Community invited to Evangel University Homecoming 2017 events

Evangel University is opening its arms to welcome the Springfield community for several key events during its Homecoming 2017 Celebration on October 5-7.

Public activities include the President’s Leadership Forum on Thursday afternoon; the 25^th Year HeartSong Reunion Concert on Friday evening; and the three athletic events on Saturday afternoon.

“This will be an exciting Homecoming weekend,” said President Carol Taylor. “Hundreds of alumni are returning, and we will have activities specifically designed to provide interaction and engagement between alumni, students, employees and friends of the University.”

Events of public interest

• Thursday, Oct. 5, the President’s Leadership Forum will take place at 2 p.m. in the Barnett Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. The focus is on service in the public and non-profit sectors.

Three Evangel graduates will discuss the paths taken for each of their lives of service —Ozark resident and humanitarian Julie Higgins, founder of I Pour Life; Willard native Dr. Kirt Hartzler, superintendent of Union Public Schools, near Tulsa, Okla., and State Senator Doug Broxson from Florida.

• Friday, Oct. 6, HeartSong will perform a 25^th anniversary concert at 8 p.m. in the Spence Chapel auditorium. HeartSong is a group of 10 singers and 7 instrumentalists that tours nationally and internationally on behalf of Evangel University. Admission is free.

Nearly 90 former members of HeartSong are returning from across the USA to perform with, and enjoy the music of, the current group under the direction of its founder, Dr. Bonnie Jenkins. HeartSong began on the campus of CBC and transitioned to Evangel in 2013. Their repertoire covers a variety of styles including contemporary worship, gospel and traditional.

• Saturday, Oct. 7, the men and women’s soccer teams will take on Mount Mercy University at Evangel’s Coryell Field. The ladies game will start at 12 p.m., and the men’s game will start at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.

• The Evangel Crusader football team will close out the Homecoming festivities at Ozark High School Stadium, when they take on Graceland University, Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. Admission at the gate for the football game is $10 for adults; 12 and under are free.

For an overview of Evangel’s Homecoming 2017 activities, and to register for meal functions and childcare, please visit: http://www.evangel.edu/homecoming/

For a detailed list of alumni lectures and late additions, please call the Evangel Alumni Department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7333 or email alumni@evangel.edu

Evangel University, which includes the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally. Evangel serves more than 2,100 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 65 undergraduate majors and 17 master’s and doctoral degrees.

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Homecoming 2017 Schedule Highlights:

Thursday, Oct. 5

• Registration: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Riggs Hall Atrium
• Chapel with Gina Copeland ’80: 10 a.m., Spence Chapel
• President’s Leadership Forum: 2 p.m., Barnett Recital Hall
• EU’s Got Talent: 8 p.m., Spence Chapel

Friday, Oct. 6

• Chapel with Dr. George Wood ’62, general superintendent of the AG: 10 a.m., Spence Chapel
• Lecture — “The Future of Women Leaders in the Assemblies of God” by Dr. Deborah Gill: 2 p.m., Seymour Chapel at AGTS
• Trees of Honor Celebration & Pioneer Commons Dedication: 4 p.m., North side of Cantrell Student Union
• County Fair: 4:30 p.m., The Quad (Attendance is free; Dinner is $8 for adults, $4 for children)
• Class Reunion Dinners: 5:30 p.m., Crusader Dining Hall ($20)
• 25^th Year HeartSong Reunion Concert: 8 p.m., Robert H. Spence Chapel

Saturday, Oct. 7

• Homecoming Celebration Luncheon & Awards Ceremony: 11 a.m., Bass Pro/White River Conference Center ($15)
• Men & Women’s Soccer Games: 12 p.m. (women’s), 2:30 p.m. (men’s), EU’s Coryell Field
• Tailgate Party: 1 p.m., Ozark High School Stadium
• Football Game vs Graceland University: 2:30 p.m., Ozark High School Stadium