seasons

Celebrating the tradition of coming home
by Mary Wimberley
A rainy day did not deter the Samford University faithful from enjoying homecoming Saturday, Nov. 7.
They were busy admiring new campus spaces, attending reunions and lectures, and filling the
campus quadrangle with the joyful laughter that comes from friends with a shared tradition.
And a fiercely loyal poncho-clad crowd in Seibert Stadium
cheered the Bulldogs to an impressive 43-0 win over homecoming
opponent Clark Atlanta.
The Saturday events were part of a multiday homecoming
celebration that engaged students and alumni in varied activities.
A large group of well-wishers filled the Harwell G. Davis library
lobby for a morning retirement reception honoring special collection
librarian Elizabeth Wells. The popular archivist retires in
December after 40 years at Samford (see page 14).
Outside, tailgating under tents offered time and space for
departments and organizations to host meals and fellowship.
At the 25-year reunion tent, members of the Class of 1990
agreed that time had flown, with occasional, good-natured comments
about graying hair on some classmates. Former roommates
David Corts of Atlanta, Georgia, and Lee Manly of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, enjoyed visiting, as did their families.
Manly noted campus changes and growth. “Cooney Hall is
beautiful,” the marketing graduate said of the new home for Brock
School of Business. “It will be a wonderful place for students to
spend time and to study.”
Corts, an economics graduate, said that he also appreciates the
upgrades to existing spaces. “I see places that I recognize and know
well, but with renovations, such as the familiar library with its
additions,” he said, adding it is good to see how a new generation of
students uses the space.
The Class of 2005 gathered under a neighboring tent to celebrate
its 10-year anniversary. Holly Lee Zampieri traveled with her
husband and 2-year-old son from their home in Denver, Colorado.
“It’s fun to see friends and meet their husbands and kids, the
whole package,” the nutrition and dietetics graduate said.
Meanwhile, members of the 50th anniversary Class of 1965
enjoyed a luncheon and special program in the Howard Room of
Beeson University Center. About 50 attended the gathering, where
class member Richard Queen of Montgomery, Alabama, introduced
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