More than 200 alumni and friends are expected to participate in activities related to Homecoming 2012 at Tusculum College, September 27-30.
“Decorations are up, students are wearing their orange and black, even the weather feels like Homecoming is here,” said Jessica Snoeyenbos, assistant director or alumni relations for Tusculum College. “It is so exciting to have a campus full of alumni and friends celebrating with our students, faculty and staff during Homecoming.”
Homecoming 2012, set this year for September 27-30, features a schedule with four days 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 lobby of the Pioneer Arena in 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 Jonesborough and is home to many rare species. Limited transportation will be provided. Those staying close to campus can enjoy a special 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, beverages and goody bags.
From 2-4 p.m. on Friday, an Old Oak Festival Sneak Peek Show, which will be staged behind McCormick Hall on campus. The event will feature a jam session with Herb Rupert class of ’74; Kenneth Winterbauer class of ’73; Tal Hurley class of ’77, and Wayne Hensley class of ’72. Winterbauer, Rupert and Hensley played in the band, “Shiloh” when they were on campus. Other appearances will include, “Shiloh Road,” a rock band made up of current Tusculum students. The Creamy Cup will also be at the event selling refreshments.
Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. is the All-Alumni Dinner and Dance. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
Saturday begins with a Memorial Service at 9:15 a.m., where family members and friends of alumni lost during the past year join to remember 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 and floats. 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. Game time is 2 p.m. The Pioneers take on Brevard College Tornados. At halftime, the presentation of the Homecoming Court will take place.
At 5 p.m. a tailgate will be held prior to the men’s soccer game against Bethel University at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the President’s Box at Pioneer Field.
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 Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303.