Published on September 15, 2021 by Holly Gainer  
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The Samford University Alumni Association is pleased to announce a new twist on an old tradition with the arrival of Homecoming Weekend 2021, which will be enjoyed in person. On Friday, Nov. 5, the Samford University Alumni Association will host the “Samford Alumni Celebration,” an upscale and upbeat social event to honor all that Samford was, is and will be.

What was once known as the Alumni Candlelight Dinner has a new name, new itinerary and a new feel, which is sure to entertain and delight guests. In lieu of a formal seated dinner, alumni will experience luxurious and enjoyable food stations, including queso blanco boats with delicious toppings (fancy nachos), catered by Savoie. In addition, the Samford Jazz Band will provide live music for entertainment and dancing. Elegant lighting and décor with a few exciting surprises will delight attendees and set the tone for the fun night ahead. Since many of us haven’t been able to wear our “festive chic” party attire in a while, the alumni association is working to ensure that this event is the perfect opportunity to dust off your party dress or favorite bow tie. 

In keeping with tradition, the Samford Alumni Celebration will recognize the Alumni of the Year honorees from 2020 and 2021 with a special tribute. And what homecoming celebration would be complete without a game day speech from Head Football Coach Chris Hatcher?

While the Alumni Celebration will keep the spirit and meaning of the time-honored Candlelight Dinner, our alumni and friends can expect many enhancements that will lend itself to an elegant and fun evening fit for the best Bulldogs. If you have been to the Candlelight Dinner in years past or if this event would be new for you, we encourage you to come experience all that the Alumni Celebration has to offer. The cost to attend is just $20, attire is festive chic (business attire, but for a party) and reservations may be made by visiting the homecoming website. We look forward to celebrating our alma mater and our Alumni of the Year with you!

For those with small children who may be unable to attend the Alumni Celebration, make plans to attend the Samford Family Homecoming Dinner. This casual pizza party will be held in Bashinsky Gymnasium and will include games and toys for kids to provide an opportunity for alumni to catch up with Samford friends in a safe, laidback setting. If your child is all about recess and pizza, they’ll have a ball at this event, and it will be fun for alumni as well! This event is free to attend and reservations can be made here. Regardless of which event you choose to attend this year, we are excited to enjoy these two Homecoming events with you. See you on Nov. 5!

 
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.