Avila Now

After more than two years away, Avila University will welcome back alumni, friends and family for Homecoming 2021: Back to the Future, October 7-10. Highlighted by numerous class and athletic team reunions, the annual celebration will culminate in the nationally-ranked football team’s 1 p.m. matchup against fellow defending conference co-champion Kansas Wesleyan University at the Zarda Multisport Complex.

“Two years is too long to go without the entire Avila family coming together in celebration, and this year’s homecoming festivities are going to be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect,” said President Ronald A. Slepitza, PhD, CSJA. “Homecoming has always been one of my favorite times of the academic year because it gives me an opportunity to meet up with our alumni and hear about the exciting developments in their lives.”

All classes ending in 1 and 6 will have several opportunities to reunite over the course of the weekend, culminating in a 50-year reunion dinner for the Class of 1971. Additionally, the annual President’s Circle dinner and Heritage luncheon will be taking place in person. Seeing former classmates and friends face-to-face is one of the most exciting parts of the weekend for Bailey Carr, ’09, ’12, senior director of Advancement & Alumni Relations.

“I’m looking forward to seeing those familiar faces that always make an effort to return to campus for Homecoming year after year,” she said. “It was challenging last year to not be able to put on a homecoming weekend as we envisioned it. We put a lot of effort into making sure that all attendees will have a great time and remember how much fun coming back to Avila for these celebrations can be.”

In addition to the alumni-centered activities, the Avila Theatre Department will be putting on its annual Dinner Theatre show, a production of the dramedy Sylvia. The annual alumni Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday in the Orscheln Memorial Chapel in Foyle Hall, followed by the invite-only Alumni Awards Ceremony.

Slepitza, who will step down as president in July 2022 after 16 years as Avila President, said the week will be bittersweet but he is looking forward to attending in the future as a proud member of the Avila Family.

“The passion of everyone connected with Avila continues to inspire me every single day,” Slepitza said. “While I won’t be going to homecoming in an official capacity after this year, I’m excited to return every Fall for the wonderful tradition. As a supporter of the mission and work taking place at Avila, I can’t wait to come back, reconnect with friends and colleagues and cheer on the future classes of Avila Eagles.”

Click here for complete information about Homecoming events and reunions!