GREENEVILLE – An abundance of exciting events will bring together the Tusculum University family, alumni and the community as Tennessee’s first higher education institution embarks on its annual Homecoming celebration.
Tusculum will be buzzing with activity starting Tuesday, Oct. 28, and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 2. Homecoming not only represents an opportunity for alumni of all generations to return but also provides a great way for the community to experience the ambience of campus and become even more engaged with the university.
“We are thrilled that Homecoming is upon us,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “We look forward to seeing our alumni again, whether they are regular visitors to campus or have been away for a while, and hearing their stories about the ways Tusculum transformed their lives. We also welcome all visitors from the community to participate so they can see the vitality of our campus and the way Tusculum contributes to the strength of our region.”
Another group that will be able to enjoy the Homecoming festivities is prospective new students and their families. Tusculum is holding an open house Saturday, Nov. 1, so potential new Pioneers can learn more about the university and campus life and imagine themselves as a student.
Tusculum will also use Homecoming to mark the 20-year anniversary of the renovation and expansion of the Thomas J. Garland Library. Another component of that event will be the formal launch of the $13.5 million Frontiers fundraising campaign.
Here are some of the main events of Homecoming:
Library celebration and Frontiers campaign announcement – Tuesday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m., Garland library
Pastors’ Prayer Breakfast – Wednesday, Oct 29, 8 a.m., multipurpose room of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center
Night of Worship featuring music from Madison Metcalf-Shelton and Threads of Faith – Thursday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Marilyn duBrisk Theatre inside Annie Hogan Byrd
Unveiling of the Tusculum University sign on the Tenn. Highway 107 bridge – Friday, Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m. bridge at the bridge located at the Tennessee Highway 107 and Edens Road intersection about a mile from campus
Alumni breakfast, meeting and campus tour – Saturday, Nov. 1, throughout the morning
Open house – Throughout the day with a formal program from 10-11 a.m.
Parade and Pioneer football team walk – Saturday, Nov. 1, noon
Alumni and Pioneer Club tailgate – Saturday, Nov. 1, noon
Football game between Tusculum and Mars Hill University – Saturday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m.
Alumni Dinner and Dance (open to the community as well) – Saturday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Tusculum Day at First Presbyterian Church, the university’s mother church – Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.
In addition, many other athletic teams will play at home throughout the week. People can see the complete list of events and register for those that interest them at https://site.tusculum.edu/homecoming-2/.
“We have developed a robust list of fun and informative activities that will appeal to multiple people,” said Dr. Melissa Bryant, director of alumni engagement. “This bevy of events reflects that we have a lot of exciting things happening at Tusculum and also paves the way for even more success and growth at the university through exciting initiatives that are in the pipeline. Tusculum is progressing on several fronts, and we encourage people to be part of recognizing our 231 years of service to the region and even brighter days ahead.”
More information about Homecoming is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/homecoming-2/. People can learn more about the university at www.tusculum.edu.
