Bethany College’s “Back to the Future” Homecoming Brings Generations of Bison Together

BETHANY, W.Va. (Sept. 21, 2026) — Bethany alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends came together Sept. 18-20 for “Back to the Future” Homecoming, sharing traditions, reconnecting with the people who make Bethany home, and creating new memories along the way. 

For students, Homecoming offered a chance to experience some of Bethany’s longtime traditions while making their own memories with friends and classmates. Alumni returned to have conversations with classmates and former professors, revisit familiar places, and see the College through the eyes of today’s students.  

Friday’s Homecoming Celebration Dinner and Alumni Awards Reception recognized Dr. Michael P. Mihalyo Jr. with the James E. Allison Award for Teaching Excellence and Richard E. Doran ’78, and Kelly Kowalski ’10 with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Earlier in the day, alumni and friends gathered at Highland Springs Golf Course for the Hugh “Tiger” Joyce Homecoming Golf Scramble.  

Saturday gave students and alumni opportunities to connect around ideas and the future of the College. The annual Town Hall, led by Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi and Board Chairman Ken Bado, was followed by the Grimes Lecture Series featuring Steven Butschi, director of education, North America, at Google. Butschi spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on education in the 21st century and engaged attendees through hands-on demonstrations, emerging technologies and a question-and-answer session.

Homecoming festivities continued with the crowning of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Madi Donelson and Cam Bailey were selected by their fellow peers and recognized during halftime of the football game where the Bison defeated the Tomcats of Thiel College.  

As Saturday evening continued, the Eli Lambie Trio brought live music to the fifth quarter tent, where students, alumni, and friends gathered to listen, catch up, and enjoy the evening together after a full day of Homecoming activities. 

Sunday morning brought the 50th reunion class together for the annual Scroll Breakfast, where alumni shared breakfast and signed their names on the scroll of alumni that came before them.  

The “Back to the Future” theme added a nostalgic element to the weekend, connecting Bethany’s traditions with the experiences of today’s students. 

Couldn’t make it this year or are ready to come back? Mark your calendars for Oct. 15-17, 2027, for next year’s Homecoming celebration.