Homecoming weekend a busy time at Milligan College

   Milligan College's Homecoming Weekend was scheduled to kick off today with the Kickoff Luncheon at 12 p.m. on Hardin Lawn. College leaders were expected to announce the public phase of a capital campaign and unveil plans for a new campus center at special luncheons today and Saturday.
   "Homecoming is more inclusive this year than ever before," said Theresa Garbe, director of alumni relations. "Whether it's your class reunion year or not, we have activities planned for alumni of all ages, and also for their families. We also have more student participation than ever before. It promises to be a great weekend as we unite on Milligan's campus to celebrate our common heritage and an exciting future."
   The college scheduled a ribbon cutting dedication for the Paul Clark Teacher Education Center and Baker Faculty Office Building at 11 a.m. today.
   A "Celebrate Milligan" dinner tonight in McCormick Dining Hall will honor some of Milligan's outstanding alumni, including several notable alumni from the region.
   Several athletic events involving alumni and current students kick off Saturday morning. The second annual Milligan Road Race starts at the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse at 8:30 a.m. The Doubles Tennis Tournament and the annual Alumni vs. Students Football Game both begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Alumni vs. JV Men's Soccer Match at 10 a.m.
   Other morning events include a 10 a.m. tea for the Classes of 1951 and earlier at Little Hartland (the President's residence), followed by the Faculty-Alumni Gathering in the McMahan Student Center at 10:30 a.m.
   All alumni will gather together at 12 noon for the Alumni Luncheon in McCormick Dining Center, featuring a special program about the future of the college. College leaders will announce the largest capital campaign in the history of the college and unveil plans for a new Campus Center.
   At 1:30 p.m., the first annual Homecoming Parade will feature more than 15 floats from student organizations down the central road through campus. Class Reunions for the Classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 will start immediately after the parade.
   Alumni and students not involved in class reunions can spend the afternoon from 1:30-5 p.m. playing on the inflatable attractions near the tennis courts -- fun for all ages. "The Buffaloes," a short feature-film about the last Milligan football game, produced by two recent communication graduates, will show at 2:30 and 4 in Wilson Auditorium.
   If the morning athletic activities weren't enough, alumni can gather at 4:30 and 7 p.m. to cheer the Milligan's men's and women's varsity soccer teams to victory against Cumberland College.
   A cookout at 5 p.m. on Hardin Lawn will again unite everyone, followed by the 7:30 p.m. production in Seeger Chapel of "The Rock & The Rabbi," a professional musical written and produced by 1978 alumnus Gary Richardson. Tickets for the musical are available at the Milligan College Bookstore at 461-8733, at the Homecoming registration table Friday evening and Saturday morning, and at the door.
   A photography exhibit of works by Milligan fine arts and photography faculty and students will show all weekend in Ground Zero Gallery in Derthick Hall. Included are pictures with a patriotic theme and photos taken last spring from atop the World Trade Center.
   The general homecoming activities are free. Tickets are required for all meals.
   To register or purchase tickets, please contact the Alumni Office at 800-447-5922.