Homecoming 2026 at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) certainly lived up to this year's theme: “HIS GLORY, OUR JOY!”
Friday’s events included the 50-Year Club Luncheon where the class of 1976 was inducted into the club. Following the luncheon, current students participated in Bed Races down Anderson Drive. During the afternoon, SBU’s soccer teams faced off against Upper Iowa University; both the men’s and women’s soccer teams ultimately won 2 - 0 in their respective games to the UIU Peacocks.
Alumni from the classes of 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2016 gathered throughout the afternoon to catch up and take reunion class photos together. That evening, awards were presented to two distinguished alumni: the Life Service award was given to Lauren (Epps) Mertz ‘92 (post-humorously, accepted by her son) and Mary (Barrett) Little ‘50 received the Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award during the Alumni Banquet.
Friday concluded with the 4rd annual SBU Celebration; those in attendance reminisced on years past, the alumni choir performed, and Bearcat Hall of Fame awards were presented to Fred "Superfly" Towns (post-humorously, accepted by his daughter), the 1983-86 original football team, former SBU president Dr. Charles "CPat" Taylor, and Christina Zentai (not pictured).
 
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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 fourth year in a row during the Bearcat Pounce. Following the team were dorm floats and 8 high school marching bands, in addition to SBU's own marching band. An annual favorite, the Bearcat Bash, took place on the forum with lots of good food and fellowship for all who attended.
The SBU football team put on a show for the Homecoming crowd Saturday afternoon, rolling past Lincoln University 52-17 inside Plaster Stadium. The SBU Marching Bearcats played at half-time, followed by the announcement of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen: Joel Gammon and Ali Causey. Landen & Leslie Hall were declared the winners of the Homecoming week dorm competition.
Joy was contagious at Homecoming 2026 for all who attended; from alumni coming home decades later for class reunions, to the parade where current Bearcats showed off their school pride, SBU’s continued dedication to Christ and our community were at the core of this year's Homecoming celebration. As we continue to move find joy in Christ's glory, we look forward to celebrating together again for Homecoming 2027!
Published October 20th, 2026.