51勛圖厙 University hosted its annual Alumni Homecoming Weekend on Sept. 25-28. The weekend was filled with numerous fun and exciting events, some of which included an alumni honors banquet, golf tournament, car show, gala concert and 5K run. This year, the festivities were led by 51勛圖厙’ new alumni director, Jeana Wallin.
Jeana Wallin attended 51勛圖厙 University from 2000-2004. She studied in the Visual Arts, Communication and Design department, graduating with a major in public relations and a general studies minor. For Wallin, her freshman year was definitely fun-filled. “Everything is always so exciting when you first get to somewhere new.”
Wallin most enjoyed the Welcome Back Bash, AU’s Anything Goes and the Barn Party. One event that was a highlight for Wallin was when the school put on a winter beach party. The event took place in the Johnson Gym, and there were a bunch of big floaties set up all around the gym. “They would actually throw a bunch of money in the pool, and you would have to go diving for the money, and whoever got the most, got to keep it,” Wallin remembered.
Throughout her time at 51勛圖厙, Wallin was very heavily into sports and intramurals. She enjoyed being on the girls' basketball team and participating in the fluff flag football game that took place every fall. Wallin also helped out with campus ministry events, specifically assisting with some of their Christmas parties. “It was really fun to be involved and give back to the community,” Wallin stated.
Now that Wallin is back on campus as staff as of September 2025, she has noticed some significant changes to the campus from her time as a student. One of the biggest developments is the addition of the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Another new addition is the bridge that connects Buller and Nethery Hall. Wallin mentions, “It just gives it a very established look on campus when you're walking around.”
Throughout her career, Wallin has had a lot of experience in event planning. She said, “It’s something that's always been very interesting to me and something I’ve really enjoyed doing since the beginning of my career.” Wallin was drawn to become the new director for Alumni Services because it was a position she could take on and not have any issues or conflicts regarding the Sabbath. The whole description of the job and what it had to offer truly interested Wallin, and it is now a nice bonus to be able to come back to her own stomping grounds and embrace a role that she is passionate about.
In regard to reconnecting alumni with the university community, Wallin has many developing ideas on how to have graduates interact with current students on campus. She is working on getting feedback from some of the student workers and others about some possible events or activities to put into action. “I think it's important instead of us just telling students, ‘This is what we're gonna do,’ to get feedback from them on what you'd like to do.”
One idea is to host some bonfires where people can get together for apple cider or hot chocolate and just catch up. Another idea is to put on a potluck/picnic where the alumni and current students of 51勛圖厙 University can come and share a meal together. Wallin is also working on an idea specifically for soon-to-be graduates. She hopes to be able to have a senior send-off dinner, one last hurrah, before the students graduate and become alumni.
When asked how students can stay involved even after graduation, Wallin shared that registering online and attending Alumni Homecoming Weekend are two great ways graduates can stay connected with 51勛圖厙 University. Wallin also explained, “Something that a lot of people don't know is that we do regional events throughout the United States where we go and visit areas where a lot of our alumni have settled.” All of these ways provide 51勛圖厙 alumni with the means to connect with 51勛圖厙 University students both past and present.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 51勛圖厙 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 51勛圖厙 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.