Honor the Past
Rise to the Future

OCTOBER 26-29, 2023 feather

Online registration for Homecoming 2023 is now closed.

Don’t worry, you can still attend. You’ll just need to register at the Furr Welcome Center when you arrive on campus.

Tickets for the Reunion Breakfast, Tailgate, and Football Game will be available for purchase “at the door.” This means you can buy your tickets when you arrive at the event.

Unfortunately the Gala has reached its maximum capacity, and no tickets will be available for purchase at the door for this event.

Bonfire

Schedule of Events

Please check back for updates, as details may change.

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

McMurry’s history presented by Dr. Sandra S. Harper.

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Alumni Registration
Furr Welcome Center

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Art Exhibits

1 to 2 p.m. | Event Honoring Dr. Joe Stamey
Jay-Rollins Library Mezzanine

Join the Department of Religion and Philosophy as they honor the memory of Dr. Joseph Stamey, longtime Professor of Philosophy. Dr. Stamey’s impact on McMurry was unique, deep, and wide ranging. Since he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues, we would like to invite written accounts of your memories of Dr. Stamey, which will be collected and given to his family at the event. Click here to submit your memories of Dr. Stamey.

2 to 3 p.m. | J.W. Hunt Society Induction & Reception
Matthews Auditorium

Join us as we induct the class 1973 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 1973.

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 Reunion
Finch Gray Science Bldg, Room 105

Featured Speaker: Rick Nason ‘83, PhD, CFA

Dr. Rick Nason is an Associate Professor of Finance at Dalhousie University where he has been awarded numerous awards for teaching excellence. His academic work includes researching corporate risk management and complexity science.  As a former capital markets, as well as corporate learning professional, he remains active in consulting and as a keynote presenter, specializing in applications of complexity science and risk management. He is the author / co-author of seven books and textbooks, including “It’s Not Complicated: The Art and Science of Complexity in Business”, published by University of Toronto Press, and “Rethinking Risk Management”, by Business Experts Press. He has a BSc in Chemistry from McMurry University, a MSc in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a MBA and PhD from the Ivey School of Business at Western University (Canada). 

Presentation Topic: AI, Complexity and the Arts

Artificial Intelligence has once again become a major buzzword with wide ranging potential ramifications.  Ironically, the two fields of knowledge to best leverage advances in AI are barely talked about – namely complexity science and the arts.  This presentation will provide an introduction to complexity science, how it complements AI, and how the study of the liberal arts is more necessary than ever to succeed in our increasingly informational technology driven society.  Examples from health science, business, biology, and yes, perhaps even the Kardashians will be provided as illustrations about how complexity science and the liberal arts can inform and enhance our lives.

4 to 5 p.m. | Band and Chanters Reunion
Ryan Fine Arts West Foyer

4 to 5 p.m. | Fine Arts Reunion
Ryan Fine Arts East Foyer

4 to 5 p.m. | Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences Alumni Reunion
Cooke 104

4:30 to 9 p.m. | Centennial Chanters Choir Reunion, Practice, and Dinner
Aldersgate Abilene Methodist Church

5 to 7 p.m. | Festival on the Quad
McMurry Quad (In the event of rain the festival will be moved to the Activities Gym)

8 p.m. | Homecoming Coronation
Center Stage on the lawn north of Radford Auditorium (In the event of rain the coronation and concert will be moved to Radford Auditorium)

8:30 p.m. | Bonfire and Pep Rally
Wah Wahtaysee Park

9 to 9:05 p.m. | Centennial Fireworks
Over Radford Auditorium (In the event of rain the fireworks will be rescheduled to a different date/time when weather conditions are more favorable)

Join us for a special Centennial Fireworks display over Radford Auditorium.

9:05 to 11 p.m. | Lawn Jam Concert
Center Stage on the lawn north of Radford Auditorium

Live music by Hazard County — a Texas country music experience with a taste of rock.

8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Alumni Registration
Furr Welcome Center

8:30 to 10 a.m. | Breakfast and Affinity Group Reunions (social clubs, Black Alumni Network, McMurry Student Government, Spirit Squad)
Classrooms in Old Main and Cooke—Tickets $5

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Art Exhibits

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Celebrating McMurry’s Past
Radford Auditorium

Jay Moore Presents the History of McMurry University
9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Join local historian, Jay Moore, as he looks back at a variety of people, places, and stories that molded McMurry’s 100-year history.

McMurry 100 Awards Ceremony
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate the McMurry 100 at an awards ceremony that will honor the individuals and groups of individuals who made an outsized impact in the 10-decade history of McMurry.

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | Chanters Centennial Choir Concert
Aldersgate Abilene Methodist Church

Enjoy beautiful music by several generations of McMurry Chanters alumni. Dr. Betty Karol Wilson, Chanters director from 1982 to 1985, will direct what we hope is a 100-voice choir.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Tailgate
Lawn behind Jay-Rollins Library (In the event of rain the tailgate meal will be served in the Dining Hall)

12 p.m. | War Hawk Volleyball vs. LeTourneau Uni.
Kimbrell Arena

12:15 p.m. Club Songs & Alma Mater
Lawn behind Jay-Rollins Library

1 p.m. | Football Game 
Wilford Moore Stadium—Tickets $8

7 p.m. | Centennial Gala
Abilene Convention Center—Tickets $125

The McMurry University Centennial Gala is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that you will not want to miss!  Join alumni and friends for an evening of reminiscing and regaling as we tip our hats to our first one hundred years and throw open the door to usher in our second century.  Enjoy a delightful evening beginning with a gourmet dinner catered by world-famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse, followed by McMurry’s story emceed by George Levesque, McMurry alumnus and Executive Director of the Historic Paramount Theatre.  Guests will bask in the afterglow with music, dancing, and sharing memories with old friends and new. Don’t miss this event which promises to be Abilene’s talk of the town and our Centennial’s crowning jewel!

View Menu

10 a.m. | Worship Service and Final Ala Cumba Ceremony
Matthew’s Auditorium

In case of rain

In the event of rain:

  • The festival will be moved to the Activities Gym.
  • The coronation and concert will be moved to Radford Auditorium.
  • The fireworks will be rescheduled to a different date/time when weather conditions are more favorable.
  • The Tailgate meal will be served in the Dining Hall. 
Campus Event Parking Map

Event Parking Information

Given the exceptional turnout of alumni expected for Homecoming, parking will be in high demand. To facilitate a smooth experience, designated event parking will be available on both the east and west sides of campus. Shuttles will run regularly from each of the event parking lots to the Furr Welcome Center during Check-In and Registration hours from Thursday to Saturday:

  • Thursday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please refer to the linked map for event parking lot locations and plan accordingly to ensure a hassle-free experience during Homecoming.

View Event Parking Map

Accessible parking for individuals with mobility constraints will be available in the McMurry Court parking lot, situated between Radford and Maedgen buildings. Additionally, there will be a 30-minute short-term parking area in the small lot east of the Maedgen Administration Building.

Please refer to the linked map for Event Parking Lot locations and plan accordingly to ensure a hassle-free experience during Homecoming.

View Event Parking Map
HC23 T-Shirt

Official HC23 Shirt

HC23 ThemeOnline ordering for Homecoming merchandise has concluded. Don’t worry, you can still get your hands on the fantastic t-shirts, ornaments, and more during Homecoming weekend. Just swing by our merchandise tent at Registration and Check-In or at the Tailgate.

Centennial Gala

McMurry University Centennial Gala

GALA REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

Centennial Gala | October 28 at 7 p.m. | Black Tie Optional
Abilene Convention Center

The McMurry University Centennial Gala is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that you will not want to miss!  Join alumni and friends for an evening of reminiscing and regaling as we tip our hats to our first one hundred years and throw open the door to usher in our second century.  Enjoy a delightful evening beginning with a gourmet dinner catered by world-famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse, followed by McMurry’s story emceed by George Levesque, McMurry alumnus and Executive Director of the Historic Paramount Theatre.  Guests will bask in the afterglow with music, dancing, and sharing memories with old friends and new. Don’t miss this event which promises to be Abilene’s talk of the town and our Centennial’s crowning jewel!

Please note this is an adult-only celebration.

Thanks to Datroo Technologies our Lead Gala Sponsor.

 

Centennial Gala Menu

  • Mesquite Smoked Peppered Beef Tenderloin served with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
  • Dusted Fried Shrimp
  • Caesar Salad
  • Jalapeno Cheddar Grits
  • Old Fashioned Green Beans
  • Fold Over Rolls
Double Tree

Hotel Accomodations

Several hotels in town have offered blocks of rooms at discounted rates for anyone attending McMurry Homecoming. In view of the unprecedented number of McMurry alumni expected to participate in Homecoming 2023, it is advised that reservations be made early.

The following hotels represent a variety of quality and prices. This listing is provided as a service and does not constitute an endorsement.

500 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601

Group Rate: $179 USD per night
Group Name: McMurry 100th Anniversary & Homecoming
Start Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
End Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Last Day to Book: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Book A Room

2141 Scottish Rd, Abilene, TX 79601

Group Rate: $149 USD per night
Group Name: McMurry 100th Anniversary & Homecoming
Start Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
End Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Last Day to Book: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Book a room

2141 Scottish Rd, Abilene, TX 79601

Group Rate: $149 USD per night
Group Name: McMurry 100th Anniversary & Homecoming
Start Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
End Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Last Day to Book: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Book a room

3917 Ridgemont Dr, Abilene, TX 79606

Group Rate: $119 USD per night
Group Name: McMurry 100th Anniversary & Homecoming
Start Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
End Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Last Day to Book: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Book a room

3902 Turner Plaza Dr, Abilene, TX 79606

Group Rate: $119 USD per night
Group Name: McMurry 100th Anniversary & Homecoming
Start Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
End Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Last Day to Book: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Book A Room

SPECIAL THANKS TO

First Financial Bank

McMURRY’S OFFICIAL CENTENNIAL PARTNER