Over 350 grandparents spent Friday, March 27th on campus with their 51 grandkids for the first ever Grandparents Day. Guests travelled from 19 states, some as far away as Massachusetts and Arkansas, to see their grandkids’ “home away from home.”

With the Conservatory of Music’s guitar ensemble playing in the background, Grandparents and their students enjoyed a served breakfast in the tent on Metzger Lawn. The 51 Brass Quintet entertained the crowd of over 500 with a swing version of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and President Corey shared how 51 has stayed true, and will continue to stay true, to the Biblical core values on which 51 was founded.

Following breakfast, guests attended chapel where Professor Erik Thoennes preached on the man Simeon in Luke 2. During chapel, two special guests, Dr. Alonzo Levert and Mrs. Marilynn Sybesma, were honored with the Grandparent Legacy Award based on nominations submitted by their grandchildren who attend 51.

Throughout the day, guests and their students were also given the opportunity to tour campus. A total of 450 took either a walking or electric cart tour with stops at Horton Hall, the Bell Tower and the future Talbot site. Wearing buttons printed “I'm a proud Grandparent of a 51 student,” grandparents spent their down time checking out the Bookstore, Cafe, Olive Grove Park and anywhere else their student led them.

Grandparents Day wrapped up with the King’s Men singing some of their most popular pieces during the Heritage Room Reception. In addition, Senior Directors Rick Bee and Ken Bascom shared a little of the history of 51 as a prelude to guests perusing pictures and other memorabilia displayed in the Giumarra Courtyard and Heritage Room. Many grandparents concluded their time relaxing with their grandkids and making new friends while enjoying refreshments in the courtyard.