Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) students, family, and alumni celebrated Homecoming and Family Weekend from October 1 to 4, an ongoing tradition full of activities on the University’s campus.
44th Great American Bug Race
The weather could not stop the 44th annual Great American Bug Race, PBA’s oldest standing tradition.
“I think the turnout was good, especially since we weren’t sure about all the rain. I was happy it [the bug race] was moved over here [the Greene Complex],” said Sara Browning, assistant professor of biology and co-sponsor of the Science Club.
More than 100 people gathered outside the Greene Complex to watch or participate in the bug race, hoping to see their cockroach cross the finish line first to win cash prizes.
The large crowd and commotion attracted students who didn’t initially plan to attend.
“I was going to the gym and saw a lot of people,” said Bradley Lovelace, junior kinesiology major. “It looked fun and it was a chance to win money, so I came.”
Lovelace took home a $100 prize with his cockroach, Gremlin. However, he was not the only person who went home with a cash prize.
Hartley Grimm, a PBA parent, made the trip with the intention of participating in the Bug Race with his daughter. His cockroach, Mark, won two races, which led to an unforgettable first experience.
“I came for Family weekend with Grace, my daughter, and it was a good time,” said Grimm. “It was my first time racing bugs, and I won $200 on a $3 investment.”
The proceeds from the Bug Race benefit the Science Club.
“We’re carrying on the tradition. It originally started when the school was small, and our biology department was small as well, so we used it as a fundraiser,” said Browning. “The Bug Race is always a fun thing to see. Even if you don’t race a bug, it’s a fun show to watch.”
Founders Day Chapel
Founders Day Chapel, another significant Homecoming and Family Weekend event, is an opportunity for the PBA community to worship together and honor the alumnus of the year. This year’s honoree, Ryan McDermott, is a teaching pastor and the senior executive director of family ministry at Christ Fellowship Church.
McDermott teared up when he spoke about what PBA means to him.
“My wife Christine and I got married in the DeSantis Chapel,” he said. “This is the place where I said yes, to the call to ministry that God had on my life. It’s hard to even put into words how formative my time here was.”
The statement was a subtle foreshadowing of his overall message: ‘Saying ‘Yes’ to God’. Read more here.
Founders Day Chapel also featured the formal induction of three people into the Class of 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame.
Sean Visconti, a former baseball standout; Carolyn Stone, the former vice president of Athletics; and Meghan Gilmore, a former women’s cross-country standout, were honored with a video presentation for their athletic accomplishments during their time at PBA.
Sailgating at the Women’s Volleyball Game
A recap of Homecoming and Family Weekend would not be complete without Sailgating. The event was held before the volleyball game against the University of Tampa.
The Baxter Green was filled with music, food, and school spirit as students and their families gathered to play games, collect free merchandise, and take pictures with Sailfish Jack.
Jeff and Kerry Izzo traveled from Rochester, New York, to spend time with their son and enjoy the weekend on campus.
“We love the Christ-centered vibe on campus. Everyone is so friendly,” said Kerry Izzo. “Even when we visited before he chose the school, the kindness is what impressed us.”
After the outdoor festivities concluded, students and families filled the gym to enthusiastically support the Sailfish volleyball team in their match against the No. 3-ranked University of Tampa. Despite the Sailfish losing 3-0 to the Spartans, the energetic crowd brought the Homecoming and Family Weekend spirit from Baxter Green into Rubin Arena.
For more information about PBA’s upcoming events, click here.
