Homecoming at Missouri Baptist University is always a blast, filled with some of the most anticipated activities of the academic year. This year, MBU’s Homecoming took place on Oct. 24-29 with events that catered to the entire MBU community, such as the Lip Sync Battle, Spartacus’ Birthday Party, Art in the Sunshine, Cornhole Tournament, Bonfire, Kaldi’s and Kolaches, Homecoming Tailgate Festival, football game and the famous thePerk [25] event. Once again, MBU students, staff, faculty and alumni alike were captured showing off their school spirt during this year’s week of Homecoming fun.
Pictured left to right, Emilee Goldsmith, Spartacus and Madison Coumerilh show off their Spartan Spirit game faces and flex in unison during the Homecoming football game. Photos by Jessica Kunkel
Emma Eaton, Gamma Delta Sigma’s Bid Mom and host of this year’s Lip Sync Battle, thanks everyone for cheering on the Lip Sync Battle performers.
Mia McIsaac lip syncs to “The Cup Song” during the Lip Sync Battle, hosted by Gamma Delta Sigma and MBU Anthem.
Taryn Johnson performs in a shark costume to “Baby Shark” during the Lip Sync Battle.
In honor of Spartacus’ birthday, Dr. Keith Ross, MBU president, rides the mechanical bull set up in B-lot.
Spartacus cuts his colorfully adorned birthday cake during his 58th birthday party.
Dr. Tom Smith, associate vice president and director of athletics, shouts, “yeehaw” on the mechanical bull during Spartacus’ birthday bash.
During his birthday party, Spartacus rides the mechanical bull in celebration.
During the birthday bash, Brandi Smythe and Avery Bass smile as they model for their caricature sketch.
Shania Gowan has a blast at Spartacus’ birthday party on top of the mechanical bull.
Brent Seyer laughs as he gets up after having just gotten bucked off the mechanical bull.
Jackson Deevers and Lorraine Linson do some painting during Art in the Sunshine.
During the Art in the Sunshine event, Mallory Liddle paints flourishing blue flowers on a canvas.
MBU President Dr. Keith Ross talks to parents and alumni during the Kaldi’s and Kolaches event.
Jake Broyles and Cooper Akridge toss on a wooden pallet to liven up the Bonfire event in the back of B-lot.
Luke Little, an MBU spring 2022 alumni, grabs a kolach at Kaldi’s and Kolaches, which took place in thePerk.
Dr. Jordan Cox, chair of the Fine Arts Division, shares information about the division at the Homecoming Tailgate Festival.
Ashley Johnson, associate vice president for university advancement, and Dr. Keith Ross, MBU president, speak to those attending the alumni- and parent-centered event, Kaldi’s and Kolaches.
Partaking in some of the tailgate festivities, Grant Karlas and spring 2022 alumni Luke Little play an intense game of Connect Four.
MBU running back Lionel Banks celebrates a touchdown for the Spartans, during the Homecoming football game.
Left to right, Eric Schertz, Cooper Akridge, Nick Kelly and Matthew Kinney are ready for MBU game day as they sound the victory horns at the Tailgate Festival.
Emma Brandwein dances with her fellow teammates during halftime of the Homecoming football game.
Jake Broyles, a prominent member of MBU’s The 300 Club, leads the MBU student section in a uniting chant.
Lionel Banks cradles the football as he heads toward the Spartan end zone.
For the first 500 people in attendance, the coveted thePerk [25] mug was the staple of this year’s thePerk event.
Kaylee Ascher and her boyfriend Connor Collins smile together at thePerk [25] while listening to the live music in the background.
Madi House and Jessalyn Scheltens strike a pose using the photo booth that was at thePerk event.
Spring 2022 MBU alumni Emily Heflin and her fiancé Curtis Hechler create the perfect coffee to sip during thePerk [25] event.
Left to right, Chloe Perkins, Anna Jeschke, Vanessa Waidmann and Isabel Rinkenberger showcase their thePerk [25] mugs as they are so excited to participate in the final event of the MBU Homecoming activities.
Jessica Kunkel is the managing editor (2022-23) for MBU Timeline. A senior double majoring in communications studies and journalism with a minor in math, Kunkel has served as president of MBU’s sorority Gamma Delta Sigma during her junior and senior year and currently serves as GDS's social media manager. Her hobbies include Disney pin trading, playing tennis and hanging out with her friends, family and pet tortoise.
Pictured left to right, Emilee Goldsmith, Spartacus and Madison Coumerilh show off their Spartan Spirit game faces and flex in unison during the Homecoming football game. Photos by Jessica Kunkel
Left to right, Chloe Perkins, Anna Jeschke, Vanessa Waidmann and Isabel Rinkenberger showcase their thePerk [25] mugs as they are so excited to participate in the final event of the MBU Homecoming activities.
Kate Goodberlet 
Isabel Rinkenberger 
MBU Timeline