The Whittier College campus was full of Poet Pride during this year’s Homecoming festivities, which featured alumni recognition events, reunions, mixers, special performances, athletic competitions, and much more.
Friday’s Poet Awards honored select members of the alumni body chosen for their outstanding service, commitment, and loyalty to Whittier College, as well as for individual professional and personal achievements that best reflect the ideals and values taught at Whittier. This year's winners were George Ekins ’95 and Joseph McCarthy ’97, principals and co-founders of American Dream Fund (Alumni Achievement); Erich ’85 and Yvette Nall ’86, authors, entrepreneurs, and successful business owners (Community Impact); Yasmin Khorram ’10, field producer for CNBC (Outstanding Young Alumna); and Eliseo “Alex” Tenorio ’74, a prominent member of Whittier’s Latinx alumni group, Alianza de los Amigos, and devoted College volunteer (Service to the College).
Whittier students organized the College’s first-ever Poet Pride Drag Show, also held on Friday. The event featured performances by alumni, students, and staff. The proceeds of this event will go to Transgender, Other-identified, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Allies for Diversity (TOBGLAD), the College's student-run LGBTQ+ Pride club, who are currently working with members of the Whittier community to develop an LGBTQ+ Resource Center in the Whittier area.
Saturday’s Homecoming Festival was the highlight of the weekend where alumni, students, family members, staff, faculty, and guests gathered to enjoy live musical performances by David Ayala ’81 and his band, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more.
The Poet football team brought home The Shoes during its match against Occidental, and half-time festivities revolved around the Parade of Poet Athletes. Men’s lacrosse and basketball also hosted alumni games.
To view more Homecoming photos, visit the Whittier College Facebook page.
