OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 3, 2024
Make plans to join our students, alumni, families, and friends at McMurry’s largest annual gathering.
McMurry Homecoming & Reunion Weekend unites the past with the present, creating a wonderful opportunity for alumni to rekindle ties with their classmates and families to reconnect with their students while experiencing an array of cultural, athletic, and entertainment events.
Experience a weekend full of McMurry history, traditions, fellowship, and celebration.
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Homecoming Chapel feat. Timothy Palmer ’06: “Faith and Mental Health”
Mabee Room | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
McMurry Religious & Spiritual Life is excited to welcome back Timothy Palmer as the featured 2024 Homecoming Chapel Preacher. A 2006 McMurry alum, Tim served on staff as the McMurry University Assistant Chaplain from 2010-2014. His passion for music, the arts, and empowerment of young people continues to drive his work as an educator today. When Tim isn’t in the classroom teaching, he spends his time educating and advocating for mental health awareness. Tim is a dynamic preacher and McMurry is excited to welcome him back to the Chapel Community!
7 to 9 p.m. | “Even After Everything, You’re Still Here” an Evening with Timothy Palmer ’06
Carleton Chapel | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
In this one man show, Timothy Palmer chronicles his life living with mental illness. Using original songs, poems, and storytelling, “Even After Everything” traverses the space between faith and fear, joy and despair, laughter and tears, and invites the audience into a journey that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. As someone who lives with a mental health disorder, Timothy has personally experienced the stigmas and misunderstandings attached to mental illness. However, he has also experienced the power of human connection to break down those stigmas and barriers to understanding. In short, “Even After Everything” takes one man’s story and reminds us that, in the words of Mother Teresa, “we belong to one another.”
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Art Exhibits
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Alumni Registration
Furr Welcome Center
6 p.m. | Friends of the Library Lecture Series
Jay-Rollins Library Mezzanine
Join Professor of Religion and Director of Honors Program Dr. Philip LeMasters as he presents “Martyrs, Monks, and Myth: My Favorite Readings to Teach in Honors Introduction to Christianity.”
7:30 p.m. | Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production
Ryan Little Theatre
A perfect homecoming show for Halloween weekend, this horror comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and by Howard Ashman follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on humans.
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Alumni Registration
Furr Welcome Center
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Art Exhibits
2 to 3 p.m. | 25th Anniversary: Honors Reunion
Campus Center Atrium
We’re thrilled to invite you to a special reunion during McMurry’s 101st Homecoming weekend to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Honors Program. Join us on as we honor how the program has enriched the experience of so many students over the years.
2 to 3 p.m. | J.W. Hunt Society Induction & Reception
Matthews Auditorium
Join us as we induct the class 1974 as the newest members of the J.W. Hunt Society — an esteemed group of alumni — followed by a reception celebrating ALL McMurry alumni who graduated prior to 1974.
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Alumni Choir Rehearsal with Chanters
Ryan Choir Room (106N)
3 p.m. | Music Showcase
Ryan Recital Hall
The Department of Music invites you to the annual Homecoming Music Showcase! Enjoy an hour of live music from Chanters and the McMurry Band in Ryan Recital Hall.
4 to 5 p.m. | Science and Math Alumni Reception
Finch Gray Science Bldg, Room S105
Enjoy remarks by Dr. Morris Baker ’63 as he reflects upon his past experiences at McMurry, comment on his assessment of present day McMurry, and his anticipation of the very bright future ahead followed by a special reception.
4 to 5 p.m. | Fine Arts Reunion (Art, Music, & Theatre) Alumni Reception
Ryan Fine Arts East Foyer
4 to 5 p.m. | Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences Alumni Reception
Cooke 104
4 to 5 p.m. | Football Alumni Reception
Field House
The McMurry Football Staff welcomes back all proud Football Alumni to Abilene, McMurry, and the Field House to catch some of our Friday practice and to eat and fellowship with our coaches and players before we take on Austin College for Homecoming.
5 to 7 p.m. | Friday Festival
The Backyard (new space west of the Dining Hall)
5:30 to 8 p.m. | Alumni Happy Hour
The Backyard Terrace (off the Dining Hall)
6 to 7 p.m. | Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Reception
Ryan East Foyer
7:30 p.m. | Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production
Ryan Little Theatre
A perfect homecoming show for Halloween weekend, this horror comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and by Howard Ashman follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on humans.
8 p.m. | Homecoming Coronation
Radford Auditorium
8:30 p.m. | Bonfire and Pep Rally and Fireworks
Wah Wahtaysee Park
Back by popular demand – join us for a special fireworks display over Radford Auditorium.
Directly following the fireworks to 11 p.m. | Lawn Jam Concert
Center Stage on the west edge of Wah Wahtaysee Park
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Alumni Registration
Furr Welcome Center
8:30 to 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast and Affinity Group Reunions (social clubs, Black Alumni Network, McMurry Student Government, Spirit Squad)
Old Main and Cooke Classrooms | Watch your email for classroom assignments
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Art Exhibits
10 to 11 a.m. Club Songs & Alma Mater
Atrium | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
11 a.m. | Meet & Greet with McMurry’s New President, Dr. Lynne Murray
Garrison United Methodist Campus Center Atrium
Join us for a special opportunity to meet McMurry University’s incoming president, Dr. Lynne Murray! Though Dr. Murray officially begins her tenure on January 10, 2025, we are thrilled to welcome her to campus early for Homecoming.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Tailgate
The Backyard
1 p.m. | Football Game
Wilford Moore Stadium
6 to 7 p.m. | Legacy of Leadership Reception Honoring Dr. Sandra S. Harper
Atrium | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
Please join the McMurry community in recognizing President Harper’s career at McMurry and wishing her well in retirement.
7 p.m. | All Alumni Party
Mabee Room | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
7:30 p.m. | Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production
Ryan Little Theatre
A perfect homecoming show for Halloween weekend, this horror comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and by Howard Ashman follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on humans.
10 a.m. | Worship Service and Final Ala Cumba Ceremony
Carleton Chapel | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
11 a.m.| Final Ala Cumba Reception
Atrium | Garrison United Methodist Campus Center
2 p.m. Matinee | Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production
Ryan Little Theatre
A perfect homecoming show for Halloween weekend, this horror comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and by Howard Ashman follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on humans.
In case of rain
- The festival, coronation, and concert will be moved to the activities gym.
Planning your stay for Homecoming just got easier! The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled a comprehensive list of all the hotels in town. Simply visit the link below to explore and book accommodations that suit your preferences.
Abilene Hotels