This past weekend, Emmanuel College alumni from all across the United States made their way to Franklin Springs, Ga. to celebrate the college’s 97th Annual Homecoming Weekend.
The festivities began with the 69th Annual Feast of Ingathering, held at the John W. Swails Center. The event featured entertainment by the EC Worship Team and Revive Dance team as well as several student testimonies. At the event, Women’s Ministries Leaders of the IPHC presented Emmanuel College with pledges and additional gifts to support IPHC student scholarships. The grand total presented was $61,100.
Dozens of alumni, current students, and friends of the college showed up early Saturday morning for the 8th Annual Springs Sprint 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.
Afterwards, the celebration continued at Stephens Athletic Field for the Diversified Agriculture program groundbreaking where Program Chair, Owen Thomason shared the detailed plans for the program including the construction of a Teaching and Learning Center, Greenhouse and many more facilities that will provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
The Alumni & Friends Luncheon and Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday with several alumni and family members in attendance. The President’s Award was given to Bett Smith and Phillip Bowen for their continued support of Emmanuel College both through fundraising and being an ambassador for the College.
This year’s Alumnus of the Year was Pastor Rick Haug, who serves Living Word Church in Maiden, N.C. A graduate of the first School of Christian Ministries class in 1976, Pastor Haug has helped continue the pipeline from Living Word to Emmanuel College, sending seven students from his congregation to EC this year alone.
David Roberson, EC’s Board of Trustees Chair was given Emmanuel’s highest honor, The Medallion Award, recognizing him for his continued support of Emmanuel College.
Saturday afternoon, the career of Dr. Frank Mann, a retired Department of Natural Sciences professor, was celebrated through the dedication of the new Physical Science Laboratory at Wellons Science Center dedicated in honor of the career and service of Dr. Mann.
Later that afternoon, the first Women’s Basketball team at Emmanuel College was recognized as they were inducted into Emmanuel’s Athletic Hall of Fame. 12 of the 13 team members from the 1980 Lady Lions were on hand for the ceremony.
The day concluded with a cookout and reception at Shaw Plaza with entertainment by the Worship Team.
For the final Homecoming Weekend event, Franklin Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church hosted a Homecoming service on Sunday morning. Rev. Clyde Doyle, former EC basketball player shared a message.
Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the work God continues to do on Emmanuel’s campus!
By Ashley Westbrook
