Virginia Union Homecoming Brings Panther Pride Back to Campus
Virginia Union University is getting ready to welcome alumni back to campus for a week of Homecoming celebrations Oct. 18–25, bringing together music, HBCU traditions, alumni gatherings and football under this year’s theme, “Built by Union, Powered by Legacy.” The celebration gets underway Sunday with a Gospel Concert at United Nations Church before returning to campus Tuesday for the E. Lee Coble Golf Tournament and one of the week’s notable additions: the naming ceremony and grand opening of the William A. & Pamela K. Royall Fine Arts Building and VUU Museum. The opening will give alumni and visitors their first public look inside the new museum during a week already centered on the university’s history and legacy.
Things pick up considerably as the weekend approaches. Thursday includes a Clergy Fellowship Breakfast, alumni flag football, the Royal Court Coronation and an alumni meet and greet before Friday turns much of the attention to campus. Yard Fest will bring students, alumni and visitors together Friday afternoon, while alumni events continue throughout the day with the Carol S. McCall Awards Breakfast, 40 for 40 Day Party and Classes in Reunion Dinner. Friday night, Greek life takes center stage at Barco-Stevens Gymnasium with the Homecoming Step Show featuring Zeddy Will at 7 p.m.
Saturday is the main event.
Tailgating begins in the morning at Hovey Field and Belgian Lawn before the Panthers take on Shaw University at 1 p.m. General admission for the game is $30, while VUU students with school ID and children younger than 8 are admitted free. The final whistle won’t end the celebration. Homecoming continues Saturday evening with the Homecoming Concert on the Lawn at Belgian Lawn before the week closes Sunday with the Alumni Worship Experience at Allix B. James Chapel.
Visitors planning to spend Saturday on campus should plan ahead for parking. Vehicles will not be allowed to park on campus without a student or staff ID or a tailgating parking pass. Campus lots open at 8 a.m., with overflow shuttle service available from Lombardy Street.
Tickets, registration and the complete schedule are available through the Virginia Union Homecoming website.
