From The Old Main Journal, Bethany College's online news:
BETHANY, W.Va. — The installation of Dr. Scott D. Miller as the 19th President of Bethany College will be just one of the highlights for students, alumni and friends as West Virginia’s oldest college celebrates an event-filled Homecoming Weekend from Oct. 3-5.
The festivities officially tee off at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 when more than 100 golfers are scheduled to hit the links at Highland Springs Golf Course in the fourth annual Hugh “Tiger” Joyce Scramble. Homecoming registration begins at noon in the Erickson Alumni Center. The Installation Ceremony for President Miller is set for a 2:30 p.m. start in Commencement Hall at the College’s historic Old Main. There will be an Installation reception in the Old Main Corridor from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and President Miller will host a Donor Recognition Reception from 6-8 p.m. at his home, Christman Manor at Pendleton Heights.
Friday’s activities continue with the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction from 6-9 p.m. at Harder Hall. This year’s inductees are Edward Blundon ’66 (basketball), Daniel Swickard ’72 (football), Margaret Fillinger ’86 (softball) and Jeff Weekley ’96 (baseball). There will also be a men’s/women’s soccer doubleheader against Geneva College beginning at 6 p.m. at Bison Stadium. The final event on Friday’s agenda is the annual Homecoming Art Exhibit Reception, set for 8-10 p.m. at the Renner Union Gallery.
The events of Saturday, Oct. 4 open with the eighth annual Allison’s Run/Walk at the Cunningham Soccer Complex. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the event to start at 9 a.m. Dedication ceremonies for the newly-restored Christman Manor at Pendleton Heights are scheduled for 10 a.m. and there will be an Open House for the Judith R. Hurl Education Center, the former Bethany Primary School, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Registration and tailgating at Bison Stadium starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Homecoming Parade scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. Kickoff for the Homecoming football game against Thomas More (Ky.) College is at 2 p.m. with halftime festivities including the introduction of the Hall of Fame inductees and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. The Bethany volleyball team will host a triangular match with Waynesburg University and Westminster College, beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a live band concert at the tailgate area immediately following the football game with a Wine and Cheese Social set for 6-7 p.m. at Harder Hall.
Saturday’s festivities conclude with the annual Alumni Awards Banquet and Wall of Fame Induction, set for a 6:30 p.m. start at Commencement Hall. The Bethany College Alumni Association will present Linda Comins ’77 with the Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award while David Jolliffe ’74 has been chosen to receive the Alumni Community Service Award.
The Rev. Dr. A. Dale Fiers ’29 will be inducted to the Bethany College Wall of Fame. Dr. Fiers became the first president and general minister of the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) when the denomination adopted a formal structure as a church. Fiers marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Ala. and brought Disciples leaders together to create the denomination’s poverty and race program. Dr. Fiers passed away on Sept. 28, 2003 at the age of 96.
Homecoming Weekend concludes on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a 10:45 a.m. worship service at the historic Bethany Memorial Church followed by a noon brunch at Harder Hall.
Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, on behalf of the Christian Church in West Virginia, will be presenting an affirmation of gratitude to Dr. Miller which is also signed by Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President.
