By Joan C. McKinney and KayCee Wilhelm, Office of University Communications
Rachel Mobley, a junior from Elizabethtown, Ky., had her dream fulfilled as Campbellsville University's Fighting Tigers had their dreams shattered during Homecoming 2017 Saturday, Oct. 28.
Mobley was named Homecoming Queen during halftime at the game. She is majoring in biology and represented Baptist Campus Ministry.
Campbellsville University's Tigers lost a heartbreaker to Georgetown College's Tigers in double overtime 31-24. CU's football team is now 6-1; and Georgetown is 7-0.
The theme for Homecoming was “Honoring the Past: Preparing for the Future.” Winners in the floats, all representing the theme, were: School of Education, first; Commuters, second, and Sigma Zeta, third.
Mariah Harris, a sophomore from Pittsburgh, Penn., was first runner-up to the queen. She represented the Black Student Association. Second runner-up was Katie Phelps, a junior from Brandenburg, Ky., and she represented the School of Education. The freshman attendant was Lydia Manley of Russellville, Ky.
B.J. Senior ('68) of LaGrange, Ky. was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and his wife, Vicki, was given an Honorary Alumna Award. Debby Hazelip Duda ('82) and her husband, Dave ('77), of Elizabethtown, Ky., were presented Distinguished Alumni Awards also.
The 25th annual Homecoming Car Cruise was a success with cars from as early as 1923 and 2015 was the newest one. Twenty-eight cars participated in the parade in the “Cars of the Centuries.” There were 59 cars in the Car Cruise.
Darryl Peavler, director of alumni relations, said, “Homecoming was a success again this year with many alumni returning to campus from all over the United States and from around the world! The temperature was cool but that didn't put a chill on the fun had by many.”
Peavler, who oversaw his second Homecoming, said, “It's always such a wonderful time when alumni return to campus to reconnect and reminisce! Mark your calendars for Oct. 6, 2018 as this will be the date for next year's Homecoming festivities.
“Thank you to the City of Campbellsville and the citizens of our town for being such wonderful hosts to our alumni family this week.”
The first Maroon and Gray Give Day proved to be a success, Peavler said. The university had sought 1,100 donors on Homecoming Day, and 1,162 donors responded with gifts totaling over $22,000 for student scholarships.
The weekend was kicked off with the Class of '57 reunion Thursday evening.
Friday's festivities consisted of the Class of '67 reunion and Luncheon, their Golden Heritage Induction Ceremony, the 5th anniversary of the Chowning Art Shop, the Homecoming Reception and the Maroon Goons Pep Rally.
Seven reunions took place throughout the day Saturday including the Classes of '67, '77, '87, '97, '07, Lebanon House and the Office of University Communications.
