Around 200 alumni, students and guests gathered at the Baptist Health Sciences University campus on Saturday, Oct. 1, as BHSU celebrated its first on-campus Homecoming! Events included the Homecoming Tailgate, an inaugural Royals Pageant and a Silent Disco. The sunny autumnal weather was perfect for all activities.
The Homecoming Tailgate, sponsored by Memphis Medical District Collaborative, was held at the Campus Hub field lot. Attendees had an opportunity to socialize while watching two broadcast SEC football games and having free barbecue and nachos from 901 Catering. The first 100 students to arrive enjoyed a free treat from Brown’s Italian Ice and created their own Homecoming T-shirts. Kids had fun with face painting and a moon bounce, as well as a surprise appearance from mascot Hartley Healer!
“BHSU has always been a welcoming family environment,” said Zac Cox, relationship marketing coordinator. “I felt that as a student and as a new employee. I think everyone felt like they were at their family reunion and picked up right where they left off the last time they were here.”
The inaugural Royals Pageant, hosted by the Student Government Association, featured six contestants who participated in a Professional Interview, a Scrub Strut and On-Stage Q&A. Judges took several things into consideration, including communication skills, leadership abilities, confidence, audience impact and the quality of answers.
The winner of the pageant was Haley Maccarino, a senior nursing student. Shania Fields, a surgical technology student, won second place.
“The pageant was met with resounding cheering and applause from our Royals 2022 audience,” said Sarah Biggs, student transitions coordinator. “All contestants did an incredible job, and they were all tremendous ambassadors for BHSU.”
Homecoming concluded with the Silent Disco event with participants using headphones and two playlists. Mirror balls and glow-in-the-dark decorations transformed the BHSU Library into a neon disco party to close out a fun and memorable Homecoming.
