Events featured arts, academics,
athletics, food, special honors, and the unveiling of a new mascot
CONWAY, Ark. (September 30,
2024)—Hendrix College marked its new combination of Family Weekend/Homecoming by
hosting a series of exciting events that showcased the institution’s commitment to academics,
the arts, athletics, and its vibrant community spirit.
On Thursday, Septe
mber 26,
the College honored five distinguished alumni with Odyssey Medals for
extraordinary achievements across six categories of the College’s signature
engaged learning program. This year’s recipients included Cabrina Campbell,
M.D. ’85 for Professional and Leadership Development; Daniel Ellis ’96 for
Artistic Creativity; Alan Tackett, Ph.D. ’98 for Research; Lorraine Berry
Woodward ’84 for Service to the World; and Amanda Brooks ’08 for Special
Projects. The honorees were celebrated during a luncheon and
Odyssey Medal ceremony on
campus, followed by a reception later that evening.
Friday’s festivities saw
four of the Odyssey Medalists return to campus to engage with students during the
Hendrix Career Services’ Friday Alumni Connection Time (FACT). Two of those
alumnae were also featured speakers in a special gathering hosted by the Hendrix
Women’s Leadership Community.
The day continued with a
warm welcome to students’ families, offering them a glimpse into campus life.
They had the chance to sit in on classes, attend the premiere of a new play,
visit student clubs and academic events, explore the Windgate Museum of Art,
and cheer on the women’s soccer team,
who shut out the University of the Ozarks 4-0.
Saturday featured a series
of memorable events, including family photo opportunities at the campus gazebo,
a morning concert featuring musical selections from the Hendrix Chamber
Orchestra, Hendrix College Choir, and Hendrix Wind Ensemble, and an outdoor
market in The Village at Hendrix, followed by a barbecue lunch.
The weekend’s excitement
peaked during Saturday’s Homecoming football game against Huntingdon College,
which Hendrix won 31-28.
The afternoon was packed with highlights, including:
- A pregame
celebration of Veasey Hall and Couch Hall as the winners of this year’s
Shirttails dance competition, a beloved Hendrix tradition dating back over a
century.
The unveiling of
the new Hendrix Warriors mascot, funded by generous contributions from VMS
Trust and Kent Ritchey ’65. The spirited orange-and-black Warrior led the
football team onto the field to kick off the game.- Halftime recognition
of the 2024 inductees into the Hendrix College Sports Hall of Honor, who were celebrated
at a banquet earlier in the day.
The weekend concluded with
a Sunday coffee gathering in Butler Plaza, a worship service in Greene Chapel,
and a volleyball match,
wrapping up an unforgettable Family Weekend and Homecoming celebration.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix
College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change
the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading
liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and
career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College
Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated
with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom
with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and
sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment,
integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose