By Jacob Clavijo – Staff Writer
On Saturday, University of Lynchburg students, faculty, alumni, and parents packed the Hopwood parking lot to celebrate friendship, family, and fellowship.
“This is not just a school reunion; it’s a family reunion,” said Veronica Penn ‘98, a founding member of the Black Alumni Association and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Penn attributes her current career in human resources to the great foundation and support that the university provided during her time as a student.
University of Lynchburg alumni and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
For alumni, homecoming weekend allows them to reconnect and reflect on their time as Hornets.
“Lynchburg will always be a big part of my story,” Tom Zimmerman ‘05 said. Zimmerman also spoke to a group of students in Dr. Michael Robinson’s class on Friday as part of the Hornet to Hornet tradition to discuss his current role as the director of strategic marketing communications for Optum.
Some attendees shared their deep family connections to the university and emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence on campus.
“Fourteen people in my family went here,” said John Crank ‘79, who met his wife, Laura, when they were both art majors. Crank has returned to campus nearly every year since graduating and is always excited to see his old classmates, talk to current students, and, most importantly, enjoy a cheesy westerner.
Emmy Dolin and her mother Anne at homecoming 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
Elizabeth Petrie ‘88 shared the sentiments of most in attendance on Saturday. “I loved coming to school here,” Petrie noted. “It was just an awesome curriculum and just very personable.” Petrie also attributed her excitement for returning to campus to her daughter, Lauren Radack, a senior at the university.
However, the most excitement at the tailgate was found at the communications table, where Dr. Jimmy Roux was serving jambalaya and his signature cocktail, the Hornet Sting. Jonathan McKinney ‘15 also made his jambalaya, and the two engaged in a healthy competition. The public voted on the winner.
Dr. Jimmy Roux and Jonathan McKinney ‘15 at homecoming 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
“We welcome the competition in a healthy way,” Roux said. “We hope it’s a role model for the rest of the country.”
For more on Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024, follow The Critograph on all social media @Critograph.
