January 20, 2026 | Georgia Seagraves, MS, ’21
From Student Life’s “noonish games” that spark spontaneous joy on the campus lawn, to late-night Air Band rehearsals that turn into bonding sessions, and the chaotic — but legendary — scavenger hunt that sends students sprinting across town (no cars allowed!), Homecoming is as much about community as it is about celebration. To get a glimpse of what makes the week so special for today’s Yellowjackets, we caught up with Kendall Davis ‘26, president of the Council of Student Activities, to hear about the student side of Homecoming.
Homecoming on “the Hill” captures everything that makes student life so vibrant, spirited, and uniquely Graceland.
Homecoming week features a daily “noon-ish game” that tests teamwork and creativity — an opportunity for House pairings to win points even if that House has smaller participation numbers. A campus favorite is the IKEA build off, where each House pairing is given a piece of furniture to build in under 35 minutes. Monday night is a heated game of dodgeball that primes students for the next day’s activity: the unforgettable scavenger hunt that has students shaving Graceland symbols into hair, posing in the Maid Rite Amish buggy, and performing interpretive dances of the fight song at President Shrock’s residence at the Carmichael House. “It helps create that bonding experience for freshmen and transfer students,” said senior Kendall Davis. “Like, oh my gosh, this is what Graceland is about.” For many students, Homecoming arrives just early enough in the semester to cement friendships and capture the spirit that makes Graceland feel like home.
By the time Air Band night arrives on Friday, the energy across campus is electric. House pairings rally together for their final performances — the culmination of late-night rehearsals, paint-splattered creativity, and countless cardboard props. As the competition heats up, so does the camaraderie.
“On Thursday and Friday, students start to get this crazy look in their eyes because they have to win,” Davis said with a laugh. “Then by Sunday, there’s this silence across campus as everyone takes a collective breather.” From fierce but friendly rivalries to campus-wide support — even professors asking who’s in the lead — Homecoming on “the Hill” captures everything that makes student life so vibrant, spirited, and uniquely Graceland.
Graceland University celebrated a milestone weekend for Yellowjacket Athletics with the dedications of the Henson Strength and Conditioning Center on Friday and the Morden Center Courts on Saturday. Both events highlighted the spirit of community, generosity, and excellence that define Graceland.
On Friday, students, alumni, and supporters gathered in the new Henson Strength and Conditioning Center to recognize the lasting impact of the Henson family’s generosity. President Joel Shrock, PhD, and Athletic Director Brady McKillip ’00 recognized the impact of the facility on student-athletes’ growth, both on and off the field. Shrock shared that the facility represents Graceland’s commitment to helping student-athletes reach their full potential — physically, mentally, and personally. He expressed immense gratitude to Greg ’75 and Holly Lennon ’78 Henson for their generosity in supporting students for decades to come.
The following day, the celebration continued inside Morden Center. Four newly renovated courts were dedicated to Stew McDole ’65, Rod Schall ’50, Betty Welch ’48, and Tee ’75 and Debbie Hawthorne ’75 Ness — alumni whose leadership and generosity have shaped Graceland athletics for decades. Closing out the ceremony, Alumni Board representative and former volleyball player Allie Krabbenhoft ’14 Kaminski reflected on how these dedications honor not just individuals, but the ongoing stories of belonging and transformation that unfold every day.
“As we dedicate these four courts, we aren’t just installing letters on the floor. We are telling stories. We are weaving the courage of Betty Welch, the excellence of Rod Schall, the generosity of Tee and Debbie Ness, and the mentorship of Stew McDole into the very fabric of student life at Graceland.”
ALLIE KRABBENHOFT ’14 KAMINSKI
SAVE THE DATE Mark your calendars and join us next time!
Patricia “Pat” Gabrielson ‘64 Trachsel, PhD was honored in memoriam with Graceland’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to both the University and her broader community. A trailblazer in nursing education, Pat was instrumental in launching and growing Graceland’s pioneering distance RN‑to‑BSN program — offering flexible, accredited online pathways for working nurses. In addition to her work at Graceland, Trachsel worked with Sherri Minton ’65 Kirkpatrick as a long-time member of the HealthEd Connect Professional Nurses Association committee that awarded nursing scholarships to students in numerous developing countries.
Diana Jones ’87, known for her unwavering dedication to supporting international students on campus, was honored with the Graceland Award of Recognition. Since joining Graceland, Jones has served as a mentor, guide, and advocate — helping students from diverse backgrounds navigate academic, cultural, and personal challenges. She has organized welcome events, facilitated peer connections, and provided essential orientation and advising services that significantly ease the transition and foster a sense of belonging. Jones’ empathetic leadership and tireless commitment have enriched campus life and championed Graceland’s mission of global inclusivity. Through her heartfelt support, she ensures that every international student thrives both at school and in life.
Paul “Bud” Reedy ’68 was a rare dual-sport standout in football and wrestling from 1963 to 1967, earning four varsity letters in each. On the gridiron, he was a four-year starter, twice named First Team All-Conference, and served as senior co-captain and team MVP in 1966. Even more remarkable was his wrestling career, where despite no high school experience, he won four conference championships, twice placed at nationals as an NAIA All-American, and posted a 60-12-2 record. Reedy also captured the prestigious Wheaton Tournament twice and was honored with Graceland’s Silver Seal Award in 1967.
1976 Men’s Volleyball National Championship Team was this year’s Wall of Fame selection. The Graceland College Yellowjackets captured the 1976 NAIA National Volleyball Championship, in a five-game final match defeating Rutgers University-Newark, an NCAA Division 1 team having dual membership with the NAIA at the time, 15-3, 12-15, 15-11, 13-15 and 15-9. This was Coach Rod Schall’s second national championship, following his first in 1973. Noted in this Yellowjacket victory was Coach Schall’s use of statistical analysis, now called analytics, that he used successfully as an assistant to the U.S. Olympic team during the 1980s, aspects of which are still in use today. The Yellowjackets upset victory over Rutgers, were led by All-Tournament team member and MVP, Junior Daniel Timm ’78 of Lake Elsinore, California, and All-Tournament team member, Junior Russ Simmons ’77 of Independence, Missouri, along with Team Captain – Senior Elwin Ahu ’76 of Honolulu, Hawaii. Of the 16 Yellowjacket team members, eight came from Independence, Missouri.
(View all Homecoming photo albums here)
Features - Fall 2025 / Winter 2026
January 20, 2026
This year, our Graceland community will be working on a new initiative: a focused two-year, $20 million campaign to strengthen the university, extend our financial runway, and accelerate the return on key strategic investments already showing promise.
Features - Fall 2025 / Winter 2026
January 20, 2026
Graceland launched its hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the winter of 2023 with an ambitious goal: to create an accessible, inclusive, and high-quality pathway to a doctorate in one of healthcare’s most in-demand fields. Now two years later, we celebrate the program’s first graduating class.
