Jacksonville College Celebrates Homecoming 2025!
Jacksonville College held its 2025 homecoming celebration February 28 and March 1, 2025. An exciting feature of the weekend was hosting all homecoming activities on campus for the first time in several years. This was made possible by generous donations from alumni and supporters
toward the refurbishment of Buckner Chapel. In anticipation of the big weekend, campus activities and themed dress up days were held for on-campus students throughout the week. The College also held a Preview Day for prospective students on Friday morning. Twenty-two potential Jaguars and their families joined us to hear about Jacksonville College and tour the campus. Alumni were welcomed to campus on Friday with lunch along with our prospective students. Friday evening, alumni and other friends of the college gathered at Curtis Carroll Fieldhouse for the annual alumni meeting. A short concert from the JC Singers was a special treat for attendees. The Alumni Association also set up tables full of memorabilia and vintage Jag Swag available by donation. The crowd enjoyed a light supper coordinated by alumnus Craig Salsbury and conducted their annual business meeting. After the meeting, alumni, staff, and students gathered in Buckner Chapel for the return of the talent show. Dubbed Jaguar’s Got Talent, the show featured acts from students, alumni, and staff. It was a fun time for all who attended! The evening concluded with s’mores around fire pits set up outside the SUB. This was a special time of fellowship with alumni, students, and staff joining together to share their mutual love for the College. The Alumni Association graciously provided hot cocoa for the event.
toward the refurbishment of Buckner Chapel. In anticipation of the big weekend, campus activities and themed dress up days were held for on-campus students throughout the week. The College also held a Preview Day for prospective students on Friday morning. Twenty-two potential Jaguars and their families joined us to hear about Jacksonville College and tour the campus. Alumni were welcomed to campus on Friday with lunch along with our prospective students. Friday evening, alumni and other friends of the college gathered at Curtis Carroll Fieldhouse for the annual alumni meeting. A short concert from the JC Singers was a special treat for attendees. The Alumni Association also set up tables full of memorabilia and vintage Jag Swag available by donation. The crowd enjoyed a light supper coordinated by alumnus Craig Salsbury and conducted their annual business meeting. After the meeting, alumni, staff, and students gathered in Buckner Chapel for the return of the talent show. Dubbed Jaguar’s Got Talent, the show featured acts from students, alumni, and staff. It was a fun time for all who attended! The evening concluded with s’mores around fire pits set up outside the SUB. This was a special time of fellowship with alumni, students, and staff joining together to share their mutual love for the College. The Alumni Association graciously provided hot cocoa for the event.
Saturday kicked off with the annual Gathering of the Jags in Buckner Chapel. President Dr. David Erickson addressed the alumni and expressed gratitude for their faithful service to the college while providing a vision for the future of the college. Jacksonville College alumnus Amanda Erickson was honored as the Distinguished Alumni recipient for 2025. C.D. Walker was named as Coming Home Royalty and the “5s” classes were also recognized. The JC Singers performed along with the alumni choir. While the alumni were gathering, a Family Day was held for our current students and their families. This gave parents and other family members a chance to see their students’ life at Jacksonville College. The events included team introductions, campus tours, athletic showcases, meet and greets, and lunch. Attendees also enjoyed hearing the JC Singers perform and had an address from President Erickson. With over 20 families in attendance, it was a successful firsttime event. The day continued with individual alumni chapter luncheons. Most of the alumni chapters were able to enjoy lunch in the Little Cafeteria and meet on campus. The Kellar-Laird-Carroll chapter (attended JC 1935-1965), the Anderson-Orr-Small chapter (attended 1980-99), and the Crank-Ross chapter (attended 2000-present) all met on the
College campus. With over 100 in attendance, the BeardenBonner-Gaylor chapter (attended 1966-79) met at Craft Baptist Church. A special part of the weekend was the dedication of the C. Barnwell and Annabelle Anderson Hall. A campus dormitory, formerly known as the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention Dorm, was renamed in recognition and honor of the Andersons service to Jacksonville College. The dedication, which included the unveiling of the new sign, took place at Mrs. Anderson’s home, adjacent to the College. Many friends and alumni were able to witness this meaningful dedication and reflect on the fond memories they have of the Andersons.
College campus. With over 100 in attendance, the BeardenBonner-Gaylor chapter (attended 1966-79) met at Craft Baptist Church. A special part of the weekend was the dedication of the C. Barnwell and Annabelle Anderson Hall. A campus dormitory, formerly known as the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention Dorm, was renamed in recognition and honor of the Andersons service to Jacksonville College. The dedication, which included the unveiling of the new sign, took place at Mrs. Anderson’s home, adjacent to the College. Many friends and alumni were able to witness this meaningful dedication and reflect on the fond memories they have of the Andersons.
To close out the weekend, Jacksonville College students, staff, alumni, and families gathered at Curtis Carroll Fieldhouse for the first annual Jag Family FunFest. This fun event included bounce houses, lawn games, and table games for all to enjoy fellowship together. Food was provided by alumni Jonathan Wilson of JW’s Barbeque and attendees also enjoyed a popsicle truck, Frio’s. It was a delight to see many of our younger alumni and their families enjoying the festivities. A mini-Jag Store along with a photo booth were also available. It was a weekend filled with sharing old memories while making new ones. It is a rare thing for a junior college to have such a dedicated and involved alumni base and Jacksonville College is blessed with our many alumni and their generous support.
