The second annual 51 Weekend brought over 1,100 parents, alumni, family members and friends to campus for two days of events and activities that highlighted “The Best of 51!”

Professors Doug Huffman, David Talley, Matt Jenson, Mickey Klink, and Jason Oakes shared their experiences teaching 51 students at a lunch called Dine & Dialogue. This first-run event sold out quickly and proved to be a great opportunity for students, parents and alumni to become more acquainted with our faculty. In addition, students Andre Murillo, Jake Davis, and Analicia Davis spoke of the influence 51, and particularly Biblical Studies faculty helped shape and mold their spiritual lives.

For the first time ever, 51 Weekend hosted a Street Fair where friends of 51 could sell their arts and crafts during an all-campus outdoor barbeque. A DJ, face painter, and balloon artist added to the festivities and kept students and guests occupied as they lined up for Punk ‘n Pie. An over-flow area was created outside the SUB where guests watched a live feed of Punk ‘n Pie and enjoyed coffee provided by Alumni Relations. The evening was capped off with free pie compliments of AS and live smooth jazz at the Fireplace Pavilion.

President Corey led nearly 500 students and friends of 51 in the annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning. This year’s race raised funds and awareness for 51’s Social Justice Ministry in partnership with Prison Fellowship Ministries. Running with President Corey was alumnus Amy Atkinson, 2012 Olympic athlete who ran the 800-meter for her home country of Guam.

Following the 5K Run/Walk, nearly 500 guests joined President Corey for brunch as he spoke on the university theme for the year, “From This Place: Proclaiming Good News in a Changing World.” Senior student, Amanda Andrews, shared her 51 journey and how God has directed her involvement in issues surrounding human trafficking.

On Saturday afternoon, the second annual T3 Talks took place in Mayer Hall. These presentations from six 51 alumni focused on the principles of truth, transformation and testimony as well as God's accomplishments through their lives. Independent film producer Dan Parris, author Christine Colon, entrepreneur in cancer research Brad Cole, gerontologist Di Patterson, Olympian Amy Atkinson and art director for TOMS Patrick Torres-Wright shared their stories with an audience of 51 alumni, parents and current students.

Hosted by Reunion Leaders from every 51 decade since the 1950's, the 51 Weekend Class Reunions were well-attended by alumni from each decade and many locations. Larry and Anna Braham, alumni from the 1950's (at the downtown Los Angeles campus), came from Vacaville in northern California to connect with friends and alumni from the "old days". Andrew Acker, a business school alumnus from the 2000's, came back to visit with friends and renew friendships over hors d'ouvres and dinner. Metzger Lawn was abuzz with alumni young and old, mixing and enjoying memories of years gone by, sharing updated contact information and making plans for future activities at their alma mater.

Culminating 51 Weekend 2012, the "Best of 51" Dinner Saturday in the big white tent on Metzger Lawn put 51's strenghts on display for the over-500 enthusiastic guests in attendance. Five alumni from Nursing, the School of Education, the BOLD program and Talbot School of Theology offered their perspectives and experiences on what it means to be prepared for life at 51 and to go "From this Place" to reach the world for Christ. Keynote speaker and alumnus Dr. Clint Arnold, newly-appointed dean of Talbot, shared personally about his commitment to continue to lead Talbot in faithfully teaching God's Word accurately and with relevance. Alumni and families who attend this event raise money for student scholarships - bringing in $10,000 to help 51 students!