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Winter 2004 | Volume 26, Number 5 | Alumni

You Can Go Home Again!

“Discover More in ’04” Attracts Hundreds of Alumni and Families"

BACK FOR THEIR 20TH
class reunion at Homecoming 2004, Greg Lund ’84 and Kirsten Axe Lund ’84 not only enjoyed seeing old friends and reliving their days as students on campus, but they also took a keen interest in showing their oldest son around the place.

 
The band Elevate warmed up the crowd to open the Student Talent Show.  

Just maybe, they said, he’ll walk in their footsteps one day.

Hundreds of alumni like the Lunds “came home” January 22–24 for “Discover More in ’04,” a kaleidoscope of reunions, theatre, concerts, sports and open houses. They worshipped together, cheered on the Falcons and paid tribute to 2004 Alumnus of the Year Ed Vander Pol ’72. They also renewed relationships with friends — and with their alma mater.

On Thursday, January 22, visitors gathered at First Free Methodist Church adjacent to campus for the Alumnus of the Year Chapel. Vander Pol, co-owner and co-president of Oak Harbor Freight Lines, spoke to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends about “Living the Forgiving, Responsible and Prepared Life.” Also on the program were the Chapel Worship Team and the Concert Choir.

The ever-popular Student Talent Show took the stage Friday night in Brougham Pavilion. This year’s roster featured violinists, rock bands, Irish dancing — and an Elvis impersonator.

After a full morning of Homecoming activities, alumni gathered for the President’s Luncheon on Saturday, January 24. Four exemplary alumni were honored with Medallion Awards, and the Alumni Choir performed with gusto. President Eaton introduced the strategic 10-year plan, “A Blueprint for Excellence,” as he spoke to alumni about “The Power of Modeling: Two Ways to Change the World.” Eaton said he believes that the University can and should be in the world-changing business as “we model the thrill, the joy, the exuberance of discovering that God loves the world, that God loves all of his children, and that God wants all of his children to flourish.”

Later, SPRINT held its 20th anniversary celebration; the “voice” of God encircled rapt audiences at performances of “J.B.,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Archibald MacLeish; and the Falcon men’s and women’s basketball teams came out ahead of their opponents by a combined 59 points. Seniors Bri Clark and Barney Kropf were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime; and nine classes assembled for reunions that were both tearful and joyous.

Simultaneous with Homecoming, students and their families enjoyed Family Weekend ’04. Moms, dads, spouses and siblings visited residence halls and sat in on classes. They also mingled with returning graduates at the annual Row and Run, where track and cross country runners raced on land against both the men’s eight and the women’s eight rowers, who battled wind and whitecaps on the water.

“There’s nothing like Homecoming,” says Doug Taylor ’87, director of alumni relations. “It’s wonderful to see so many people reconnect with their Seattle Pacific experiences and classmates. Some just pick up where they left off; others haven’t been back in ages and are amazed at what they see.”

To see more Homecoming photos, see www.spu.edu/alumni.

— BY CLINT KELLY
— PHOTOS BY JOHN KEATLEY AND NICK ONKEN

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