Samford Homecoming: Can't-Miss Traditions

Published on November 6, 2019 by Sarah Cain

Every fall Samford University welcomes back hundreds of alumni and friends to campus for Homecoming, which dates back more than 150 years. This history-rich weekend is filled with events for all ages, but these can’t-miss traditions gather alumni to celebrate the best of being a Bulldog.

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Homecoming Board Display

Leading up to Homecoming weekend, students from a variety of organizations decorate Homecoming Board Displays that capture the spirit of Samford. See all the boards displayed on Ben Brown Plaza throughout the weekend.

Alumni Candlelight Dinner and Awards

This time-honored tradition dates back to the 1860s and recognizes outstanding alumni and their distinguished careers and ongoing service to Samford. Awards are presented in three categories: Alumni of the Year, Outstanding Young Alumnus and Humanitarians of the Year.

Bulldog Walk

Don’t miss your chance to wish good luck to the Samford football team! Join the Bulldogs two hours before kickoff as they take their traditional stroll from the University Center to Cooney Fieldhouse led by the cheerleaders and Samford Marching Band.

Tailgating

Join hundreds on the Quad for fellowship and fun before the big game. Tailgates representing alumni chapters, class reunions, schools and other Samford departments and organizations offer endless opportunities to reconnect.

Storytime with Orlean Beeson School of Education

Orlean Beeson School of Education’s tailgate is famous for its family-friendly story time, face painting and more. Relax on the Quad with family as you listen to a children’s story from this year’s featured author, Nia Mya Reese, a local 10-year-old best-selling author. Storytime begins at 10:45 a.m.

Randy Todd preparing barbecue on the quad

Todd on the Quad

Howard College of Arts and Sciences' tailgate is another favorite stop for the annual barbecue by Classics Department chair Randy Todd. Known as “Todd on the Quad,” the barbecue features a slow-roasted pig prepared by Todd overnight.

The Big Game

Close the weekend by cheering on the Bulldogs as they take on the Chattanooga Mocs. The game kicks off at 2 p.m.

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Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.