Homecoming is an experience unlike any other—a week-long celebration of educational excellence and culture that occurs once a year on campuses all over America. At Historically Black College/University campuses, homecoming represents the resilience of the black community and the ability to succeed and prosper. Since their inception, HBCUs have produced some of the greatest scholars in American history, including Katherine Johnson, John Lewis, and Booker T. Washington. They have also been the choices of higher education for many notable politicians like Jesse Jackson and entertainers we love today, like Samuel L. Jackson. To attend and graduate from an HBCU, for many is a rite of passage and for all a point of pride.
Fayetteville State University Homecoming 2024 is scheduled from Oct. 20-27. Most of the week’s activities and events leading to game day are reserved for students and alumni. With this year marking the “Golden Reunion” for some alumni classes, this year’s lineup is jam-packed with memory-making festivities.
Alumni Event Schedule
Thursday
• Annual Alumni & Friends Welcome Cocktail Party, Seabrook Auditorium Lobby & Terrace
Wine Down @ Dusk, Featuring DJ Energizer
($20) Wine Bar, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hangout Thursday, Presented by The Randall Group & FSU NAA, Uptown Chicken & Waffles, 1707 Owen Dr.
Free Event, 7 p.m. to midnight
Friday
• Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association Coronation and Awards Ceremony, Seabrook Auditorium
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday
• ALL Reunion Class Lunch & Photos, Student Center Terrace
Noon to 1:30 p.m. ($20)
Buffet Lunch to Go! Live DJ! Pre-Game Gathering!
Celebrating ALL Milestone Reunion Classes
1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019
Sunday
• Farewell Fellowship & Recognition Service, Embassy Suites (4760 Lake Valley Drive)
Free, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Recognition Milestone Reunion Class & Fallen Broncos
For those who are not a part of the Bronco student body or have alumni status, there will be plenty of school-sponsored events to enjoy and help celebrate the blue and white. Friday is the Homecoming Step Show. A time-honored tradition on HBCU campuses, fraternities, and sororities, also known as the Divine 9, participants will battle it out and bring out their best “stroll.”
No Homecoming would be complete without a parade, a tailgate, and a good game. Saturdays are for football, and homecoming is no different. The annual parade will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature some of the best bands and dancers in the area. The parade route starts on Murchinson Rd., at the intersection of Moore and Bruner Street, and travels northwest up Murchinson Rd., past the FSU campus. Anyone looking to attend should come early to secure a good spot.
After the parade, it’s time to gear up for everyone’s favorite fall pastime, tailgating. Tailgating is by reservation only and is limited to 2 spots per person. This year the FSU Broncos will be taking on the Shaw Bears, a game that will see two HBCU football programs face off for bragging rights. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. at Luther Nick Jerald Stadium located at 1401 Murchinson Rd. Tickets are $45 per adult and $29 for children. Military and student discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/41643942/fayetteville-state-university-versus-shaw-university-fsu-ticket-office-9106721724-home-coming-fayetteville-luther-nick-jeralds-football-stadiumfayetteville-state-university.
Homecoming 2024 is expected to be bigger and better than last year. There are also several local businesses taking advantage of this festive occasion with many bars and venues running specials and events. There will be no shortage of things to do to celebrate FSU Homecoming. For more information on university-sanctioned homecoming events visit the website at https://www.uncfsu.edu/homecoming