Tusculum College students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends will be celebrating Homecoming 2012 with an activity-filled, four-day event September 27-30.
“In the days leading up to our Homecoming football match-up against Brevard College, we have a wide variety of activities and events for our alumni, parents, students and friends who are in Tusculum this weekend to celebrate and reconnect with old friends,” said Susan D. Crum, associate vice president for institutional advancement for Tusculum College.
Homecoming 2012, set this year for September 27-30, features a four-day schedule of activities to enjoy. Those wishing to participate in any or all of the events and activities can register for Homecoming online at www.tusculum.edu/alumni or by calling the Office of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 27, with a Chili Cook-off at 11 a.m. in the Pioneer Arena Lobby in the Niswonger Commons. Stop by and taste the chili recipes prepared by various departments and offices on campus. Guests may vote for the best tasting and the best showmanship.
That evening an Alumni Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Afton, as well as “Agate Hill to Appomattox” with Barbara Bates Smith. This “Arts, Acts, Academia” presentation is a one-person show that consists of theatre, music and history. Show begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Behan Arena Theater in the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building.
On Friday, a trip to Bright’s Zoo has been scheduled at 9 a.m. Bright’s Zoo is located in Limestone and is home to many rare species. Limited transportation will be provided. Those staying close to campus can enjoy a picnic lunch with Tusculum College students at 11 a.m. on the terrace of the Thomas J. Garland Library.
Also on the agenda for Friday is the Homecoming 2012 Golf Tournament. Registration begins at noon, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Held at Link Hills Golf Course, the tournament features a scramble format, with a handicap system applied for a net division and a gross division. First place will be awarded for each division. The outing will include lunch and goody bags.
The President Andrew Johnson Museum will be hosting its Tusculum College “home movies” exhibit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. is the All-Alumni Awards Dinner at the General Morgan Inn .A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., and dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. alumni awards will be presented during the dinner. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
Saturday begins with a Memorial Service at 9:15 a.m. in the lobby of the Thomas J. Garland Library, where family members and friends gather for a special service of remembrance for those who have passed away since Homecoming 2011. The Memorial Service is followed by the annual meeting of the Tusculum College Alumni Association at 10 a.m.
The Homecoming Parade begins at 11:30 a.m., featuring the Homecoming Court, the Tusculum College Pioneer Band, as well as a variety of entertainment. The Golden Pioneers, those alumni celebrating their 50th reunion year, will serve as Grand Marshals.
The Pioneer Club-Homecoming Tailgate Party begins at noon at Pioneer Park. The Marching Band and cheerleaders will entertain during the pregame meal, and class photos will be taken. Game time is 2 p.m. The Pioneers take on Brevard College Tornados. At halftime, the presentation of the Homecoming Court will take place.
There will also be a Homecoming tailgate event prior to the men’s soccer game on Saturday evening. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Game time is 7 p.m. The Alumni Reunion Dinner will be held at the General Morgan Inn beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday night, complete with a live band and dancing on the Terrace.
Sunday morning is the Alumni Farewell Breakfast at 9 a.m. on the terrace of the Thomas J. Garland Library, followed by the Homecoming Chapel Service at 9:45 a.m.
For more information on the specifics of events or to register, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 423-636-7303.