Forever Red & Gold was the theme of this year’s Homecoming/Family Weekend, a combination of old and new traditions, styles, events and tastes.  Combining Homecoming with Family Weekend made the entire weekend richer with a variety of events and people coming and going on Simpson’s campus. It is a strong tradition here on campus to celebrate several reunions, student, musical and sporting events during the four day weekend. 

This year’s weekend included a “Wow” factor with the grand opening of the Kent Campus Center.  Students, faculty, staff, community members and trustees joined in the ribbon cutting ceremonies and continued the Simpson spirit throughout the weekend.  The Kent Campus Center provided luxurious banquet and meeting rooms, entertainment and food venues and most of all, a sense of “Home”. 

Saturday kicked off with the 1^st Annual Run Indianola, a 5K run starting and finishing on Simpson’s campus.  A pancake breakfast, brunches, reunions and a baseball scrimmage lead up to the big tailgate under the tent.  Music, smiles, and laughter rang throughout the parking lot as fans caught up with each other and made new acquaintances. The Little Storm Chasers were entertained with inflatables, cotton candy, face painting and a balloon artist. 

The Simpson football team had a good battle with Coe at Buxton Stadium and guests continued to celebrate Homecoming at the post-game party with dueling pianos.  A great family atmosphere provided an opportunity to try the new food venues in Kent and sing everyone’s favorite tunes.  Dueling pianos also held a more student oriented show later that evening. 

 The weekend concluded with a nice blend of Simpson students singing at Sunday worship and a performance by Theatre Simpson of University in Barnum Studio, Blank Performing Arts Center.

 We will be hard pressed to top this year’s fun filled schedule, but we will do our best. Thanks to those who joined us and if you missed it, we hope to see you next year!

 Nicole Darling
Assistant Director of Student Activities