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Homecoming 2025 at µÛÍõ»áËù University (SBU) was a special celebration as alumni, current students, faculty, and families gathered to celebrate both SBU’s history and future through this year’s theme ‘Forward in Faith.’  

This year’s festivities were also marked by gorgeous fall weather and a great turnout, especially for the 50-Year Club Luncheon, Alumni Banquet, and the parade where a record-breaking number of marching bands performed along the route. For many students, community is the word that best describes SBU and it is also what made Homecoming 2025 such a wonderful weekend of celebration and reunions. 

Friday’s events included the 50-Year Club Luncheon where the class of 1975 was inducted into the club. Following the luncheon, current students participated in Bed Races, with President Melson joining the off-campus team for a ride down Ingman Drive. During the afternoon, SBU’s soccer teams faced off against Upper Iowa University. SBU’s Bearcats played hard, but both men’s and women’s teams ultimately lost in their respective games to the UIU Peacocks. 

Alumni from the classes of 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 gathered throughout the afternoon to catch up and take reunion class photos together. That evening, alumni awards were presented to Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough ’79 (Alumni Life Service Award) and Shane Schoeller ’94 (Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award) during the Alumni Banquet. Friday concluded with the 3rd annual SBU Celebration; those in attendance reminisced on years past, the alumni choir performed, and Bearcat Hall of Fame awards were presented to Natalie (O'Keefe) Goatley, Fanni Varga, Corey McElhaney, and Garry Brandt. 

Saturday’s events kicked off with the Alumni breakfast and were followed by the Homecoming Parade. The SBU Bearcats football team led the parade down Pike Avenue for the third year in a row during the Bearcat Pounce. Following the team were dorm floats and 10 high school marching bands, in addition to SBU's own marching band. The high school bands made a short stop along the route to perform for a panel of judges. An annual favorite, the Bearcat Bash, took place on the forum with lots of good food and fellowship for all who attended.  

During the Homecoming football game, the SBU Bearcats started strong with a touchdown a minute into the game. They held the lead until a crushing defeat in the last ten seconds, losing 26-24 in the Battle of the Bearcats against McKendree University. The SBU Marching Bearcats played at half-time, followed by the announcement of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen: Jeremiah Horn and Olivia Crawford. Landen, Leslie, and Woody-Gott Hall were declared the winners of the Homecoming week dorm competition. 

Homecoming 2025 was a wonderful time of faith and fellowship for all who attended. From alumni gatherings and celebrations of past classes to the parade where current Bearcats showed off their school pride, SBU’s continued dedication to Christ and community were at the core of our Homecoming celebration. As we continue to move Forward in Faith, we look forward to celebrating together again for Homecoming 2026! 

Published October 15th, 2025.