Homecoming 2018

Homecoming 2018 at Jacksonville College

By Randy Decker

Jacksonville College Director of Alumni Relations

Homecoming 2018 is fast approaching at Jacksonville College. On February 9-10, alumni and former students will once again gather to reminisce with old friends, make new friends, and learn about what’s happening on the campus of our beloved alma mater. 

This year’s emphasis is on alumni who attended Jacksonville College in the years ending in 8 (1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998, 2008). The program committee invites music ensembles, sports teams, cheerleaders, theater performers, and other groups from these reunion classes to notify the alumni office by February 1 if they want to participate in the homecoming program. Please tell which group you are in and the contact person for your group. Information and names for each group MUST be received in the alumni office by February 1 to be placed on the program, so contact your classmates now.

You can register for Homecoming 2018 online at www.jacksonville-college.edu/alumni or by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at (903) 589-7135 or jgalyean@jacksonville-college.edu.

For additional Homecoming information and updates, visit www.jacksonville-college.edu/homecoming.

The Old Main Bell Comes Home

On Saturday, February 10, a grand lady will officially return to our campus. The Old Main Bell has been repaired, rejuvenated, and returned to her home. The celebration of the bell’s return will be a highlight of this year’s homecoming celebration. Our homecoming welcome will involve a short dedication service accompanied by sacred and patriotic music. Later this spring, the local historical society will give homage to this functioning symbol of the heritage of our faith, our school, and our country.

There are rumors (many substantiated) of escapades and pranks involving the old bell. Apparently, the forbidden ringing of the bell was a temptation too strong for many of our former students. In days gone by, the Old Main Bell, the tower at Love’s Lookout, and Killough Monument were fertile ground for misadventures.

Join us at Homecoming on February 9-10, and be prepared to share your “bell” stories. You will have plenty of time to visit and reminisce. Register online now at jacksonville-college.edu/alumni.

Jacksonville College’s Old Main was constructed in 1899 and razed in 1968 to accommodate modern structures. The Old Main bell was housed in the tower of the building.

Homecoming 2018 Lodging Accommodations in Jacksonville

Rooms will be offered at a discounted price.  To receive this rate, call the hotel directly and ask for the Jacksonville College Alumni Homecoming rate. All accommodations offer a breakfast and elevator unless otherwise noted. The below information is also available by clicking on the “Accommodations” link at jacksonville-college.edu/homecoming.

Motel 6

520 S. Jackson

(903) 586-2574

$57 + tax (King or 2 Queens)

No elevator, so specify ground floor room, if needed.

Free coffee, but no breakfast is offered.

Executive Inn

1848 S. Jackson

(903) 589-8500

 $58 + tax (King or 2 Queens)

No elevator, so specify ground floor room, if needed.

Best Western

1659 S. Jackson

(903) 586-0007

$69.99 + tax (King or 2 Queens)—Extra $5 per person if more than 2 guests

LaQuinta Inn and Suites

1902 S. Jackson

(903) 586-6504

$75 + tax (King or 2 Queens)

Includes an indoor swimming pool.

Holiday Inn Express

1923 S. Jackson

(903) 589-8900

$89.99 + tax (King or 2 Queens)

Includes an indoor swimming pool.

Jacksonville College Homecoming 2018 Schedule of Events

Friday, February 9   

11:30 a.m.    Alumni Lunch in the JC Little Cafeteria (Cost: $5 per person)

1:00 p.m.    Tour of Campus and Facilities

1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.    JAG Store Open, Weatherby Building

6:00 p.m.    First Baptist Church Family Life Center (210 Philip St., Jacksonville, TX 75766)   

                    Alumni Reception and Registration

                    Food and Fellowship

                    Updated Information and Dues for the JC Alumni Association

7:00 pm.    Business Meeting

                    Program

                   Memorabilia Displays, Annuals, Pictures, Recognition of 8’s Classes, Music from the 8’s

                   Free Time—Group Fellowships

Saturday, February 10

8:30 a.m.    Purple and Gold Breakfast in the JC Little Cafeteria (Cost: Donation of $5+ for breakfast) Anyone may attend. Proceeds benefit non-budgeted cafeteria upgrades/equipment.

9:00 a.m.

                   JAG Store Opens, Weatherby Building

10:00 a.m.  Program in Buckner Chapel

                    Welcome: Jacksonville College President—Dr. Mike Smith

                    Alumni Information Update

                    Coming Home Royalty

                    Jacksonville College Choir

                    Alumni Choir

                   Ensembles—Trios, Quartets, Singers from the 8’s

11:30 a.m. Dedication of Old Main Bell

12:00 p.m. Chapter Luncheons and Business Meetings

                    Kellar-Laird-Carroll (to 1965)—First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

                    Bearden-Bonner-Gaylor (1966-1979)—Craft Baptist Church (County Rd. 1629)

                    Anderson-Orr-Small (1980-1999)—Beverly’s Cafe (1712-D South Jackson)

                    Crank-Ross (2000 to present)—First Baptist Church Family Life Center

3:00 p.m.   Choir Auditions in the Gerald Orr Music Annex

4:00 p.m.   Curtis Carroll Field House/Gymnasium: Lady Jags vs. Kilgore College

5:45 p.m.   Recognition of Athletes and Cheerleaders: Classes Ending in 8

6:00 p.m.   Jags vs. Lamar State PA

                   2018 Homecoming Court

Jaguar Preview Day 2018

Pastors, church staff, parents, alumni, and friends are encouraged to bring high school seniors to Jacksonville College on Saturday, February 24 for Jaguar Preview Day 2018. For details, contact Admissions at (903) 589-7110 or admissions@jacksonville-college.edu.