Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) will welcome alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and friends to campus from October 1 to 4 for Homecoming & Family Weekend, a four-day celebration filled with opportunities to reconnect, worship, serve and experience the PBA community.
This year’s weekend will include a mix of longtime PBA traditions, family activities, opportunities to explore campus and programs, and events highlighting the University’s Christian mission and community.
“Homecoming & Family Weekend is a time to come home to PBA,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “It is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and celebrate all that God is doing through our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We look forward to welcoming our PBA family back to campus.”
The weekend begins Thursday, October 1, with the 44th annual Great American Bug Race, a beloved PBA tradition hosted by the Science Club. The evening will conclude with Anchor Night of Worship, a student-led gathering for praise and reflection on Baxter Green.
Friday’s activities will include opportunities for guests to attend PBA classes, participate in a watercolor workshop, and enjoy a food tour of downtown West Palm Beach. The day will also feature Founders Day Chapel at Family Church Downtown. During the chapel service, PBA will celebrate Alumnus of the Year, Ryan McDermott.
McDermott has served in full-time vocational ministry since the age of 19. His life’s mission is to love his wife well, be his kids’ hero, lead thousands to Jesus, and help students be brave enough to believe they can change the world. He currently serves as a Teaching Pastor and the Senior Executive Director of Family Ministry at Christ Fellowship Church.
This special chapel service will also welcome the return of the Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring Carolyn Stone, former vice president of athletics; Meghan Gilmore, an all-American cross-country runner; and Sean Visconti who left an undeniable mark on PBA Baseball.
The weekend will continue with campus tours, a community service project and Sailgating at the PBA women’s volleyball game. Through PBA’s Workship program, participants will partner with Community Greening, to plant more than 100 native shade trees at Haverhill Park. This family-friendly project is an opportunity for the PBA community to serve together while making a tangible difference in the local community.
The weekend will conclude Sunday with opportunities for families to worship at a local church and gather for Sunday Brunch with parents and alumni in Fraser Dining Hall.
Visit PBA’s Homecoming & Family Weekend webpage for more information and a complete schedule.
