding students to critically engage with media and consider its impact on their lives.

Dr. Ellis is married to Daniel Ellis, and they have three children—Garrett (21), Lauren (19), and Ashton (19)—all of whom attend Walla Walla University. Dr. Ellis’s academic and personal experiences shape her dedication to exploring the redemptive potential of visual media.

Family Swim
Winter Educational Complex, Pool | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Specifically planned for families and children – free swim at the WEC Pool. Lifeguard on duty; parent must accompany children.

31st Annual Randy Yaw Pi Contest
Kretschmar Hall, Physics Lecture Hall, Room 107 | 3:14 p.m.
Enjoy a slice of pie and watch students recite digits of Pi. The record for this contest is 1,773 digits! First place winner receives a $314.15 scholarship.

Climbing Wall
Winter Educational Complex, Gymnastics Gym | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU's newest climbing wall during this session. You can also have a climbing experience by reserving a slot at https://connect.wallawalla.edu/register/climbwallFriday.

Historical Campus Tour
Begin at Administration Buidling, room 117| 3:30 p.m.
Join Terrie Aamodt, professor emeritus of history, on a walking historical tour of campus. The tour will begin in ADM 117 with a brief slideshow. We’ll then walk to Village Hall, Conard Courtyard, the library, Rigby, and will end this part of the tour at WWU church. You will then have two options: Take a short trip to the bell tower in the Administration Building and/or a trip to the rooftop of Kretschmar Hall (weather permitting).

Registration and check-in
Kellogg Hall, front of cafeteria | 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.

Groundbreaking
More details available soon!

Alumni Dinner in Kellogg Hall - TICKETED EVENT - $15
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room| 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a supper and good fellowship in Kellogg Hall, Menu options will include gluten-free and vegan. Come and go event. While we prefer that you pre-register at wallawalla.edu/homecoming, tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Messengers Concert
Fine Arts Center Auditorium | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
More details coming soon!

PRISM Vespers
University Church, Sanctuary | 8:00 p.m.
Welcome the Sabbath with a program of sacred music, designed as a PRISM concert by the Walla Walla University Department of Music. Doors close promptly at 8 p.m. No late entry.

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Sabbath, April 26

Bird Walk
Rigby Hall Parking Lot | 6:30 a.m.
Early risers are invited to join Joe Galusha ’68 and professor emeritus of biology, David Cowles ’78 and biology faculty, for a nature walk. This iconic and cherished event was introduced in 1976.

Registration and check-in
WWU Church, outside front entrance | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.

Sabbath Schools
Various Locations | Various Times (see WWU Church Bulletin at www.wwuchurch.org)

50-Year Reunion Sabbath School
Heubach Chapel | 10:30 a.m.
Members of the Class of '75 present a special reunion Sabbath School for classmates and friends.

Church Service: | 11:40 a.m.
University Church | WWU President, Alex Bryan (2024-present) |

Registration and check-in
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium | 12:45 - 2 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.

Sabbath Lunch - TICKETED EVENT $15
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium | 1:00 p.m.
Come fellowship with friends and classmates, and enjoy a catered Sabbath lunch. DOORS OPEN AT 1:00 p.m.

Student Financial Services reunion
Winter Educational Complex, room 139 | 1 p.m.
If you worked for Student Financial Services, as a WWU student or staff, come enjoy sharing a memory or two. If you purchased lunch, go through the main line in the gym, then bring your food to WEC 139.

School of Nursing Open House | 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, 2nd floor
Enjoy the newest office display, updated lab space, and student lounge.

Honor Class Reunions and Photos | 2:00 - 5:30 p.m..
Various locations, see schedule below.
Reconnect with your classmates from Vanguards (1964 and before) 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Vanguards (graduates from 1964 and before)
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:20 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 226 | 3:15 p.m. | TBA, class host

Class of 1965
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:00 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 225 | 2:45 p.m. | TBA, class host

Class of 1970
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:50 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 217 | 3:30 p.m. | TBA, class hosts

Class of 1975
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:10 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 209 | 4:00 p.m. | Gary Reiber, class host

Class of 1980
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:40 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 215 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA, class host

Class of 1985
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:00 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 128 | 2:30 p.m. | TBA, class hosts

Class of 1990
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:20 p.m.
Reunion: Bowers Hall, Room 201 | 2:45 p.m. |TBA, class host

Class of 1995
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:40 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 204 | 3:00 p.m. | James Kneller, class host

Class of 2000
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:00 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 203 | 3:30 p.m. | TBA, class hosts

Class of 2005
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:15 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 305 | 3:45 p.m. | TBA, class host

Class of 2010
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:20 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 210 | 4:00 p.m. | TBA, class host

Class of 2015
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:25 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 202 | 4:15 p.m. | TBA, class host

Band Reunion Concert
University Church Sanctuary | 5:00 p.m.
Piano and chamber music by the WWU Department of Music.

Department Suppers
6–7 p.m. Various locations Visit with your favorite teachers and fellow alumni. Suppers begin at 6 p.m.

Art, Communications, English and Modern Languages, History and Philosophy
Administration Building, room 238 | Breads and salads

Biology and Chemistry
Rigby Hall, Courtyard | Breads and salads

School of Business
Bowers Hall, Lobby | Light Supper

School of Education and Psychology
Smith Hall, Lobby and Room 202 | Soups and Sandwiches

Edward F. Cross School of Engineering
Walla Walla Valley Academy, Multipurpose Room | Bread and salad potluck

Health and Physical Education
Winter Education Complex, Room 142 | Salad supper

Math, Computer Science, and Physics
University Church, Youth Room | Sandwiches and salads

Music
The Department of Music invites alumni and friends to the 5:00 p.m. Band Reunion Concert and the 7:00 p.m. Evensong, both events take place in the University Church Sanctuary.

School of Nursing
Fellowship Hall, University Church | Light supper

Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology
University Annex (corner of College Ave and 4th St., across from The Express | Supper

Technology
Canaday Technology Center, Room 129 | Breads and salads

School of Theology
Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side | Hors d'oeuvres

Evensong
WWU Church, Sanctuary | 7:00 p.m.
Close the Sabbath with this sundown service that combines sacred music and the spoken word. Evensong is a special tradition started by former faculty Mel West and Loren Dickinson in the spring of 1963.

Ice Cream Treats
Village Hall Plaza | following Evensong - 8:20 p.m.
Visit with friends and enjoy an ice cream sandwich.

Engineering Labs, Open House
Chan Shun Pavilion, rooms 318 and 319 | 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Please join us for an open house and general lab tour.

Observatory Open
Kretschmar Hall | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
The Physics Department invites you to come look through the telescope on top of Kretschmar Hall. Weather permitting, the observatory will be open right after the Milestones and Mission Celebration till 10:00 pm on Saturday evening. To get to the observatory, take the middle stairwell in Kretschmar Hall (the one next to the CHE office) to the 3rd floor. The door leading up from 3rd floor will be open during this time.

Climbing Wall
Winter Educational Complex, Gymnastics Gym | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU's newest climbing wall during this session. You can also have a climbing experience by reserving a slot https://connect.wallawalla.edu/register/climbwallSatNight.

The Climbing Wall offers top-rope sport routes and a bouldering area with routes ranging in difficulty from 5.4—5.11. Ropes, harnesses, and shoes are available. Climbing wall staff are available to provide assistance. All abilities are welcome!

Alumni ALL-STAR Showcase
Village Hall | 8:30 - 10:00 p.m
More details coming soon!

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Sunday, April 27

Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run/Walk – TICKETED EVENT – $20 REGISTER AT www.wallawalla.edu/homecoming
Winter Education Complex, North Entrance | 7:30 a.m.

Join us for a healthy 5k run/walk, named for ultramarathon runner Richard J. Kegley ’47. Registration opens 6:45 a.m. Current WWU students receive free entrance. Net proceeds go to the worthy student fund. *Ticketed event

Eugene Winter Golf Classic – TICKETED EVENT - $150pp
REGISTER AT www.wallawalla.edu/golf
Wine Valley Golf Course, 176 Wine Valley Rd. | Event start 8:00 a.m. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.

Enjoy a morning of golf while catching up with friends in the beautiful scenery of the Walla Walla Valley. Entry fee option includes green fee, golf cart rental, entry to Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive contests, and raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit Walla Walla University Athletics.

This event is sponsored by Adventist Health, a faith-based, non-profit, integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care... in pursuit of living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope.

Havstad Alumni Center visiting hours
Havstad Alumni Center | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A gathering space for alumni, family, and friends, available for you to rest and visit with friends while you are here.

WWU Historical Exhibit
Havstad Alumni Center, Heritage Room | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rich in WWU history, available to visit while you are on campus.

The Atlas
The Atlas, corner of College Ave and Whitman Dr, kitty corner from Smith Hall | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Enjoy a hot or iced drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.

25th Annual Car Show – $5 to enter vehicle wallawalla.edu/car-show (free to attend)
Havstad Alumni Center Parking Lot | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Free admission to attend and vote for your favorite car from over 100 entries. Enjoy lunch on the lawn, proceeds go to WWU Auto Club. All are welcome!

To register your vehicle, visit wallawalla.edu/car-show or call Alumni and Advancement Services at 1-(800) 377-2586. Goodie bag to first 100 vehicle entries. All car entries must be in the lot by 9:00 a.m.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Complimentary WiFi
Complimentary wireless Internet is available. Search for the "WWU-Guest" network within 20 feet of any WWU building.

Homecoming 2026
Mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend 2026, April 24-26

Thank You
A special thank you to current WWU students. From graphic design to assisting with the fun run/walk, weekend staffing, musical talent, and hours of detailed preparation, their contributions have added a special touch to this homecoming weekend. Also, a special thank you to alumnus Cody Sutton '18, for providing trophies for this year's 24th Annual Car Show.

Clyde and Mary Harris Art Gallery | Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center
Works curated by alumnus Steven Miller '01

Thursday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sabbath 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Havstad Alumni Center Visiting Hours

Thursday, April 24 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 25 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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ALUMNI OF THE YEAR 2025

Bios coming soon!

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