Homecoming at Mississippi University for Women promises to be one of the most exciting yet as the university welcomes alumni and guests back with a host of events scheduled for April 18-21.
“We are excited about welcoming alumni back to their alma mater. This year’s schedule is busier than ever with some new and exciting events, as well as some of the traditional and nostalgic events,” said Lyndsay D. Cumberland, interim director of alumni relations. “This is not only a great time for our alumni to reconnect with their friends but also a great time for them to reconnect with the university and learn about how The W exists today.”
Festivities kick off Thursday, April 18 with a presentation by Bill Rosemann, editor for Marvel Comics. The presentation titled “Superheroes On and Off the Page” starts at 6 p.m. in the Claudia A. Limbert Assembly Room in Cochran Hall.
A parade and pep rally will follow at 7 p.m., starting in front of the Old Maid’s Gate, front campus, ending at the old location of the old Magnolia Dormitory.
The MUW Music Faculty Recital will be held at 8 p.m. in the Connie Sills Kossen Auditorium, Poindexter Hall.
Big day Friday
Registration will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Welty Hall, second floor.
All alumni and guests are invited to attend the Golden Girls Alumni Brunch honoring the class of 1963. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Pope Banquet Room, Hogarth Dining Center. Tickets for class of 1963 members are free of charge. All others, $15 per person.
Stroll with the president at the Campus Walk with the President from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Old Maid’s Gate. Please register for this event.
Board the double-decker bus and travel the historic district to visit two antebellum homes, where you will enjoy mint tea and cheese straws. Tour guide is Nancy Carpenter, executive director of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. The tour will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the Puckett House, 11th Street entrance. The price is $20 per person.
An update on MUW athletics will be given from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pohl Academic Building in the Pohl Gymnasium. After the update, enjoy a tour of the Stark Recreation Center.
From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. tours of the newly renovated Poindexter Hall will be provided.
More Friday events
Don’t miss the friendly competition among alumni and students at the Mini Field Day scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Games will include field day favorites such as sack racing, tug-of-war and relay events, as well as events for children. Refreshments will be available. This event will be held at the Demonstration Field. Registration is required.
Celebrate the 40th year anniversary of the charter nursing class at MUW from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Martina Hall Lobby. Dr. Shelia Adams, dean, will provide an update in Room 110, Martin Hall. While there, tour the nursing facilities and get your vitals checked. Refreshments will be available.
The Alumni Juried Art Exhibition and Welcome Home Reception are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Eugenia Summer Gallery. This event is sponsored the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association Lowndes County Chapter.
Enjoy the Fish Fry on the Green from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be great food, music by Matt Corey, a dance floor and student performances. There also will be inflatables for children.
The cost is $20 per adult and $10 per child.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., treat yourself to the Culinary Arts Institute Wine and Dessert Tasting in Shattuck Hall. The price is $10 per person.
A performance by HanaLena, formerly known as Nash Street Band, begins at 8 p.m in Rent Auditorium. It is free and open to the public, made possible through the Leslie Farrell Threadgill Lecture and Artist Series. Please pick up tickets in Welty Hall, Room 200, on The W campus. Registration is required.
On Saturday
Enjoy a fun campus run or walk with President Jim Borsig at 8 a.m. at the Stark Recreation Center Saturday. The W5K offers two routes — a 1-mile walk for participants of all ages and ability and a 5K run for the more experienced participant. There is a $12 registration fee.
From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., there will be breakfast at the Wesley Foundation. This event is open to all alumni, students and friends.
A reunion of all Ruth Hart Dancers and friends to celebrate the memory of Ruth Hart will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Pohl Gymnasium. A light breakfast will be provided.
The Tour of Kitchens hosted by The Columbus Girlchoir Board is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tour will include three homes in the Bent Tree community in Columbus. Each home will feature hors d’oeuvres and local florist decorations. Dr. Cherry Dunn directs the Girlchoir. Tickets are $20 each.
A lunch featuring a panel discussion by students will be held in Pope Banquet Room from noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $20.
Watch the classes march at Convocation at 2 p.m. in Rent Auditorium. This event is open to all alumni, students and friends. There also will be presentation of awards, singing of MUW songs and a special donation.
Parents and their children will be able to enjoy Sips & Strokes from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m in the Art & Design Building. Take a paint lesson while sipping your favorite wine. Children (ages 6-12) can enjoy an art workshop at the same time. The price is $20 per adult and $10 per child.
Make a bid at the MUW Alumni Association Board Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit the MUWAA Legacy Scholarship and MUWAA Faculty Award. The auction will begin at 8 p.m. in Poindexter Hall.
Come and watch the show of current students, MUW Singers, and alumni in the newly renovated Poindexter Hall Connie Sills Kossen Auditorium at 8 p.m. To volunteer to perform during alumni entertainment, call 662-329-7295.
Sunday’s conclusion
The weekend wraps up on Sunday with breakfast at 9 a.m. in Hogarth Dining Center. Tickets are available at the door.
A Sunday Chapel service led by alumna Deacon Pam Rhea begins at 11 a.m. at Carrier Chapel. There will be a special commemoration for those that have passed since last Homecoming.
For more information about Homecoming, call 662-329-7295 or visit www.muw.edu.
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