The most significant new event for Homecoming this year will be the “Thirty Years of Excellence” Celebration, honoring Drs. Al Chestnut and Phil Kelly

Michael Dukes, class of ‘98, is Belhaven’s Alumni Director. He answers questions about the 2010 Homecoming on October 1st and 2nd.

What is your favorite aspect of being Alumni Director?
The interaction with alumni (and friends) from varying eras is always satisfying to my soul. Helping connect alumni passions with something that is currently going on at Belhaven, and see them get involved, is the most enjoyable aspect of my role here.

What is your favorite time of year?
Homecoming is the pinnacle for alumni involvement during the school year, so naturally it is my favorite time. I could put together a Homecoming schedule full of activities and events, but my philosophy is to plan a few meaningful events and reserve the bulk of time available for simple conversation and “re-connection” for alumni.

What are some annual favorites that will be back again for Homecoming 09?
Of course, the Alumni Awards Luncheon is a highlight each year. This event allows us to honor a handful of Belhaven’s alumni who have made significant impact in their churches, careers, and communities since departing Belhaven. This year’s recipients are certainly a worthy group.

Other staple events are the Sports Hall of Fame Banquet (Friday night), the Fifty Year Club Fall Meeting, and the 5k Run/Walk…AND the Football team will square off with Shorter College on the gridiron this year…GO BLAZERS!

What are some special events that are new this year?
The most significant new event for Homecoming this year will be the “Thirty Years of Excellence” Celebration, honoring Drs. Al Chestnut and Phil Kelly. It’s a pretty remarkable thing to have faculty stay at one institution thirty years or longer, yet alone in one department. We wanted to do something to honor these gentlemen and allow those who sat under their teaching the opportunity to express their thankfulness.

Although it’s not a totally new event, this year will see the return of our Blazer Basketball Mini-Camp (Saturday morning). We want to encourage alumni with children or grandchildren to bring them and let our Belhaven student-athletes interact with them and teach them some basketball skills in the process!

What is the one thing you hope all alumni experience when they come “Back to Belhaven?”

Much of who I am as a person was shaped during my time at Belhaven, so my passions for the College run deep and true. I know I am not the only one for whom this is the case. So, my hope is that all alumni who are even remotely tempted to come back for Homecoming will make the choice to do so. I am persuaded that just simply being back on campus will bring back some powerful memories for us all of what the Lord accomplished in our lives through Belhaven College and the people who were here with us.