Homecoming 2025 was a special celebration as current students and alumni gathered
to celebrate SBU’s history and the future of our campus through this year’s theme
‘Forward in Faith’.
Friday’s events included the 50-Year Club Luncheon where the class of 1975 was inducted into the club. Following the luncheon, current students participated in bed races, with President Melson joining the off-campus team for a ride down Ingman Drive. Alumni awards were presented to Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough ’79 (Alumni Life Service Award) and Shane Schoeller ’94 (Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award) during the Alumni Banquet. The evening concluded with the 3rd annual SBU Celebration; those in attendance reminisced on years past, the alumni choir performed, and Bearcat Hall of Fame awards were presented to Natalie (O'Keefe) Goatley, Fanni Varga, Corey McElhaney, and Garry Brandt.
Saturday’s events kicked off with the Alumni breakfast and were followed by the Homecoming Parade. The SBU Bearcats football team led the parade down Pike Avenue for the third year in a row. Following the team were dorm floats and 10 high school marching bands, in addition to SBU's own marching band. The high school bands made a short stop along the route to perform for a panel of judges. The Bearcat Bash picnic on the forum was a fan favorite, with lots of good food and fellowship for all who attended. During the Homecoming football game, the SBU Bearcats held the lead until a crushing defeat in the last ten seconds of the game. The SBU performing bearcats played at half-time, followed by the announcement of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen: Jeremiah Horn and Olivia Crawford. Landen, Leslie, and Woody-Gott Hall were declared the winners of the Homecoming week dorm competition.
Homecoming 2025 was a wonderful time of celebration and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Published October 15th, 2025.