Wesleyan University celebrates homecoming

Iowa Wesleyan University held its homecoming weekend in Mt. Pleasant, drawing crowds to a football game, parade, kickoff barbecue, and other activities.

Alumni were present at every event over the weekend, some of them traveling from across the country.

“It’s very sentimental,” said Steve Gilliland, a graduate from the school’s class of 1969, who now lives in Portland, Oregon. “The biggest thing is seeing everybody you spent two to four years with, especially from so far.”

Organizers said the festivities were widely enjoyed.

“We’ve been putting on events all week, we had open mic night, meet the candidates night, we had a dodgeball tournament,” said Haleigh Cowan, associate director of student engagement and activities. “It’s been pretty smooth. It’s my first year doing it, so there’s a learning curve.”

Dean of Students Matt Klunt said the festivities were a welcome return to normalcy after cancellations during the pandemic last year.

“I think it’s been a good chance for the students to have that engagement,” Dean of Students Matt Klunt said. “Not a whole lot happened last year, we’ve had great attendance at all our events from students. It’s been such a great atmosphere, this is one of the great things about Iowa.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com