Winston-Salem State University friends and family will come together once again for Homecoming,which will take place Oct. 28 through Nov. 4, on campus and around the community.
“A lot goes into planning Homecoming events,” Theo Howard, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs said in an email. “The Homecoming committee began meeting in March of this year in efforts to make Homecoming 2007 a tremendous success. This year’s change to the committee was built on past successes and will retool any areas that need improvement. Everyone agreed that with regard to WSSU Homecomings, it was time to ‘move from success to significance.’ The theme will be: “RAM HOLLYWOOD HOMECOMING!”
“Surveys were utilized over the summer to get a feel for what students thought was missing from last year’s Homecoming celebration,” Howard said. After getting the opinions of the student body, subcommittees handle tasks such as campus decorations, the parade, marketing, and student and alumni events.
Homecoming events take place over two weeks, and there are many activities to choose from. The festivities will include several highlights. The comedy show will be hosted by Chris Paul of the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets and feature Alex Thomas (The Jamie Foxx Show,) Damon Williams (BET’s Comicview) and Kevin Hart (Soul Plane).
Other activities include the coronation of Miss WSSU and Mr. Ram, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show, and on Saturday, the Rams take on the Hornets of Delaware State University at Bowman Gray Stadium. Another major event is the SGA Concert and “Rip the Runway” Fashion Competition combination event.
Howard also explained why he feels that Homecoming 2007 is sure to stand out from past Homecoming celebrations.
“We are putting Homecoming in the hands of the students in hopes the greater participation on the planning and preparation will create greater buy-in. A Homecoming for the students, by the students.”
In addition to celebrating school spirit and enjoying Homecoming activities, this year the Ram family is celebrating its history. The Celebration of Champions commemorates the 1967 Division II basketball championship, as well as the 1977 and 1978 CIAA championship football teams. Several players from these teams went on to have great professional football and basketball careers. The honorees will also serve as the Grand Marshals for the Homecoming Parade.
Homecoming 2007 Schedule of Events
Sunday, Oct. 21-Wednesday, Oct. 24Class Spirit Week Thursday, Oct. 25 Greek Stroll off Competition: Pitt Area, 4 p.m. Comedy Show: K.R. Williams Auditorium, 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 26Red and White Day BET College Tour: noon-4 p.m.NBA Basketball Game: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 8 p.m. Midnight Ragin’ Rams Pep Rally: midnight
Saturday, Oct. 27WSSU vs. Hampton University: Bowman Gray Stadium, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 28Homecoming Gospel Musical: K.R. Williams Auditorium, 6 p.m. Campus Activities Board Lighting of the Signs: Location TBA, 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 29Wild n’ Out: Thompson Center Breezeway, noon
Tuesday, Oct. 30Battleground: Thompson Center Breezeway, noon Poetry Slam: Dillard Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31Yo Momma: Thompson Center Breezeway, noon-2 p.m. Coronation: K.R. Williams Auditorium, 7 p.m. Royal Ball-Masquerade Ball: McNeil Banquet Hall, 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 1 Alumni Return to Serve Day: WSSU Campus, 8 a.m. Platinum Family Radio Tour: Thompson Center Breezeway, noon-4 p.m. School Spirit Residence Hall Judging: All residence halls, 7 p.m. Freestyle and Streetball Game Tour: C.E. Gaines Center, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.Pep Rally: Pitt Area, 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 2Wreath-Laying Ceremony: K.R. Williams Auditorium, 8:45 a.m. Founder’s Day: K.R. Williams Auditorium, 9:45 a.m. Red and White Mini Parade: Clock Tower, 1 p.m. Red and White Day Party: Behind Greek Plots, 2:20 p.m. Concert/After Party: Location TBA, 7 p.m. Celebration of Champions Banquet (1967, 1977-78 Championship teams):location/time TBA 2007 SGA Concert and “Rip the Runway” Fashion Competition: Anderson Center – McNeil Ballroom, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 3WSSU Parade: Downtown Winston-Salem , 10 a.m. WSSU vs. Delaware State Football Game: Bowman Gray Stadium, 2 p.m. Greek Pre- Step Show Sampler:Thompson Center Breezeway, 5 p.m. NPHC Step Show: C.E. Gaines Center , 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 4Worship Services: your venue of choice Extinguish the Sign; location and time TBA