Homecoming Weekend 2024 Schedule
This schedule is a work in progress and is being updated daily. Be sure to pick up a printed copy of the schedule when you arrive on campus for homecoming.
Jump to a specific day
Friday | Sabbath | Sunday | Announcements | Alumni of the Year 2024
Friday, April 26
Heubach Morning Worship
Heubach Chapel | 7:30 - 7:50 a.m.
It’s been 28 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, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Havstad Alumni Center visiting hours
Havstad Alumni Center | 8 a.m. - 5 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. - 5 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 warm drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.
50-Year Reunion Breakfast – TICKETED EVENT - $15 (complimentary to members of the Class of 1974)
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room | 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a WWU update with your fellow '74 class members.
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 2024-2025 academic year, and celebrating Alumni of the Year 2024.
Alumni Business Meeting
Havstad Alumni Center, Board Room | 1 p.m.
Learn about alumni programs and hear a report of the alumni activities this past year. Complimentary dessert starts at 12:30 p.m.
Chat with the President
Bowers Hall, room 201 | 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar: "Your Secret is Not Safe With Me: Engaging in Archival Research as a Scholar and a Teacher" | William Landeen Library Lecture 2024
Peterson Memorial Library, Reference Room | Hilary Dickerson '02, professor of history | 2:00 p.m.
WWU Professor of History Hilary Dickerson '02 examines the ways in which archival research illuminates the transpacific friendships and international tensions that marked the life of librarian, theologian, and Office of Naval Intelligence translator B.P. Hoffman. Dickerson’s own time in the archives serves as her framework for teaching university students the fundamentals of primary source scholarship, particularly in an era of artificial intelligence, through their own projects in WWU’s Peterson Memorial Library Special Collections.
Seminar: Film viewing "The Color of Threads"
Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium | 2:00 p.m. | Lynelle Ellis '90 and associate professor; Matt Webster '21 and production and facilities coordinator; and Josie Henderson '18 and '20
A weaver and a group of seamstresses learn to navigate the unstable climate in post-Civil War Pendleton, Oregon, while trying to secure their futures in the town.
Seminar:“Shame Shields and Our Shame-based Culture: Learning Healthy Responses.”
Winter Educatonal Complex, room 209 | 3:00 p.m. | Pamela Bing Perry, MBA, MS, DMFT, LMFT, professor of social work (2009-present) and program coordinator for the Billings, Montana, extension MSW campus of the WWU Wilma Kepker School of Social Work and Sociology.
Dr. Pamela Bing Perry is a Professor and Program Coordinator for the Billings, Montana, extension MSW campus of the Walla Walla University Wilma Hepker School of Social Work & Sociology. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Walla Walla University-Billings Mental Health Clinic which she helped to found and open in March 2015. She received her Doctorate of Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. In her combined roles, she has the privilege of helping master’s students along their journey to becoming trauma-informed therapists. She serves on the Big Sky CISM Team in Billings, Montana, which helps to provide crisis debriefing services for the Billings Region. In addition, she has a small private practice where she utilizes both Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches. She has previously facilitated workshops and developed trainings on many topics. She is married to Rick and they have 7 grandchildren. She enjoys going for walks, reading, and playing with her 4 pets.
Seminar: "What makes a five-star student?"
Rigby Hall, room 112 | Dr. Tammi Thomas '83, dean at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and executive vice president for Medical Affairs for Loma Linda University Health | 3:00 p.m.
Everything today seems to be on a star rating system – books, car salesmen, podcasts, doctors - you name it. Let’s explore components that make a five-star student into a five-star health care provider.
Dr. Thomas is a Professor of Emergency Medicine who has been actively involved in emergency medical education for many years on the local, national and international level. Dr. Thomas graduated from Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University) and from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She has extensive experience in medical education and emergency medicine training and has overseen curriculum development in disaster, trauma, and wilderness medicine. She served as an International Emergency Medicine fellowship director and gained recognition as a leader in medical education, particularly in regard to faculty development of medical teachers internationally. She previously served in leadership roles as Interim Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine and as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs in Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
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.
30th 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.
The new 25 ft. climbing wall at Walla Walla University is now open! It 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! Reserve a climbing spot at connect.aprender-a-bailar.com/register/FridayWall
Historical Campus Tour
Begin at Administration Buidling, room 117| 4:30 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 - 7:30 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Alumni Dinner in Kellogg Hall - TICKETED EVENT - $15
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room| 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy visiting and reconnecting with former classmates and friends, and make new friends, in Kellogg Hall, decorated in 50s-style fashion and menu options reminiscent from a 50s-style diner. Menu options will include gluten-free and vegan. Come and go event.
Piano Vespers
Melvin K West Fine Arts Center, auditorium| 6:00 p.m.
Relax with a concert of solo piano music performed by WWU piano students of Dr. Karlyn Bond, professor and chair of the Department of Music.
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.
Sabbath, April 27
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: 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 | 10:00 a.m.
Members of the Class of '74 present a special reunion Sabbath School for classmates and friends.
Church Service | 11:40 a.m.
University Church | WWU President, John K McVay (2006-present) |
Dr. John McVay became Walla Walla University’s 23rd president in July 2006. He will retire at the end of this academic year after having served Walla Walla University for 18 years, holding the honor of being the longest-serving president in our history. As president he oversees all operations of the university, which includes more than 1300 students, and hundreds of faculty and staff members on our five campuses in three states.
President McVay is a New Testament scholar, a voracious reader and careful note-taker whose curiosity is contagious. Both President McVay and his wife, Pam, have served as tireless boosters for the university’s core themes—excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression and Faith in God—and throughout their tenure, they have been deeply committed to providing the very best education in a healthy environment that nurtures faith and discovery.
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 | 12:45 p.m.
Come fellowship with friends and classmates, and enjoy a catered Sabbath lunch. DOORS OPEN AT 12:45 p.m.
Honor Class Reunions and Photos | 2:00 - 5:30 p.m..
Various locations, see schedule below.
Reconnect with your classmates from 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.
Vanguards (graduates from 1963 and before)
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:20 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 226 | 3:15 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 1964
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:00 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 225 | 2:45 p.m. | TBA, class hostsClass of 1969
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:50 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 217 | 3:30 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 1974
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:10 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 209 | 4:00 p.m. | Doug Logan, class hostClass of 1979
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:40 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 139 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 1984
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:00 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 128 | 2:30 p.m. | Bill Gerber and Bobby McGhee, class hostsClass of 1989
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:20 p.m.
Reunion: Bowers Hall, Room 201 | 2:45 p.m. |TBA, class hostClass of 1994
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:40 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 204 | 3:00 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 1999
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:00 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 203 | 3:30 p.m. |Paddy McCoy and Jerry Hartman, class hostsClass of 2004
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:15 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 305 | 3:45 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 2009
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:20 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 215 | 4:00 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 2014
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:25 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 202 | 4:15 p.m. | TBA, class host
Alleluias and Meditations
University Church Sanctuary | 4:00 p.m.
School of Theology Open House
Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy light refreshments and conversation with alumni and with current and past faculty in the updated "home” of the School of Theology, Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side
Department Suppers
5:30–7 p.m. Various locations Visit with your favorite teachers and fellow alumni. Suppers begin at 5:30 p.m.
Art, Communications and Languages, English, History and Philosophy
Administration Building, front lawn | Breads and saladsBiology and Chemistry
Rigby Hall, Courtyard | Breads and saladsSchool of Business
Bowers Hall, Lobby | Light SupperSchool of Education and Psychology
Smith Hall, Lobby and Room 202 | Soups and SandwichesEdward F. Cross School of Engineering
Walla Walla Valley Academy, Multipurpose Room | Bread and salad potluckHealth and Physical Education
Winter Education Complex, Room 142 | Salad supperMath, Computer Science, and Physics
University Church, Youth Room | Sandwiches and saladsMusic
The Department of Music invites alumni and friends to the 4:00 p.m. Alleluias and Meditations concert and the 7:00 p.m. Piano Vespers, both events take place in the University Church Sanctuary.School of Nursing
Fellowship Hall, University Church | Light supperWilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology
University Annex (corner of College Ave and 4th St., across from The Express | SupperTechnology
Canaday Technology Center, Room 129 | Breads and saladsSchool of Theology
Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side | Light refereshments
Evensong
WWU Church, Sanctuary | 7:00 p.m.
Close the Sabbath with this sundown services 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.
Old Fashion Ice Cream Social
ASWWU Tent | following Evensong - 8:45 p.m.
Visit with friends and enjoy an ice cream cone.
Bioengineering Lab, Open House
Chan Shun Pavilion, rooms 318 and 319 | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Please join us for an Open House to celebrate the completion of our new bioengineering lab with tissue engineering capabilities. With special thanks to WWU engineering alumni and others for their support to make this lab a reality.
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.
The new 25 ft. climbing wall at Walla Walla University is now open! It 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! Reserve your climbing spot at http://connect.aprender-a-bailar.com/register/SaturdayWall
Class of 1984 and friends, the way we were.
Village Hall | 8:45 - 10:00 p.m (or so)
Please join the Class of 1984 as they gather for a special program reminiscing about "the way we were" and reconnecting with former and loved professors Program emceed by Bill Gerber and Bobby McGhee.
Sunday, April 28
Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run/Walk – TICKETED EVENT – $20 REGISTER AT mu6.aprender-a-bailar.com/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 - $100-$200pp
REGISTER AT mu6.aprender-a-bailar.com/golf
Wine Valley Golf Course, 176 Wine Valley Rd. | Event start 8:30 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 options include green fee, golf cart rental, Wolves hat, and raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit Walla Walla University Athletics. Event sponsored by Adventist Health.
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 | 8 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 warm drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.
24th Annual Car Show – $5 to enter vehicle aprender-a-bailar.com/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 aprender-a-bailar.com/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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Complimentary WiFi
Complimentary wireless Internet is available. Search for the "WWU-Guest" network within 20 feet of any WWU building.
Homecoming 2025
Mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend 2025, April 25-27
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 the Car Show.
Clyde and Mary Harris Art Gallery | Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center
Works by alumni on display.
- Thursday 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Sabbath 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Havstad Alumni Center Visiting Hours
Thursday, April 25 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 26 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 28 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.