NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Alumni, friends, families pack campus for special celebration
Groundbreaking for a multi-million dollar building project, a unique comedy event, exciting fireworks, and deep fellowship were marks of the special "Celebration on the Summit" event at Baptist Bible College & Seminary.
The October 5-10 celebration included the annual Bible Conference, Alumni Day, and Homecoming and Family Day. Each event and day was packed full of fun and activities.
Photos are posted on the BBC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/baptistbible.
Alumni Day
A full Friday included groundbreaking for the $5.6 million Kempton Athletic Center.
Named after the late Dr. Wendell Kempton, a benefactor and longtime worker and advocate for the school, the 62,000 square-foot addition will enhance student life and provide new opportunities on campus. It will include a climbing wall, running track, training and weight rooms, and a new stage area.
Students, staff, community leaders, and others attended the groundbreaking ceremony, with rain threatening but holding off. More details are online here.
The target for completion is January 2011. Updates will be regularly posted for the duration of the project at www.bbc.edu/kempton.
Other events included:
- The annual Alumni Reflections Hour recognized several distinguished BBC&S alumni.
Chaplain James E. May III was named the 2009 Alumnus of the Year. Others recognized for outstanding service were Dr. Don Whipple, Sherrie Holloway, and Michael Ryall and Kim Keisling Ryall. Those named to the Athletics Hall of Honor were Dr. Chris Davis, Russ Howard, and Dr. Dave Boehning. More about awards is on the Alumni website here.
- A crowd approaching 1,000 enjoyed nationally recognized comedian Michael Jr.'s show. Scheduled to perform one hour, Michael Jr. went 90 minutes. A 20-minute fireworks show followed the event.
"It far exceeded our expectations," said Mark Steckiel, Executive Director of Alumni & Church Relations. "It was just great. Everything from Alumni Reflections to Michael Jr. It was just a remarkable time for everyone."
Homecoming and Family Day
Grounds were packed with parents, families, and students on Saturday.
Those in attendance walked through food and activities tents and visited. Students use the locations to raise money for residence halls and organizations.
The Class of 1979 had its 30-year reunion. Others simply had a chance to talk with fellow alumni and friends they rarely get to see. 
Other events during the day included:
- Defender soccer and volleyball games featured special recognition of parents during halftime festivities.
- The Homecoming Court was presented Saturday evening in the student center. Nate King of Sterling, VA, and Katie Durrwachter of Huntington, IN, were crowned king and queen.
- A special concert by alumni Jon and Carrie Lewis concluded the week-long celebration.
The annual Bible Conference "Prophetic Insights for Turbulent Times" kicked off celebration activities on October 5. Focusing on Bible prophecy, sessions and workshops ran all week. Some messages from the week are posted at www.bbc.edu/chapel.
Among the speakers were leaders of the Friends of Israel ministry, Pastor Doug Crawford of West Cannon Baptist Church of Belmont, MI, and Baptist Bible Seminary Dean Dr. Mike Stallard.
Baptist Bible College & Seminary offers 38 academic programs, from a one-year Bible Certificate to PhDs. Programs are available on the Clarks Summit campus, online, and through several distance-learning options. To learn more, go to www.bbc.edu or call 570.586.2400.
Posted on: 10/12/2009 12:41:20 PM
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