Homecoming Reunion Weekend got underway at Elon Friday, Nov. 8 with campus tours, luncheons for special alumni classes and open houses in the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies and the Multicultural Center. Details...
Elon alumni began arriving on campus Friday for annual Homecoming Reunion Weekend festivities, renewing friendships and learning about the latest happenings on campus.
Guided by President Emeritus Earl Danieley ’46, alumni boarded a bus for tours of campus, getting a glimpse of new student housing and the growth at the North Athletics Complex. Special luncheons were held for the classes of 1942 and 1952, as well as a reception for Golden Alumni, those who graduated in the Class of 1952 and earlier.
The National Alumni Executive Board, the governing body of the Elon Alumni Association, held its fall meeting Friday morning. Members heard reports from six different committees, and the board also issued a resolution honoring Mary Ruth, director of alumni and parent relations, who is leaving Elon in December after seven years in the position to pursue missionary work with the United Church of Christ.
Campus visitors got a chance to tour the new Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies, located in the recently-renovated Carlton building. An open house was also held in the new space for the Multicultural Center in Moseley Center.
Marching band alumni spent part of Friday afternoon practicing for a tribute to former band director Jack O. White at Saturday’s football game. More than 25 alums who were members of White’s “Showband of the Carolinas” will perform with Elon’s new marching band, “The Fire of the Carolinas,” at halftime of the game. More than 50 band alumni have returned to campus to take part in a reunion along with White, who served as band director from 1962-1986.
A special dinner and social is scheduled Friday night for alumni from the 1950s, as well as a reception for African American alumni. Friday night’s activities will conclude with an 8 p.m. pep rally and fireworks show at Rhodes Stadium and a 9 p.m. step show.
Homecoming continues Saturday with the Elon Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Alumni Association gathering in Whitley Auditorium, a 2 p.m. football game against Liberty University and the Alumni Gala party from 8 p.m.-midnight.