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Homecoming 2026: Back to the Future

September 18 - September 20

Brought to you by:

The Bado Family
Beta Theta Pi
 Ed ‘66 & Frances Blundon
Craig Kerr
Val Stevens Knapp ’77 and Bill Knapp ’77
Sean McBride ’86
Jay and Marsha (Peters) Smith 

Join us September 18–20, 2026, as Bethany College celebrates Homecoming with this year’s theme: Back to the Future.

While online registration has closed, you are welcome to stop by Erickson Alumni Center upon arrival to register in person and collect a nametag and event materials! Check-in hours at Erickson Alumni Center are noon – 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday. 

Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since your last visit, Homecoming is your opportunity to reconnect with classmates, revisit cherished traditions, and see how Bethany is shaping the future while honoring its rich history.

Reserve Your Tailgate Spot

Reserve your tailgate spot for $75 by contacting Brian Shaw at brian.shaw@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7300. Checks are accepted. Approximately 40 tailgating spots are available.

Schedule

Here is a glimpse at the Homecoming schedule:

 

Bring Bethany Home

Show your Bethany pride beyond campus with a Bethany garden flag! Garden flags are $20, or $30 with a stand.

Order Your Garden Flag
FAQ

Q: How do I register for Homecoming Weekend?

A: While online registration has closed, you are welcome to stop by Erickson Alumni Center upon arrival to register in person and collect a nametag and event materials! Check-in hours at Erickson Alumni Center are noon – 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday. 

 

Q: Do I need to pay to attend?

A: Many events are free to attend, but certain activities (like the Homecoming Dinner or Golf Scramble) may have associated costs. 

 

Q: Where do I check in when I arrive on campus?

A: Please check in at the Erickson Alumni Center to pick up your name badge, welcome packet, and full schedule of events. Look for “Homecoming Check-In” signage.

 

Q: Are Homecoming events family-friendly?

A: Yes! Many events throughout the weekend are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Saturday’s Family Fun Event near the football field will include games and activities for kids, and the tailgate is a great space for all ages.

 

Q: Who can I contact with questions about registration?

A: If you have any questions, reach out to the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@bethanywv.edu or call 304.780.8144.

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Grimes Lecture Speaker Highlight

We’re excited to announce the featured speaker for this year’s Grimes Lecture Series: Steven Butschi, Director of Education, North America, at Google, who will discuss The Impact of AI on Education in the 21st Century.

Grimes Lecture 
Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10:15 a.m.
Wailes Theatre

Butschi leads Google’s North American Education Go-to-Market team, helping school districts, colleges, and universities leverage Google Workspace, Chromebooks, and Gemini AI technologies to personalize learning and improve educational outcomes.

After beginning his career in IT consulting and volunteering as an adult English language learner instructor, Butschi combined his passions for technology and education by joining Google in 2009. During his 15-plus years with the company, he has helped universities transition to Google Workspace for Education, served on the founding team that introduced Chromebooks to the education market, and helped launch initiatives connecting researchers, universities, and educational technology organizations with Google Cloud technologies.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform education, business, and society, Butschi will share insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of learning and innovation.

But this year’s Grimes Lecture will be more than a presentation—it will be an interactive experience. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with emerging technologies through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, followed by a question-and-answer session with Butschi. Whether you’re curious about artificial intelligence, interested in the future of learning, or simply eager to experience the latest innovations firsthand, this event will offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with the technologies shaping tomorrow.

The Grimes Lecture is one of many highlights planned for Homecoming Weekend, September 18–20, 2026. As we celebrate this year’s Back to the Future theme, the lecture offers the perfect opportunity to explore the innovations shaping the future while reconnecting with the Bethany community.

Livestream

Alumni Celebration & Awards
Friday, Sept. 18 | 6 – 8 p.m.

Watch on Facebook Live

Grimes Lecture
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Watch on Facebook Live

Football Game vs. Thiel & Royalty Crowning at Halftime
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 2 p.m.

Watch on PAC Sports Network
Accommodations

Plan Ahead & Make It Easy

The deadline for special discounts has passed.

Sponsor Homecoming

Each fall, Bethany’s Homecoming welcomes alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends back to campus for a weekend filled with tradition, connection, and celebration. We invite you to become a Homecoming sponsor and play a role in creating an unforgettable experience for the Bethany community.

Sponsorship commitments received by August 15 will receive the fullest recognition in Homecoming promotional materials.

Your support helps create memorable moments that connect generations of Bethanians, celebrate our history, and strengthen the future of Bethany College.

Become a Homecoming sponsor today!

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