Elon University looks forward to welcoming alumni back to campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Nov. 5-7.
The whole of the Elon community — alumni of all generations, current students, faculty, staff, local fans and friends of Elon — will join together as the university celebrates Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2021.
Returning alumni should register by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, to make sure they don’t miss out on any of the exciting events and celebrations planned for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, which will be held Nov. 5-7. All attendees can stop by the Martin Alumni Center during Homecoming Weekend to pick up their free T-shirt while supplies last.
The majority of Homecoming 2020 events were held virtually, so the Elon faithful are eager to return to the campus and community they greatly cherish. A variety of activities and celebrations will be taking place, including the Rock the Block community party, the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, the gathering of the classes of 1970 and 1971 for the Golden Alumni medallion ceremony. With dozens of events across the three days, there will be something for everyone.
The centerpiece event of the weekend will be the chance to cheer on the Phoenix as Elon Football looks to extend its three-game winning streak as they take on the Villanova Wildcats at Rhodes Stadium at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
To ensure a healthy and safe environment, the university’s indoor mask requirement remains in effect during Homecoming weekend. All students, employees and visitors must wear masks in indoor campus spaces (except when alone in a private office, in a residence hall/apartment room or while eating or drinking). Masks will be required for all indoor events.
Throughout the weekend, all alumni, students and employees are also encouraged to have a mask handy for outdoor events with large crowds, and where social distancing is not possible.
Haggard Avenue will be closed to non-emergency vehicle traffic from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5 between North O’Kelly Avenue and Williamson Avenue.
Below are select events taking place during Homecoming. All festivities and additional details about the weekend can be found on the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2021 website.
Friday, Nov. 5
Alumni Hospitality and Information Center
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Martin Alumni Center
Stop by your alumni home on campus! We will have refreshments, your free t-shirt and information for the weekend waiting for you at the Martin Alumni Center.
Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon and Ceremony
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Inn at Elon
The awards ceremony serves to recognize the recipients of the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards in front of family, friends and special members of the Elon community. This year’s recipients are: Priscilla Awkard ’95, Steve Ellington ’80, Michelle Wideman ’00, and Kevin Gilmore ’96.
Golden Alumni Luncheon and Induction Ceremony
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
McKinnon Hall E&F, Moseley Student Center
Members of the classes of 1970 & 1971 and all Golden Alumni are invited to attend this special luncheon, honoring the 50th reunion. Help us welcome the classes of 1970 & 1971 into the Golden Alumni Family! Members of the Class of 1970 & 1971 are encouraged to attend to receive their medallion and take a class photo.
Tickets: Free for all Golden Alumni and one guest, $20 for additional guests.
Alumni Reflection and Remembrance
1 – 5 p.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Stop by the Sacred Space in the Numen Lumen Pavilion for reflection and prayers in remembrance of classmates who have passed.
Elon History Trivia
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Belk Library/Koenigsberger Learning Center Room 127
How well do you know your Elon history? Join Elon University Archives & Belk Library to test your Elon history knowledge and win prizes!
Rock the Block: #ElonHome Community Block Party
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Haggard Avenue
Kick off your Homecoming weekend festivities at this block party with the entire Elon community of alumni, faculty/staff and students. Sample the menus of different food trucks, challenge your friends to a game of corn hole, dance to live music performed by The Band Punch, or play with your children at one of the inflatables or activities just for kids. It will be an evening of fun for everyone!
Loy Farm Open House
5 – 6 p.m.
Loy Farm
Loy Farm includes a solar farm and the Elon Environmental Center, which includes the responsible design studio, forest classroom and agricultural farm. Come learn about the sustainability initiatives taking place at Loy Farm. It is located at 2635 W Front Street Burlington, NC 27215, which is a short walk from main campus along the greenway path. Limited parking is also available on site.
50th Reunion Dinner
5:30 – 8 p.m.
McKinnon Hall
Celebrate your 50th Reunion! Share stories and memories of your time at Elon. Reconnect with classmates over a meal while sharing stories, photos and a video commemorating a special time in your lives.
Women’s Volleyball vs. Hofstra
7 – 9 p.m.
Schar Center
Watch Elon Women’s Volleyball team take on Hofstra. No tickets required.
The Magnificents at Elon
8 – 10:30 p.m.
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center
Join us for live music by the Magnificents for memories of many years ago! Cash bar available. Doors open at 7:30 and the band begins at 8 p.m.
EBAN After Dark
8:30 – 11 p.m.
Lakeside Meeting Room
The Elon Black Alumni Network will be hosting a kickback that will feature the artistic talents of our very own alumni including live music, spoken word poetry, and much more. If you are interested in showcasing your talents, email ebanblackalumni@gmail.com. Beer and wine cash bar available.
Saturday, Nov. 6
Sweat it Out with Dionne Eleby
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
Koury Center Studio 6
Grab your sneakers and join the chapter for a high energy workout with Crown Fitness instructor Soror Dionne Eleby. All fitness levels are welcome. Be sure to bring a towel and a great attitude! Snacks and water will be provided.
Yoga under the Oaks
9 – 10 a.m.
Under the Oaks
Bring out your inner yogi in your favorite spot on campus, Under the Oaks. We will lead you through a 60-minute flow class leaving you quieter and more relaxed than when you started! Bring a water and a mat or towel if you have one – if not just indicate you’ll need one on the registration page! We can’t wait to flow with you!
EBAN 25th Anniversary Alumni Awards Brunch
9 – 11 a.m.
Inn at Elon
This signature event will honor five deserving individuals through the annual awards program and will feature a live jazz band and mimosa cash bar. In addition to celebrating EBAN’s 25th anniversary, we will also recognize the following reunion groups during the brunch: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We look forward to seeing you there!
LGBTQIA Community Enrichment Awards
11 a.m. – Noon
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center
This signature event will honor deserving alumni and community members who have made a significant impact on the LGBTQIA communities. Brunch will include a full buffet breakfast and mimosa bar. We look forward to seeing you there!
Classes of 1970 & 1971 50th Reunion Tailgate
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lake Mary Nell Promenade
The ticket price includes a hearty lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available) and your favorite tailgate lawn games. There will be reserved seating for the Classes of 1970 and 1971 50th Reunion!
All Alumni Tailgate Village
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lake Mary Nell Promenade
The ticket price includes a hearty tailgate lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available) and your favorite lawn games and music. The tailgate village includes general seating and reserved areas for the following groups: Phi Mu, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Zeta Tau Alpha, Class of 1966, Classes of 1970 & 1971, Classes of 1975 & 1976, Classes of 1980 & 1981, Classes of 1985 & 1986, Classes of 1990 & 1991, Classes of 1995 & 1996, Classes of 2000 & 2001, Classes of 2005 & 2006, Classes of 2010 & 2011, Classes of 2015 & 2016, and Classes of 2020 & 2021.
EBAN Tailgate
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Corner of Phoenix and Bank of America Drive
Tickets: $15 per person (separate food from tailgate village), $20 at the door The ticket price includes lunch, music and your favorite tailgate lawn games. The EBAN tailgate includes general seating and reserved areas for the following reunion groups: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Elon vs. Villanova Football Game
2 – 5 p.m.
Rhodes Stadium
Don’t miss out on the Phoenix facing Villanova! Class and affinity reunion groups may select to sit together by using the drop-down menu on the second page of the registration form. (These block tickets will be available as supplies last.) Ticket price includes a $2 processing fee. All football tickets will be sent to alumni and guest’s smart phone via email or text from the Elon Athletics Ticket Office. If you have any questions regarding your football tickets, please direct them to the Elon Athletics ticket office at athtickets@elon.edu.
Reunion Zero Celebration
6 – 8 p.m.
Oak House
Find your classmates from 2020 and 2021 at the Oak House on Saturday night to celebrate your first reunion back on campus as alumni! The first 25 alumni from each class to register and attend will also receive an Oak House pint glass. Can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Department of Performing Arts Presents “42nd Street”
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
McCrary Theatre
Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City from Allenstown, Pennsylvania, with hopes of becoming a Broadway star. Facing adversity from all directions, the young and talented performer learns about show business and discovers which relationships are most important in life. This dance-heavy 1980 Tony Award winner for Best Musical is based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the 1933 Academy Award winning musical film. Elon’s deconstructed version will investigate gender norms and other contemporary issues. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available beginning October 8.
Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN) Game Night
8 – 11 p.m.
Moseley Center, Room 215
Enjoy good competition? Grab your teammate and come out to EBANs Game Night for some friendly competition and your chance at the grand prize & bragging rights. See you there! Beer and wine cash bar will be available.