Homecoming Celebration Hosts Warm Reception Despite Cold Day

Ohio Christian University’s Homecoming and Family Day 2019 welcomed over 400 alumni and their family members home on Oct. 12. The atmosphere was warm and lively despite the chilly fall weather that forced many of the events inside.

The day started early with 74 participants shrugging off temperatures in the mid-40’s as they ran or walked in the 7th annual Josias Rodriguez 5k Run/Walk. The event is held in memory of a much-loved ministry student who tragically lost his life in a hiking accident. Josias Rodriguez’s mom spoke briefly at the start of the race with his dad firing the starting pistol.

Following the 5k, hundreds of alumni flocked to the Ministry & Performing Arts for the main event, the Trailblazer Celebration, formerly known as Legacy Chapel. The event provided a time of worship, heartfelt reflection of years past, and a recognition of the 2019 Alumni Awardees. This year’s awardees were Brenda (Mason) Young (’74), Alumna of the Year; Anthony Wilson (’10), Online Alumnus of the Year; and Tim Moore, Ministry Alumnus of the Year.

After the Celebration, guests enjoyed free Buffalo Wild Wings in Ohio Christian’s beautiful cafeteria and a tasty treat from Kingdom Realty Sno-Cones. The day was also filled with activities for visitors of all ages. While some alumni preferred to sit at The Blaze as they remembered old times over a cup of coffee or tea, those with children enjoyed games of cornhole as their kids squealed with delight as they jumped around in the bounce houses. Many alumni also cheered on the Lady Trailblazers volleyball team as they played a home game against Carlow University, winning in a straight sweep.

The 2019 Homecoming was a wonderful time of celebration and reminiscing as the returning alumni reconnected with old friends and remembered days long past but not forgotten. Ohio Christian University is eager to welcome OCU family members home once more in 2020 on Oct. 2 & 3 for next year’s Homecoming.