Homecoming & Family Weekend Connects Golden Eagles from Across the Generations
Hundreds of alumni, parents, siblings, spouses and friends from across the generations gathered together for Homecoming & Family Weekend at Cornerstone University on October 6-7. The annual multi-day tradition celebrated lifegiving friendships built through shared experiences as part of Cornerstone’s Christ-centered, transformative learning community. In addition, it reunited alumni and friends with a few of their past professors whose lasting imprint and demonstration of Christlike virtues remains visible in the lives of former students and on campus still today.
This year’s two-day event schedule included fall traditions for guests of all ages, with most events being free of charge. Featured campus favorites rallied passionate fans despite rain showers at the rivalry powderpuff game between Pickitt Hall and Cook Hall; the starting line of the 29th CU Alumni & Friends 5K and Kids Pond Run on Saturday morning; an indoor edition of Beneath the Willows, a series of short scenes from plays performed by alumni and current students; and the popular pumpkin carving activity. New events this year — including an alumni dessert reception before Wisdom Conversations with panelists Derryck Green and Tara Beth Leach, a networking breakfast spotlighting CU business owners and leaders titled Taking Care of Business, and WCSG’s MercyMe and Crowder concert with guest Andrew Ripp — provided even more opportunities for participants to extend their weekend in Grand Rapids, Mich., and engage with the greater Cornerstone community this fall.
Author Cheryl Steele Tinsley (B.A. ’83) shared her testimony of God’s faithfulness and His great love for us despite the storms of life at Friday’s alumni-led chapel service. Rescued from Lake Huron as the sole survivor after an unexpected storm, Tinsley recounted her experience from four decades earlier. She recalled how Cornerstone shaped her as an educator and two sport student-athlete. For Tinsley, the CU community importantly provided supportive relationships with faculty such as Professor Raymond (“Gator”) Gates and previous administrators, including Dr. Wilbert Welch, who poured into and cared for her following the most traumatic experience of her life.
“The storms of your life, wave by wave, can only be conquered with God by your side,” Tinsely charged the audience. “You can leave Him out of the boat, or you can put Him right beside you. And I promise you: He will be with you all the time.”
Watch the video of Tinsley’s full testimony below to relive the meaningful chapel service from Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023 and reflect on God’s abiding presence.
Join an Upcoming Event
Are you ready to reconnect with Cornerstone alumni, parents and friends at next year’s Homecoming & Family Weekend? Don’t wait! In addition to on-campus concerts, Community Chapel services, and events throughout the year, Cornerstone also offers faculty- and alumni-led trips around the world, including a chance to explore the grandeur of God’s creation from a Biblical perspective during a CU guided tour of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem led by Professor Gates. Registration is now open!
