ALUMNI WEEKEND
APRIL 17-18, 2026
MPA Alumni Weekend
Plan now to join us as we celebrate the spirit and tradition that make our community unique. This special event is a time to reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and show your school pride. From the alumni-led services and exciting athletic events to the nostalgic reunions and musical performances, there’s something for everyone. We invite alumni, students, families, and friends to be a part of this unforgettable weekend. Let’s come together and create lasting memories at Homecoming Weekend!
This year, we are honoring graduates from 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, & 2021.
WHERE
Mount Pisgah Academy
75 Academy Drive
Candler, NC 28715
WHEN
Friday, April 17 through
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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2026 Speakers
Meet our keynote speakers for the weekend!
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Gary Rouse | Friday Night Speaker
Gary Rouse graduated from Mount Pisgah Academy in 1976. He went on to study at Southern Missionary College, now Southern Adventist University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in religion and a minor in physical education and health. He later went on to Andrews University, where he obtained his master's degree in administration.
Rouse spent 42 years working in the Seventh-day Adventist school system, including one semester as a part-time faculty member at MPA. Throughout his career, he taught Bible, math, health, and physical education. Rouse has also been a gymnastics coach, basketball coach, school chaplain, boys' dean, and vice principal. Before retiring, he served as Superintendent of Education for 23 years, first in the Iowa - Missouri Conference, and then in the Carolina Conference.
Rouse has a passion for the youth of the church. This guided his focus in the classroom - teaching the core subjects, while also helping each student grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His background has provided him with numerous opportunities to mentor students and educators.
In his free time, Rouse enjoys woodworking, leather crafting, and sports. His love for the outdoors has also led him to enjoy hiking, biking, riding horses, scuba diving, and spending time in the water. However, his greatest joy is found in bible study - helping others find a closer walk with their Lord and Savior.
Rouse and his wife, Jayme, also a former teacher and conference office worker, have been married for 40 years. They have two married daughters, Kayla and Jill, as well as three grandchildren.
Ernie Boughman | Sabbath Morning Speaker
Ernie Boughman ('91) is honored to participate in Alumni Weekend. The servant leadership demonstrated by Mount Pisgah Academy's faculty and staff has greatly influenced Ernie's career as a strategic planner, where he is blessed to provide insight on the confluence of leadership, ethics, character, and legacy. MPA laid the foundation for his passion for helping individuals and organizations identify core values, embrace personal responsibility, grow generosity, and develop integrity-based cultures. While Ernie serves as Chief Financial Officer for Toole Design Group, a national planning and design firm, he finds his identity and joy in his beautiful (and much younger) wife, Gale ('94), their amazing children, Emma ('22) and Alex ('24), and our wonderful, merciful savior, Jesus Christ.
DAY ONE
FRIDAY
8:00-2:00 PM
Anderson Golf Classic, Grove Park Inn
*Register Here
6:30-8:00 PM
Registration, MPA Church
7:30-9:00 PM
Vespers, MPA Church
DAY TWO
SATURDAY
10:00-11:30 AM
Registration, MPA Church
10:00-10:30 AM
Breakfast Refreshments, MPA Church
10:30-12:30 PM
Alumni Scholarships Awarded
Honor Class Roll Call
Church, MPA Church
12:30-2:00
Complimentary Lunch, Gymnasium
1:00-2:00 PM
Class Pictures, Gymnasium
3:00-5:00 PM
Waller Hall & Memory Room Open
8:30-10:30 PM
Family Fun Night &
Alumni Basketball Games, Gymnasium
How do I get involved in the weekend?
If you are interested in participating in the weekend through music or speaking, please contact your class agent. If you are unsure who your class agent is, please contact the MPA Alumni Director, Abby Ackerman, at abby.ackerman@pisgah.us
Where can I stay for the weekend?
We have limited accommodations on campus. We encourage you to find accommodations nearby. Here is a list of nearby hotels for your convenience.
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes, your registration may be canceled. We ask that you please
email abby.ackerman@pisgah.us if you wish to cancel.
Can I register when I arrive?
We encourage you to register ahead to help our cafeteria make proper arrangements. Please register ahead.
My question is not listed here, whom can I contact?
If you do not see your question listed in this section,
please email abby.ackerman@pisgah.us
FAQ