Generations of Wildcats filled the Linfield University McMinnville Campus during Homecoming Weekend, connecting with friends, celebrating the university they call home and creating new memories with today’s students.
Throughout the weekend, alumni returned to campus for nearly 30 events, including class, sorority and fraternity reunions, athletic competitions, trivia, a wine tasting at Acorn to Oak Wine Experience and opportunities to simply catch up with friends.
A campus-wide scavenger hunt bingo game added some friendly competition to the weekend. Alumni collected stamps for participating in events and completing challenges, including taking a photo with Mack the Wildcat. Those who completed their entire bingo card earned an additional prize.
“I need another stamp,” Eric Taylor ’96 exclaimed throughout the weekend as he checked off another challenge.
Honoring alumni award winners
Friday night brought another homecoming tradition as the university celebrated the 2026 alumni awards recipients at Linfield’s Finest. The annual gathering recognized individuals whose lives and work reflect the generosity, achievement and spirit of the Linfield community.
The university honored:
- Outstanding Young Alumnus: Michelle (Weber) Rawlins ’11, clinician, researcher and educator advancing concussion research and athlete safety.
- Alumni Service Award: Greg ’73 and Peggi (Thomas) Walsh ’74, have mentored students, volunteers and supported scholarships for more than five decades.
- Distinguished Nursing Alumnus of the Year: Erin Collins ’06, a hospice and palliative care leader assisting with life’s most difficult transitions with dignity, compassion and confidence.
- Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Melinda (Edwards) Frye ’87, originally a registered nurse, she is now nationally recognized leader in veterinary education.
- Walker Service Award: Moe Momtazi, supporter of expanding opportunities for Linfield students, strengthening academic programs and enrichment of campus life.
Reconnecting through Reunions
During Homecoming Weekend, the Classes of ’76, ’86. ’96, ’06 and ’16 returned to the McMinnville campus for milestone reunions. Alumni laughed, rekindled friendships and shared memories while celebrating the relationships that have continued long after graduation.
Phi Sigma Sigma sorority also celebrated its 45th Anniversary, bringing together founding members, alumni and current members for a continental breakfast reception at Kenneth Ford Hall.
Alumni showed off their brains and brawn throughout the weekend, competing in trivia and a swim contest before gathering with classmates at the football game.
Nearly 200 alumni mingled over lunch at the All-Alumni BBQ before kickoff.
The Wildcats gave them plenty to celebrate. Linfield football ran away with a 58-24 victory over George Fox in the Northwest Conference opener. Quarterback Luke McNabb passed for 355 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score. The Wildcats improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the NWC.
Linfield volleyball’s winning streak came to an end with losses to Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound. Senior outside hitter Nora Myre eclipsed 700 career kills against Pacific Lutheran, moving to No. 14 in program history.
Women’s soccer held undefeated Puget Sound scoreless through the first half before falling by one goal. Men’s soccer put four shots on goal against Puget Sound but could not overcome a first-half penalty kick in a 1-0 defeat. Save the date
Homecoming is a chance to celebrate what makes Linfield special: the relationships that begin here and continue throughout a lifetime. Alumni return not simply to remember their Linfield experience, but to remain connected to the people, place and community that helped shape them.
Save the date for Homecoming 2027: Oct. 1-2, 2027.
