By Natalie Briggs/Staff Writer

There is something for everyone this weekend at Missouri Valley College’s Homecoming celebration, set to kick off on Friday, October 13. This much-anticipated event promises a blend of tradition, excitement, and reunion for students, alumni, and the local community alike. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store.

The festivities begin Friday evening at 5 p.m. with an alumni mixer, setting the stage for a nostalgia-filled weekend and reconnecting with old friends. The highlight will be the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Welcome Center, showcasing the college. This special moment is followed by the Alumni Banquet at 6 p.m. in the Malcolm Center. During this memorable event, the college will honor esteemed alumni, including LaTonya Turner ’86, Derek Lark ’97, and Colin Smith ’10, and will present the Young Alumnus Award to Omar AlRefae ’16.

Friday’s excitement peaks with the annual Torch Run at Gregg-Mitchell Field. The night continues with a spirited pep rally, followed by a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m., open to everyone, and an Alumni Basketball Game at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday’s program kicks off at 8 a.m. with the 50+ Club Breakfast, an event celebrating alumni who have been part of the Valley family for five decades. Campus tours start at 8:30 a.m., departing from the Malcolm Center Bistro, allowing everyone to see the latest developments and landmarks on campus. At 9 a.m., the Homecoming Parade starts, featuring floats, with alumni and current students marching through campus.

The Viking Tailgate opens its doors at 10 a.m., getting you ready to gear up for the day’s festivities. Simultaneously, a reception starts at 10 a.m. in the Bistro, leading up to the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony and lunch at 11 a.m. This year’s inductees include remarkable athletes and contributors to the college: Jim Morris (football) ’74, Randy “Bear” Hamilton (football) ’81, Todd Vaughn (football), Mark Soto (football) ’95, Debbi Jay (track & field) ’97, Bonnie Johnson (basketball) ’09, Boyce Devance “BJ” Little Jr. (football) ’93, and Tom Fifer, longtime athletics director.

Saturday’s highlight will be the recognition of these outstanding alumni and Hall of Famers at halftime during the Vikings football game against Missouri Baptist, which starts at 2 p.m.

For sports enthusiasts, the excitement continues with the Women’s Soccer match against William Penn at 6 p.m., followed by the Alumni Wrestling Dual at Walker C. Fletcher Athletic Complex. The Vikings Men’s Soccer Team takes the field against William Penn at 8:30 p.m.

An Alumni and Friends Mixer will bring the evening to a perfect close at 7 p.m. at Stone Hedge Golf Club, ensuring that the day’s festivities continue into the night.