ATHENS, W.Va. – “Homecoming from Home” is the theme for Concord University’s 2020 Homecoming celebration. When the Mountain East Conference announced postponement of all fall sports until the spring of 2021, organizers made the decision to move CU’s 2020 Homecoming to a primarily virtual format.
While the global pandemic is altering this year’s celebration, organizers are dedicated to providing students, alumni and friends of the University with fun ways to connect and get reacquainted.
With a full week of events leading up to the big day, Homecoming will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. The schedule of events offers Concordians a variety of in-person, virtual and interactive opportunities to enjoy this special time in the life of the University.
“While we aren’t able to gather for Homecoming this year like we usually do, we didn’t want there to be no Homecoming celebration at all. We are excited about the week of activities we have planned and are looking forward to connecting with as many CU alumni and friends as possible in some unique and memorable ways.”
Sarah Turner, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations
As a prelude to activities, Concord’s 2020 Day of Giving will be held from 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24th to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25th. Alumni and friends of the University are being called upon to help raise $50,000 for the CU Annual Fund during this 24-hour period. The Annual Fund supports student scholarships, campus improvement projects, and additional needs on campus. Leading up to the Day of Giving, Concord students have been phoning alumni asking for pledges. For additional information and to make a pledge, please visit www.concord.edu/dayofgiving
Homecoming week activities begin on Monday, Sept. 28th with “Wine 101: Sip With CU” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests may participate in-person on the University Point Patio or live via Zoom. This is a free event, but an RSVP is required and space is limited. To register please visit www.concord.edu/homecoming
The Alumni Speaker Series will continue its monthly installments with a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29th at noon. Megan Parker, a 2006 CU graduate, will discuss “Engaging in a Virtual Environment”. The Alumni Speaker Series launched in August as a way for alums to share their experiences and successes with current CU students and is a joint effort of CU’s Alumni and Career Services offices. Email alumni@concord.edu for the Zoom link.
Also on Sept. 29th, the Online Book Club will gather virtually at 7 p.m. to discuss its fall selection, “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes. This alumni club held its first discussion during the summer with plans to read and discuss a book each quarter. To receive the Zoom link for the upcoming discussion, email alumni@concord.edu
Reunions will be held for the Class of 1995 (25th) and the Class of 1970 (50th) on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. live via Zoom. Alumni planning to attend this virtual happy hour may register at www.concord.edu/homecoming. All pre-registered guests will receive a complimentary gift.
The Concord U Virtual Trivia Night continues on Thursday, Oct. 1st with a Homecoming contest beginning at 7 p.m. The Office of Advancement began hosting this virtual competition in May through the CU Facebook page. Participants post their answers to a variety of questions and the individual with the most correct answers wins an Amazon gift card. Join the Trivia Night event on the Concord University Facebook page for details.
Alums and friends are invited to CU After Hours on Friday, Oct. 2nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the President’s House, located at 1000 Vermillion St. in Athens. This in-person gathering will feature an evening of food, drinks, and fun in a socially distanced way. The Concord University Alumni Association Lifetime Members will be recognized at the event. There is no charge to attend, but an RSVP is required. Please register at www.concord.edu/homecoming
Homecoming Day events on Saturday, Oct. 3rd include Virtual Tailgates beginning at 10 a.m. Concordians are invited to tailgate from home and join the Zoom gathering that morning. Everyone who pre-registers by Friday, Sept. 25th will be mailed a free CU tailgate kit. To register visit www.concord.edu/homecoming
CU After Homecoming: Night Golf @ Glade Springs rounds out Homecoming activities on Oct. 3rd. This evening event at The Resort at Glade Springs includes a social at 6 p.m., exhibition games at 7 p.m. and night golf beginning at 8 p.m. The entire activity will take place outside and includes a dinner, a cash bar and the opportunity to end the week playing night golf with other Concordians. Space is limited for this unique event. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by visiting www.concord.edu/homecoming
The Office of Advancement is selling a special limited edition commemorative T-shirt featuring the “2020 Homecoming from Home” graphic. Proceeds will benefit the CU Annual Fund. The shirt may be viewed and purchased online here: https://www.concord.edu/hocoshirt
To add to the fun and celebration, alums are invited to post a photograph wearing their T-shirt during Homecoming week, tag CU’s alumni account and use #CUHOCO2020.
The Advancement Office is also planning a “CU @ Home” series during Homecoming Week. Each day, a video interview with a CU community member will be posted online. Check www.concord.edu/homecoming for the schedule.
In addition to offering a variety of events for alumni and friends, the 2020 Homecoming from Home celebration also includes ways for CU students to join in the fun. The Concord University Student Government Association (SGA) will be providing a week’s worth of Homecoming activities for students. Please stay tuned to SGA social media accounts for schedule details. Additional information is also available by contacting Andrew Sulgit, Assistant Dean of Students at sulgit@concord.edu
Please visit www.concord.edu/homecoming for details and updates to the Homecoming schedule. Additional information is also available by emailing advancement@concord.edu or calling 304-384-6311.
Please note that modifications will be made for any in-person event and
everything is subject to change based on state and federal regulations.
Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 extension 6086 if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus.
-CU-
CONTACT:
Sarah M. Pritchett
Concord University
Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312, news@concord.edu
http://www.concord.edu
After 4 p.m.
pitzer@concord.edu
Office: 304-384-5211
Cell: 304-320-6405