Claflin University Prepares for 145th Anniversary Homecoming Week
Nov 13, 2014
Live concerts, step shows, the Presidential Scholarship Gala and more are in store during Claflin University’s Homecoming 2014, set for November 16-23.
This year, the University is celebrating its 145th anniversary under the theme, “Celebrating Traditions, Pursuing Transformative Change.”
“Claflin University continues its historic legacy of providing access and success to all students who walk through its gates,” President Henry N. Tisdale said. “We are blessed to be celebrating such a milestone year in the history of this great institution, and are excited to welcome back our leal and loyal sons and daughters to the University. We invite the entire community to join Claflin in celebrating our history and enjoying the many activities surrounding Homecoming 2014.”
Homecoming Week kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16, with the crowning of Miss Homecoming 2014 Isha L. Contech at Moss Auditorium in Ministers’ Hall. At 5:30 p.m., a Gospel Explosion Concert featuring Kierra Kiki Sheard and Kebra Moore – with performances by Claflin’s Gospel Choir D.R.E.A.M. and choirs from Coastal Carolina University, South Carolina State University and Winthrop University – will be held at Tullis Arena in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center. Admission to the concert is $6.
Other highlights of the week include the Presidential Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction featuring The Spinners at 6 p.m. Friday, November 21, in Tullis Arena; the Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 22, beginning at Edisto Memorial Gardens and ending at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center; the Homecoming basketball games at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22, in Tullis Arena with the Lady Panthers vs. Northwood University and Panthers vs. St. Augustine’s University (general admission is $20); and the 145th Founders’ Day Convocation at 4 p.m. Sunday, November 23, in Tullis Arena, featuring author Nikky Finney as the guest speaker. Parents’ Weekend will also be observed November 21-23.
The complete Homecoming Week 2014 lineup includes:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
3 p.m. — Crowning of Miss Homecoming; Ministers’ Hall
5:30 p.m. — Gospel Explosion Concert featuring Kierra KiKi Sheard and Kebra Moore; Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center — $6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Noon — Dorm Stroll Off; Panther Plaza
7 p.m. — Dorm Step Show; Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center — $4 (Bonfire/Car Smash immediately following)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
7 p.m. — Comedy Show featuring the Freestyle Funny Comedy Show; Moss Auditorium, W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center — $6
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
11 a.m. — Fear Factor on the Yard; Panther Plaza
8 p.m. — Hypnotist Show featuring Hypnobro Leroy Williams; Moss Auditorium, W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center — $6
10 p.m. — Late Night Chicken and Waffles; Claflin Dining Center — $2 with Claflin ID/$4 without Claflin ID
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
11 a.m. — Karaoke; Panther Plaza
8 p.m. — Concert featuring Luke James and Adrian Marcel; Moss Auditorium, W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center — $8
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
8 a.m. — CUIAA Executive Meeting; Arthur Rose Museum
8 a.m.-Noon — Images of Success Classroom and Campus Visits
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Alumni Registration; Third Floor, Tingley Memorial Hall
11 a.m.- 3 p.m. — Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Drop-In; Honors College Office
12:30 p.m. — Leadership Giving Luncheon (by invitation only); Ministers’ Hall
1:30 p.m. — Pep Rally; Panther Plaza
6 p.m. — Presidential Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction featuring The Spinners;Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center
6:30 p.m. — Panther Life Cookout; Claflin Commons
9 p.m. — Alumni Social; The Palmetto Room of The Cinema, Orangeburg Mall — $20 in advance/$25 at the door
10 p.m. — Jazz After Dark; The Garden Room of The Cinema, Orangeburg Mall —$20 in advance/$25 at the door
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
9:30 a.m. — Homecoming Parade; Russell Street from Edisto Memorial Gardens to
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center
11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Alumni Registration; The Panther Den Tailgate
- Gamma Nu Chapter’s 65th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Ministers’ Hall (immediately following the parade)
- Class of 1969 Reunion Luncheon; Orange and Maroon Room (immediately following the parade)
12:30 p.m. — The Panther Den Tailgate Experience — $15
1:30 p.m. — Homecoming Games: Lady Panthers vs. Northwood University; Panthers vs. St. Augustine’s University; Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center — General Admission: $20
5 p.m. — D.R.E.A.M. Gospel Choir Concert and Live Recording; New Mount Zion Baptist Church
8 p.m. — Greek Step Show; Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center — $20 ($15 for students if purchased before 5 p.m. Friday, November 21)
9 p.m.-1 a.m. — Orange and Maroon Dance; The Garden Room of The Cinema — $45
10 p.m. — The Claflin University Official Post Step Show Party; The Premier — $20 in advance/$25 at the door
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
8:30 a.m. — Pre-worship Continental Breakfast for alumni and friends (complimentary); 1869 Club
9:30 a.m. — Worship Service; James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel
4 p.m. — 145th Founders’ Day Convocation; Tullis Arena, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center; Speaker: Nikky Finney, distinguished poet, author and educator
Tickets for most Homecoming events are available at Claflin’s Cashiers Office on the main floor of Tingley Memorial Hall. For more information about Homecoming, call 803-535-5077 or visit claflin.edu/claflin-homecoming-2014. You can also follow Claflin University on Facebook and Twitter, #CUHC2K14.