Homecoming 2015 brings around 200 alumni back to campus

Around 200 alumni returned to campus for Homecoming 2015 for two fun-filled days of activities October 9 and 10.

Homecoming activities began Friday morning with a “Memory Lane” display of photos, yearbooks and items from days of Tusculum past organized by the Museums of Tusculum that was visited by a number of alumni as they registered for activities.

Members of the winning team in the Gross Division of the golf tournament were Bill Smith, left, and Eldon Duncan. Not available for the photo were Bob Bowers and Jack Kilday.

A group of alumni also visited Bright’s Zoo, a local attraction owned and operated by two Tusculum alumni that features a number of endangered species. Other alumni enjoyed a “lunch with students” sharing stories of their time at Tusculum with current students and in turn, learning about today’s student experience at Tusculum from some of the leaders on campus.

Although the weather had looked threatening during the morning, skies cleared and those competing in the annual golf tournament had ideal conditions for an afternoon on the links.

The Museums of Tusculum also had two events during the afternoon – Kathy Cuff, college archivist, shared a wealth of information about preserving keepsakes during a workshop in the Perk. A reception was held in the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library for a student exhibit that examines life on campus through the decades.

The Net Division winners in the golf tournament were Bob Pollock, Kathy Fuzer, and Richard Winant.

Saturday morning began with a memorial service, remembering the more than 40 alumni who had passed away since Homecoming 2014. Following a breakfast for alumni, the three newest inductees into the Tusculum College Sports Hall of Fame were recognized – Dr. Jarrell NeSmith’09,Corey Russell ’09 and Josh Wolff ’06. NeSmith and Russell were recognized for their outstanding careers on the gridiron while Wolff was honored for his achievements on the baseball diamond.

Recognition of four deserving individuals highlighted the annual Alumni Association meeting. Santo Cicirello ’63 was recognized with the Pioneer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. In presenting the award, Dr. Larry Brotherton ’70 described Cicirello as a “champion” of his Alma Mater. Cicirello serves on the Alumni Executive Board and is chairman of the Council on Church Relations for the College. He is passionate in his desire to see a chapel built on campus that would give students of all faiths a quiet place for meditation and reflection and encourages other alumni to give their loose change for the chapel.

The newest inductees into the Tusculum College Sports Hall of Fame were honored Saturday morning. From left are Josh Wolff '06 (baseball), Corey Russell '09 (football) and Dr. Jarrell NeSmith '09 (football).

The Frontier Award, which recognizes a successful alumni who has graduated within the past 15 years, was presented to Marcus Holland ’05. Holland is a district manager for Walgreen’s and is now serving in western North Carolina. Holland has shared his inspiring story with Tusculum students, encouraging them to persevere to achieve their dreams.

The National Alumni Recognition Award was presented to Suzanne Richey ’14, director of college communications at Tusculum, not only for her excellence in promoting the College to the community at large but also her encouragement and mentoring of students who intern or have work study in her office.

Santo Cicirello '63 accepts the Pioneer Award from Dr. Larry Brotherton '70 during the Alumni Association meeting.

Dr. Melinda Dukes, professor of psychology, was presented the National Living Faculty Award. Dr. Dukes has been a part of the Tusculum College community since 1989. She was involved in the creation of the Civic Arts curriculum and has served in a variety of academic leadership positions, including as the vice president of academic affairs, before her return to the classroom this year.

The Alumni Association meeting also marked the conclusion of Lynn Battle ’62’s successful term as president. At the end of the meeting, Battle passed the gavel to Angelo Botta ’75, the incoming president.

The award winners were among the participants in the Homecoming Parade. The Golden Pioneer Class of 1965 served as marshals for the parade, which featured the student Homecoming Court, student organizations and the Tusculum Marching Band.

Bob Pollock '65 presented the Frontier Award to Marcus Holland '05.

Scrumptious barbecue and all the fixings were enjoyed during the Pioneer Pete Tailgate prior to the exciting football game. Alumni, students and community members also had the opportunity to sign a steel beam that was placed a week later at the topmost point of the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math. The Pioneers defeated nationally ranked foe Lenoir-Rhyne to complete an enjoyable afternoon.

Homecoming activities wound down with dinner, music and fellowship Saturday evening at the General Morgan Inn.

Make plans now to join in the fun next year – Homecoming 2016 will be October 21-22.

 

Suzanne Richey '14, director of college communications, is presented the National Alumni Recognition Award by Lynn Battle '62.