By M.N. Fields
York University welcomed a crowd of over 150 alumni and friends to campus for Homecoming 2026 on a crisp autumn weekend October 23-25.
Alumni returned to campus with family and friends to attend soccer games, watch the theatre department’s performance of Leaving Iowa, attend chapel again, and more. The weekend’s schedule was filled with a golf scramble, tours of campus including the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, a University Singers concert and reunions for the classes of 1971,1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 2001 and 2016.
The Homecoming golf tournament was a great success with 74 players participating and $2,100 raised for the YU golf program. The winning alumni foursome was Ben Babcock ’00, Nate Eldred ’97, Jeremy Layden ’04, and Todd Truitt ’02 shooting an impressive 12 under par for the victory.
Returning to the festivities again this year, was the academic showcase, held on Friday. The research and writing of Prof. John Baker, Prof. James Butler-Gruett, Prof. Deb Cleveland, Dr. Erin DeHart ’94, Dr. Amy Fraser ’01, Mrs. Leanna Hawley ’83, Dr. Ana Moyers ’13, Dr. Jared Pack, Dr. Clark Roush, Dr. Darrel Sears ’01 and Dr. Anessa Westbrook was presented, highlighting the talents of York University’s faculty. Watch the Academic Showcase
Also returning to the list of activities was the Alumni Career Connect event where selected alumni were able to meet current students and receive advice and potential mentorship for their careers. Hosted by the new Success and Career Exploration office, the event allowed students to learn from and network with alumni who have found success in the areas of education, real estate, medicine and more.
During the Homecoming chapel on Saturday morning, new Bible and Ministry faculty, associate professor Nate Reiser ’96 spoke about coming "home" and even though some university buildings and their purposes have changed, York is still the same place with the same mission of Christ-centered education that transforms. The audience also enjoyed a concert by the university singers featuring the debut of new choral director, Dr. Lester Ray Miller III ’00. Alumni Awards were presented and this year's honorees were Chris Shanks ’85 named Alumnus of the Year and the Young Alumnus of the Year was presented to Dr. Mason Lee ’10. Watch Chapel
Later that day, the Homecoming Court was honored during the women’s varsity soccer game. Representing the student body were freshmen Jubilee Matkins of Burr, Neb. and Caleb Crowley of Wichita, Kan.; sophomores Lael Schwarz of York, Neb. and Charlie Van Gomple of York, Neb.; and juniors Morgan Dinkler of Bladen, Neb. and Aaron Bartak of Merna, Neb. Candidates for king and queen included Landen Baum of Omaha, Neb., Maisie Briscoe of Chorley, England, Lilly Carr of Henderson, Neb., Nash Crane of Seneca, Mo., Emma Kerley of Grass Valley, Calif., and Shawn Smith of Clovis, Calif., with Andrew Van Gomple of York, Neb. and Madison Fields of Las Vegas, Nev. being crowned as the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Learn more about the Homecoming Court
At the annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Dr. Aaron Fletcher ’02 and Dr. Katrina (Hulstrom ’02) Iiams-Hauser were recognized for their contributions to Panther athletics. The Performing Arts Hall of Fame took place as well, honoring Dr. Clark Roush, C. Danielle Deal ’04, Tisa Lawrence-Krekel ’16 and Soren (Tobey ’17) Hargrove for their achievements in York University’s performing arts.
Make plans to attend next year’s homecoming, set for Oct. 22- 23, 2027.