By Amanda Bradshaw Sharpe
University Relations

MURFREESBORO – Chowan University is gearing up for Homecoming 2018 with a weeklong celebration on Oct. 8-13 and welcomes alumni, students, faculty, and staff to renew friendships and catch the Chowan spirit again.

Homecoming is one of the largest alumni and community events hosted each year. Events begin with the return of Chowan favorite Amena Brown as the guest speaker of Homecoming Worship at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 in Turner Auditorium of McDowell Columns Hall. Her exhilarating artistic approach to Christian ministry and storytelling is sure to create a dynamic worship open to all.

On Oct. 11 (170 years from the University’s founding in 1848) at 7:30 p.m. in the Helms Center, homecoming excitement will be in full swing for the pep rally. Students, faculty, staff, and community members will fill the bleachers of the Bob Burke Basketball Court to watch student organizations hype up the crowd for the weekend activities. The bonfire will allow fans to continue cheering for Chowan athletic teams as it lights up the night at 8 p.m. behind the Rose Family Tennis Complex.

The annual Homecoming Golf Tournament will take place Friday, Oct. 12 at the Valley Pine Country Club in Lasker. Shotgun start is at 12 noon. Participants will tee up to support the Chowan Men’s and Women’s Golf teams at this fundraiser competition.

Also scheduled on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. is the traditional Homecoming Step Show in Turner Auditorium of McDowell Columns Hall. The Greek sorority and fraternity dance performance is a student and young alumni favorite featuring distinct rhythmic styles. Get your tickets early, this event is sure to bring down the house.

Oct. 13 will see a slew of events beginning at 10 a.m. with the reception for new members of the Half-Century Circle at the Camp President’s Home. This new alumni network celebrates the 50th anniversary of Homecoming classes – this year, classes of ’67 and ’68 are the special honorees. Members will join new president and first lady, Dr. and Mrs. Kirk E. Peterson, for brunch in their home in what will be the first of an annual tradition.

The Blue and White Alumni and Brave Hawks Celebration will follow at 11 a.m. under the alumni tent in front of the Hawks Nest. This family-friendly event is open to all alumni and provides an opportunity to network and fellowship while alumni enjoy BBQ and entertainment. Face painting will be available for children and a dessert bar will be open at halftime of the football game.

Kick off for the Homecoming football game against Virginia Union University in Garrison Stadium is at 1 p.m. on Oct. 13. Tailgating may begin as early as 12 noon. The game theme is “I’M A HAWK”. Fans are asked to wear Chowan blue in support of the Hawks and “blue-out” the stands. Fans may also take part in the “I’M A HAWK” video production during the game. At halftime, the University will announce the 2018 Distinguished Alumni honorees, followed by the Homecoming Court and the 2018 Homecoming King and Queen. Also at noon is the Women’s Soccer game against King University. The Men’s Soccer team will also take on King University at 3 p.m.

Later in the evening, at 5 p.m., is the Alumni and Friends Reception in the Wayland L. Jenkins, Jr. Fine Arts Center. Tailing the reception and ending the weeklong celebration, the Alumni and Friends Dinner will be in the Chowan Room of Thomas Dining Hall. Distinguished Alumni (announced earlier at the football game) will receive their awards at the dinner portion and will address the crowd.

The 170th Anniversary Homecoming week is jammed pack with fun activities for everyone. Whether alumni, friend, or community member, mark your calendar to come home to Chowan University and gather in fellowship. Many events require a reservation and/or ticket. For more information, visit www.chowan.edu/homecoming or contact:

Golf Tournament – Ellen Ordnung at 252-578-3404 or ordnue@chowan.edu

Step Show – Christy Hull at 252-398-1227 or Hullc@chowan.edu

Athletic events – Meredith Long at 252-398-6468 or longm@chowan.edu

All other events – Kay Thomas at 252-398-6436 or thomask@chowan.edu