FSC Homecoming 2023: Mocs Return Home to Southern

After a three-year hiatus, Homecoming Weekend returned to the campus of Florida Southern College with great fanfare. More than 250 alumni returned to the warmth and happiness of seeing familiar faces and familiar places.

More than 25 official events on March 18 and 19 provided plenty of opportunity for the returning Moccasins to rekindle friendships, with so many more private lunches, dinners and conversations reminding our alumni of their affection for Florida Southern College.

At the center of Homecoming Weekend was a special celebration of our Golden Mocs, members of the classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973, who were honored at a breakfast followed by the opportunity to lead the processional at Founders Day exercises. This special Convocation, which was attended by students and alumni alike, included the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards and the installation of Florida Southern’s 87th Honorary Chancellor, Harvard professor and bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks.

“Homecoming is a wonderful way to reconnect as Moccasins, to nourish our friendships and spirit, and to celebrate and take pride in our beloved college,” said Larry Stahl ’70, who serves as president of the FSC National Alumni Board and was also honored as a Distinguished Alumnus during the weekend.

A variety of events took place throughout this multi-year 50th reunion celebration, attracting participants of all ages, including varsity sports games, a Y2K Headphone Disco, and a student-produced improv comedy show, allowing former students the chance to relive their college years.

Golden Moc Glenn Hanley ’72, had the opportunity to talk with a handful of students at a reception.

“It’s always fun to talk to students and hear their perspective, and also give them some of my limited wisdom,” Hanley said, with a wry grin.

Alumni also got to relish in their time visiting with one another through the smaller reunions that took place.

“It is so great to be back. Florida Southern means so much to our lives, to our family,” said Thomas ’72 and Alice Bryan-Biery ’73, who currently live in Mt. Dora. The pair met in the fall of 1973 at the first dance of the year, and they have been dancing ever since, having recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

“I was a TKE, and we’re having a reunion, maybe 20 or 30 of us,” Thomas Biery continued. “We are all lifelong friends because of the bonds we have from here.”

Returning Mocs had the chance to peek in on the Hopper exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art, hear the stories behind our beloved Frank Lloyd Wright structures, and reminisce while taking a walk down to Southern Landing, also lovingly known as the “Sump.” Those interested in seeing campus updates, got VIP treatment, viewing new buildings and recent improvements from the comfort of an air-conditioned campus shuttle.

“I can’t believe the transformation that has taken place,” said Donald J. Parsons ’72 speaking about the abundance of new buildings on campus. “And it’s still the quiet, beautiful campus that it always was.”

Even the younger Mocs returned to campus, eager to revive connections and network. “I wanted to see my former (basketball) teammates before they graduate,” said Andrew Whisenant ’21, who also spent time with other member of the Delta Sigma Pi business honors fraternity.

The Alumni Relations team’s hard work paid off as it was apparent the alumni thought the events were a success. 

The beauty of the weekend was topped off with “perfect Florida weather,” said Becky Higgs ‘08, Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, reminding her of when she attended Florida Southern.

Homecoming weekend has a special quality of bringing memories old and new to Moccasins, and Florida Southern is always excited to welcome its students home.

To view photos from the Golden Mocs Breakfast and Founders Day Convocation, click here.

To view photos from the Golden Mocs Celebration and Through the Decades Alumni Party, click here.

To view photos from the Champions Ceremony at the Baseball Game vs. Tampa, click here.