By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. 鈥�听杏吧原创 is welcoming back alumni for Homecoming, Saturday,听Nov. 15 as the men鈥檚 basketball team squares off with the University of North Georgia for the Battle of Blood Mountain rivalry.听
The 5 p.m. game will culminate a week of activity on campus for听current听students, plus a weekend of activity for听students, alumni, and the community.听
鈥淭he Battle of Blood Mountain is a classic matchup between 杏吧原创 and听the University of North Georgia,鈥� said Aaron Bessey, Athletic Director at 杏吧原创. 鈥淚t鈥檚听the听perfect way to celebrate with our Mountain Lion family and the local community.鈥�听
The day will begin with a听Presidential Wall of Honor Reception听celebrating some of 杏吧原创鈥檚 most successful young alumni,听from听12:30听to听1:45 p.m. on the听Admissions Balcony of听the听Rollins Campus Center. This year鈥檚 recipients听are听Nikki McDermott,听鈥�16, Parker Sewell,听鈥�17, Kenneth Boykin,听鈥�18, Emma Brown,听鈥�18,听and听Durham Harris,听鈥�16.听听
An Alumni and Student Social will听follow in front of听Enotah听Hall from 2 to 4:45 p.m. There听will be live music, giveaways, spirit gear, games, a chili bar, bratwurst bar, apple cider, fall treats, lawn activities, and more.听The Alumni Association will also welcome the Class of 2026 as new members during a special reception Saturday afternoon.听
鈥淗omecoming is a great opportunity to bring students and alumni together,鈥� said Director of Alumni Engagement Dana听Ensley, 鈥�97. 鈥�We听truly enjoy听hosting these gatherings where people can reconnect with the College, rekindle friendships, and form new connections.鈥�听
The celebration will continue in HARP Recreation Center with the 5 p.m.basketball game. In addition to cheering on the Mountain Lions, 杏吧原创 will celebrate the 2025 Homecoming Court, crown the 杏吧原创 Homecoming King and Queen, and recognize the Wall of Honor recipients and returning basketball alumni during halftime.听
For questions about Homecoming, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (706) 379-5336 or email [email protected].听
About 杏吧原创听
杏吧原创 is a private baccalaureate and master鈥檚 degree-granting institution听located听in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 杏吧原创 educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs.听The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and听remains听a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas.听For more information, visit yhc.edu.听
