What is it about Homecoming?

Guest Writer: Brenda (McNair) Cass ('73)

Coming home—that phrase evokes so many warm feelings in my heart. My husband, Bob (Cass, ‘74) and I were recently on our way home from a road trip to Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C. The cities were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the pause from our “To Do” lists was just what we needed. But we were ready to be home—a place of familiarity, family, comfortable routine and a spot where we are loved.

Bob and Brenda Cass on their recent trip to southern states.Why am I telling you this? As we drove home, my thoughts turned to the biggest item on my aforementioned list: helping plan the 50th Reunion for LCU’s Class of 1973. For most of us, LCU is a place we called home for four years. It still feels like home. Whenever I step on campus, I’m 18 again—at least until I look in the mirror! Each building holds a special memory: play practice and chapel in the (McDonald) Moody, basketball games in the Field House (Rec Center), and Les Perrin’s (long-time history professor) history class in the Mabee American Heritage Building. I remember dorm life in Katie Rogers Hall, studying late in the library, and meeting Bob for the first time in “El Ultimo Lugar”—an old barracks building that Mrs. (June) Bearden (long-time theater professor) had commandeered for a play. That campus and those buildings bring back memories for me, but only because they were filled with strangers who became some of the best friends, mentors, and teachers I would ever encounter.

Shirley Garrison congratulates Brenda McNair on being chosen head cheerleader.I know Homecoming is held every year in February, but this one—a half century after my friends and I walked across that stage and received our diplomas—is more special to me. It’s a milestone in our collective journey. My fellow class of ’73 reunion committee members and I cannot wait to reunite with classmates and dear friends who started this journey with us. We share a bond that is uniquely ours. Please join us at Homecoming this year and come to our class’s mixer in the Betty Hancock Parlor on Friday night, February 17, from 7:30-10:00 p.m. But please wear a name tag. It has been 50 years!

View the schedule for homecoming weekend and register for events.