Tusculum College students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends will be celebrating Homecoming 2011 with an activity-filled, four-day event September 22-25.
“We look forward to having our friends and alumni back on campus for this special time of reminiscing and making new memories,” said Colleen Cox, assistant director of alumni relations for the college.
Homecoming 2011 features an expanded 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. 22, with a Chili Cook-off at 11 a.m. in the cafeteria 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.
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 2011 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 a fried chicken lunch, beverages and goody bags.
Also on the schedule is a trip to the Myers Pumpkin Patch, where attendees can experience the beauty of fall with Vera Ann Myers, a Tusculum graduate from 1987, at her Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Bulls Gap. Limited transportation will be provided, with the group leaving campus at 2 p.m.
Friday evening offerings include the President Andrew Johnson Museum Lantern Tour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Historical re-enactors will read letters and journals and tell true stories from Tusculum during the Civil War years. At 6:30 p.m. is the All-Alumni Dinner, Dance and Sports Hall of Fame Celebration. 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. New inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame will be announced and special recognition will be given to alumni who are celebrating a reunion year.
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 2010. 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 Catawba College Indians. At halftime, the presentation of the Homecoming Court will take place.
The President Andrew Johnson Museum Lantern Tour will be held again on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. and the Alumni Reunion Dinner will be held at the General Morgan Inn beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night, complete with 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 Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303.