October 19, 2024
East Texas Baptist University celebrated Homecoming 2024 by welcoming alumni and friends to campus Friday, October 18, through Saturday, October 19.
"We've had an incredible time celebrating Homecoming this week, as faculty, staff, and students came together to embrace the spirit of ETBU," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. "It's been a true joy to welcome our alumni and friends back to the Hill, sharing in the memories that bind us all to this great institution. We are deeply thankful to our alumni, families, and friends for their unwavering support and commitment to East Texas Baptist University. Their dedication to passing on the legacy of faith and excellence continues to inspire future generations of Tiger graduates."
On Friday morning, ETBU students and alumni gathered for a special Homecoming chapel service to honor the 2024 Golden Blazers, Alumni Award recipients, Golden Lightkeeper Award recipient, and the class of 1974. Since the program's inception in 2010, 106 members have been presented with ETBU's traditional Golden Blazer as a symbol of leadership, spiritual authority, and God's blessing. These ambassadors have provided generous financial support and countless volunteer hours to ETBU. The 2024 Golden Blazers are Conner Combs (’16, ’17), Geraldine (Neely) Schwartz (’72), and Vic Schwartz (’67). This year's Alumni Awards honored Jack Terell (’91) with the Unsung Hero Award, Dr. Judson LaGrone (’12) with the Young Alumnus Award, George Moore (’71) accepted the J. Wesley Smith Achievement Award, Catherine Crawford was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award, and Harold and Mildred Sadler were honored with the W.T. Tardy Service Award.
"As I stand here today, I understand that I stand on the shoulders of so many others,” Moore said. “I think of my parents, who instilled pride and meaning in my life from an early age, reminding me that nothing is possible without God's grace and mercy. I am deeply appreciative of this award, but it's important to recognize those who helped me along the way. Coming to East Texas Baptist College was a pivotal moment in my life. Growing up in segregated schools, attending ETBC taught me important lessons that shaped who I am today. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and the people who guided me throughout my life."
Alumna Linda Massey (’70) was honored with the Golden Lightkeeper Award, a distinction reserved for alumni who graduated over 50 years ago and have made lasting impacts in their vocations, church, and communities. The first in her family to attend college, Linda worked hard to fund her education at East Texas Baptist, drawn by its Christian values and small campus. With a 37-year career teaching U.S. History and Advanced Placement courses at Seagoville High School, she was dedicated to mentoring students. Even in retirement, Linda continues her commitment to education as a docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.
"I've really enjoyed my weekend," Ernestine (Hilton) Johnson (’74) said. "This is the first reunion I've been to in all these years, and getting to see people I went to school with, along with all the changes, has been wonderful. The beautiful buildings, the moving Chapel service—I cried. The music was so pretty, especially the young group that sang 'This Little Light of Mine' at the luncheon. It's my favorite song. My grandchildren even came to the family carnival this afternoon, and we ate lunch there. It's just been an enjoyable time, a great experience."
During the two-day celebration, the Tiger Family enjoyed a variety of activities, including a Jazz Band concert, ETBU theatre production, Tiger Pep Rally, Late Night Breakfast, Decade Reunions, the Tiger Family Carnival and Tailgate, and ETBU Tiger Football.
The 2024 Homecoming Court was revealed during halftime of the football game against Westgate Christian. The court featured Freshman Duke and Duchess Jarron Roden and Kaylee Rabb; Sophomore Duke and Duchess Salvatore Pierro and Timberlin Ste Marie; Junior Duke and Duchess Charles Guillot and Baylie Colston; and Senior Duke and Duchess Parker Snow and Avery Abshier. ETBU seniors Noah Mink and Skylar Bussing were crowned the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen.
"It's a huge honor to be recognized by my peers," Bussing said. "Being part of the ETBU community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I've built lasting relationships, shared incredible memories, and grown in ways I never imagined. To know that my friends and the people I've connected with thought of me for this nomination is so kind."
The King and Queen were nominated for embodying the qualities of a Christian leader, scholar, and servant. Noah Mink, a senior digital arts major from Angleton, Texas, is a member of the ETBU cross country and track and field teams and on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. Skylar Bussing, a senior majoring in Christian Ministry and Mental Health, has significantly impacted campus and the community through various leadership roles. She serves as a Resident Assistant, participates in the Honors Program, mentors students through the Thrive program, and has been a Tiger Camp leader. Over the summer, she volunteered at Camp Fuego and now serves as a youth intern at Mobberly Baptist Church, demonstrating her passion for ministry and leadership.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition," Mink said. "I believe being named Homecoming King is a true testament to the time I've spent here and the relationships I've had the privilege to build. Being able to connect with so many amazing people who took the time to vote for me is something I don't take lightly. This honor reflects the incredible community we've built together, and for that, I'm truly grateful."