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By Kenya Godette

������ will celebrate its annual Homecoming celebration Oct. 15-20 with a variety of alumni, student and community events.

The beloved celebration dates back to 1960 when Homecoming King and Queen ballots were cast by pen and paper, and honors traditions nearly a century old while embracing new elements to engage a broader community. 

The week will kick off Oct. 15 on Kauffman Mall where the landmark lion fountain will turn blue, a tradition to mark the start of Homecoming festivities campuswide.

Standout events include a concert featuring Mariah the Scientist, parade, football game against Texas State and an unveiling of the new National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Monument Plaza.

The ������ Alumni Association has curated a schedule of events leading up to game day to engage and welcome alumni back to their alma matter. Events include the annual Alumni Honors Dinner to recognize the 2024 Distinguished Alumni class, the Black Alumni Chapter 35th anniversary celebration and a fireworks display over the Elizabeth River.

“Homecoming is a cherished tradition for ������ alumni, where we come together to celebrate distinguished alumni achievements, rekindle our sense of belonging and strengthen the connection between our forever Monarchs and campus,” said Krista Harrell ‘01, ‘03, ‘12, associate vice president for the Office of Alumni Relations.

A proud alumna, Harrell revived Homecoming in 2000 after the celebration went on hiatus in 1991. She was a student and member of the Student Senate when she re-introduced Homecoming as a two-day event, themed “Better than Ever: Pride 2000.”

Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ������ will also welcome alumni during their annual Alumni Weekend, Oct. 18-20. Events include a State of the School Address with Executive Vice President Alfred Abuhamad, MD, Executive Vice President, providing an update regarding integration, an alumni family barbeque on the TowneBank lawn, class dinner and a wine festival – to name a few. A full schedule of events is available .

Nicole Pellegrino, director of alumni relations for Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ������, said alumni weekend is an opportunity for Health Professions and Doctor of Medicine alumni to reminisce, reconnect and revisit the place where their medical journeys began.

Students are also welcome and encouraged to participate in homecoming opportunities like Paint the Town Blue, where residence halls and campus buildings paint their windows with Homecoming spirit, a Homecoming themed activity hour and the Monarchs Give Back event – a celebration inviting the entire Monarch community to celebrate the collective efforts of the annual food drive.

An outline of all events, including parade and football game information, is available on the Homecoming website.