This is a big weekend for Anderson University. It’s homecoming. Alumni will be returning not only for the football game but many activities on campus.

On Thursday, AU honored alumni. The list included some stellar graduates, including distinguished pianist Becky Archibald and recording artist Jon McLaughlin, winner of the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Archibald, who won the Outstanding Music Alumni Award, will perform a concert today at 7:30 p.m. at Park Place Church of God.

Other award winners include Christine Densmore Young, Distinguished Alumni Award; Ray Freer, Distinguished Award; Ken and Grada Lockhart, John H. Kane Loyalty Award; and Jyllian Kunfer, Alumni Council Scholarship Recipient.

The usual annual events will take place, such as the reception in the valley and campus illumination on Friday, RavenFest and the street fair on Saturday and, of course, the football game. Anderson takes on Mt. St. Joseph.

For alumni to get into the spirit of the game by working up a sweat there will be alumni softball, baseball and soccer games.

Of course, Mother Nature plays a role in all this. Rain is predicted through the weekend, but most events have rain locations so the homecoming doesn’t have to miss a beat.

During homecoming weekend, AU gets a chance to honor its own and show off what it has, which is considerable. From the high quality graduates to the ever-improving facilities, the university has come a long way in its history without sacrificing its heritage.

Alumni are all over the world pursuing as many careers as there are majors at AU. Alumni are also fiercely loyal to their alma mater, witness the outpouring of support for AU’s fundraising.

Homecoming also gives the chance for alumni to meet and greet with the current AU students where knowledge and traditions can be passed on.

AU’s outstanding athletic tradition will be on display not only in the football game and alumni events but the Athletic Hall of Fame Awards dinner on Saturday.

If you’re an alumni of AU and can get to the campus, you have a wide variety of events in which to participate. It’s a credit to your school.