FAYETTEVILLE — Methodist University will celebrate its 2017 Homecoming and Family Weekend Friday and Saturday.

This is Methodist’s 53rd annual Homecoming. The celebration will include athletic events, alumni reunions, awards ceremonies and events for families.

On Friday night, the Methodist University Department of Athletics will induct its 20th Hall of Fame class and its fifth Teams of Distinction class. The induction banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Berns Student Center. The 2017 induction class includes former men’s basketball player Montrell McNair, Class of 1999, men’s tennis player, Keith Criscoe, Class of 2006, women’s lacrosse player Lauren McGonagle, Class of 2007, women’s golfer Katie (Dick) Piusm, Class of 2008 and track and field athlete Ashlynn (Chavis) Campbell, Class of 2012, while the Teams of Distinction are the 1990 women’s soccer team and the 1996-97 men’s basketball team.

A bonfire and pep rally will begin at 8 p.m. Friday behind the Riddle Center.

Saturday’s main event is the football game, but there are many activities before and after for families and alumni. The MU Alumni Association Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Alumni Dining Room. Honorees are Rahila Muhibi, Class of 2009, Distinguished Young Alumni Award; Sakun Gajurel, Class of 2010, Distinguished Alumni Award; Richard “Bob” Allen, Philanthropist Award; Dr. George Hendricks, Outstanding Faculty Award; Murray Duggins, Class of 1961, Outstanding Alumni Service Award; and Rick Lowe, Outstanding Staff Award.

The Homecoming parade will begin at 12:15 p.m., before the football game at 1 p.m. The Monarchs play Ferrum, with a halftime recognition of alumni and members of the homecoming court. Depending on USA South Tournament play this week, there may also be a men’s soccer game at home Saturday at 3 p.m.

A full schedule of events and registration info for the weekend can be found online at methodist.edu/homecoming. For information, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 910-630-7167.