Nelson University Celebrates Successful Homecoming & Family Weekend
Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Nelson University
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, Texas — November 20, 2025 — This year, Nelson University introduced a new tradition by adding a Family Weekend into the Homecoming festivities. The university welcomed alumni, former students, parents, and friends of the University to campus for a three-day gathering filled with traditions, community connection, and meaningful moments.
The weekend began on Thursday evening as students, alumni, and families filled the Sheaffer Center for the home basketball game, followed by the Fireside Social. Students, prospective students, and alumni gathered around campus fire pits to enjoy s’mores and share stories of days past mixed with future dreams.
On Friday, everyone gathered in the Sheaffer Auditorium to celebrate President Kermit S. Bridges’ 25 years of leadership at Nelson University. During this Homecoming Chapel, students, faculty, alumni, and families honored Dr. Bridges for his longstanding service and commitment to the University’s Christ-centered mission. Afterwards, families took pictures with Judah, Nelson’s beloved mascot.
That afternoon, Nelson Athletics hosted a Kids Sports Camp, offering our future Lions the chance to participate in a soccer clinic led by Nelson players and coaches. Families also engaged in Lions Tracks: A Family Prayer Adventure, a nine-stop interactive prayer walk scavenger hunt across campus that invited families to pray over the different areas of our university.
Friday evening brought an addition to the schedule geared toward the smallest participants and their parents: Kids Camp: Parent’s Dinner Out. Led by students from the Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries, the VBS-style program provided a ministry-rich evening of lessons, crafts, games, and activities for children while giving parents an opportunity to enjoy catching up with former classmates and professors at the Nelson U. BBQ. As part of the celebration, Nelson Athletics presented Dr. Bridges with a replica of his old basketball jersey in recognition of his induction into the Nelson Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Nelson U. BBQ was full of memories, laughs, and honor. We kicked off the night with a reminiscent social hour. The evening was filled with joy and celebration as alumni gathered to enjoy delicious BBQ and plenty of laughs with comedian Dennis Swanberg. A highlight of the event was the recognition of our Distinguished Award Recipients, who were honored and presented with their awards for their outstanding accomplishments. The night concluded with a special tribute to President Bridges.
Saturday continued the momentum with Saturday at Nelson: Homecoming Edition, a tailored admissions experience for alumni with high school students considering Nelson University. Participating families received a curated campus tour, attended an admissions presentation, enjoyed tailgate hospitality, and cheered on the Lions at the home football game.
With such a positive turnout and enthusiastic participation, Nelson University’s first Homecoming & Family Weekend successfully established a new tradition rooted in community, celebration, and shared mission. The University looks forward to continuing and expanding this event in the years ahead.
About Nelson University. Nelson University is a private Christian university located just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Founded in 1927, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.