ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Trees around the Winthrop University campus are changing color, workers are busy or finishing in multiple locations, and the campus should be ready for its fall close-up during Homecoming activities, Nov. 6-11.
Lori Tuttle, executive director of alumni relations and reunion giving, said alumni will notice some definite changes when they return. The Alumni Association has moved from Tillman Hall to the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House on Eden Terrace. Still in transition, the Stewart House is being refurbished with pieces of Winthrop’s history from the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections. An open house at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center will be held Friday, Nov. 10, from 10-11 a.m.
The long-awaited Alumni Association project to replace the iconic fountain and build a brick plaza in front of Tillman Hall is wrapping up. Visiting alumni and guests can check out the project’s progress, which has come together quickly with little rain in October.
“Homecoming is a time for our alumni to return to campus to appreciate its beauty and to remember what made the Winthrop Experience special. Our Homecoming Committee has worked hard to provide lots of opportunities for alumni and students to connect with the campus community,” Tuttle said.
Students will have a special Homecoming kick-off event on Monday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. in Richardson Ballroom with performances by the Winthrop Spirit Squad, the Carolina Panthers PurrCusion Drumline and a special performance by hip-hop artist Monaleo. The Homecoming Royalty Court will also be announced.
There will be a special Homecoming-themed meal on Tuesday, Nov. 7, beginning at 5 p.m. in Eagle Eatery that will feature an eating challenge, a live DJ, giveaways and prizes. Other events throughout the week for students (and faculty, staff and alumni) include an All-Star Basketball game on Friday at 8 p.m. in the West Center.
Meanwhile, the 200+ faculty and staff who work at Winthrop and are alumni will enjoy a special lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the Richardson Ballroom.
Alumni arriving in Rock Hill on Friday, Nov. 10, can take a campus art tour by meeting at 2 p.m. on the front steps of Rutledge Building, or they can head to Kinard Hall for the College of Arts and Sciences’ emeritus professor lectures. Three retired professors will speak:
2:15 p.m. | Guy Reel, professor emeritus of mass communication
“How Journalistic Conventions Have Influenced Our Views of Culture, the Media and
the World.”
3 p.m. | Janice Chism, professor emerita of biology
“How Monkeys’ Behavioral and Ecological Ways of Life Affect Their Individual Survival
and Successful Conservation as a Species.”
3:15 p.m. | Donald Rakestraw, professor emeritus of history
“Once Upon a Time on the Way to the Archives: A Few Favorite Finds from Decades of
Doing History.”
Other campus walking tours start at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at Joynes
Hall. A student ambassador will lead the 45-minute tour.
All alumni are invited to gather Friday for a Homecoming Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing from 6-11 p.m. The brewery located behind the Winthrop campus is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02.
Another option is for those milestone reunion classes whose class year ends with a 3 or 8 to head to the Olde Stone House at 6 p.m. for a welcome reception. The 50-year Reunion Class will be honored with a special dinner in the Richardson Ballroom. Both events required advance registration.
The Saturday, Nov. 11, events include:
· Morning class photos and an 11 a.m. Alumni Reunion Brunch, McBryde Hall (RSVP was required)
· 10 a.m. Alumni Choir Concert, Barnes Recital Hall.
· 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. tailgating at the Winthrop Coliseum.
· 2 p.m. women’s volleyball game against Gardner-Webb University, Winthrop Coliseum.
· 5:30 p.m. men’s basketball game against Drexel University, Winthrop Coliseum. Homecoming Royalty winners will be announced at halftime.
Please note that traffic around the Winthrop Coliseum area will be heavy on Saturday, Nov. 11.
For more Homecoming information and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.winthrop.edu/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 803/323-2145.
