Simpson University welcomes alumni, students, families and the Redding community to Homecoming 2026, Oct. 15-18. This year’s celebration marks Simpson’s 106th year, a history that began in 1921 in Seattle with the founding of Simpson Bible Institute and continued in San Francisco before the school settled in Redding in 1989.
This Homecoming honors the alumni who built that legacy while looking ahead to the students who will carry it forward. The weekend includes the ribbon cutting for the new Hugh and Hazel Darling Center for Business, Technology and Engineering, the Alumni Awards Banquet, athletics, music, fireworks and plenty of chances to reconnect. Here’s a day-by-day look at what’s happening.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Homecoming opens with the Music Department’s Fall Showcase at 7:30 p.m., led by Jonathan Dinsfriend, the department’s new chair, and Michael Yelverton, Simpson’s new marching band director. Both are new to Simpson’s faculty this year, so the showcase is also a chance for the community to meet them. Yelverton is in the process of building a marching band at the university. Entry is $10.
Friday, Oct. 16
Friday begins with a Homecoming chapel service at 10:20 a.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can sit in on a current Simpson class or take a campus tour to see what student life looks like today.
At 2:30 p.m., Simpson will cut the ribbon on the Hugh and Hazel Darling Center for Business, Technology and Engineering, celebrating the official opening of the university’s newest academic building. The building is home to the largest classroom on campus, multiple engineering labs and the new Veteran Success Center, which will now be able to expand its services to veteran students. Guests can also purchase a name placard for a seat in the auditorium, leaving their mark for generations to come.
The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. at the duck pond, where students will race homemade boats in the boat regatta. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., enjoy a tailgate dinner at the baseball field, with inflatables for the kids.
The alumni baseball game starts at 6 p.m., opened by a flyover from a REACH helicopter. Once the game wraps up, around 8 p.m., stay for a free fireworks show over the field.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Saturday starts early with the 5th annual Red Hawk 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Community members are welcome to register. For $20, participants receive a bib, a T-shirt and a complimentary continental breakfast, served from 7 to 9 a.m. The race starts and finishes on campus.
At 9 a.m., an art exhibit inspired by the theme “Gateway to World Service: Here, There, Everywhere” opens in the Owen Center. Over at the softball field, a field-naming ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by the alumni softball game at 9 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m. in LR 204, Dr. Jack Davidson and alumni Jackson and Laura Cha and Brandon Hall will share stories of Simpson’s missionary legacy.
The Homecoming football game is at Central Valley High School, where Simpson takes on Carroll College. The tailgate starts at noon, and kickoff is at 1 p.m. Back on campus, the men’s basketball team holds a scrimmage at 3:15 p.m.
From 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Alumni Awards Banquet in the Emeriti Dining Center celebrates reunion classes and this year’s award recipients:
- Regan Ortega, Community Leader Award: A 2014 graduate of Simpson’s ASPIRE degree-completion program, Ortega is now a captain with the Redding Police Department.
- Jack Davidson, Distinguished Alumnus Award: An alumnus from Simpson’s early days in Seattle, Davidson remains part of the university’s history and legacy.
- Jackson and Laura Cha, Young Alumni Award: Jackson, a 2011 graduate, and his wife, Laura, spent seven years overseas supporting refugees and now serve families in need in Salem, Oregon.
- Dr. Rich Brown, Lamplighter of the Year: Brown served Simpson for 21 years in pastoral studies, seminary leadership and student development.
At 7 p.m., the women’s volleyball team celebrates senior night against Westcliff University.
Saturday ends with the alumni reunion social on the second floor of the library. The social honors the classes of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2016, but alumni from every year are welcome.
Sunday, Oct. 18
The weekend closes with a worship service in the Student Union at 9 a.m. At 1 p.m., the women’s volleyball team faces Westcliff University again.
Whether you’re coming back after decades or visiting campus for the first time, Homecoming 2026 is a chance to celebrate where Simpson has been and see where it’s headed. For the full schedule of events, visit simpsonu.edu/homecoming.
