Homecoming Week Activities Highlight TSU’s 100th Anniversary

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  (TSU News Service) – Inspired by the yearlong celebration of 100 years of achievement and tradition, Tennessee State University will welcome alumni, students, community members and friends to the University September 23-29 for Homecoming 2012.

Named A Centennial Homecoming, this year’s celebration will include many of the traditional events, but will also feature new activities geared toward celebrating the 100-year anniversary.

“I think for the community and the state, this is a real milestone for Nashville’s only public University,” said Portia Shields, TSU President. “It’s our opportunity to celebrate the past, but also look forward to the future as we move the University into a new era.”

While TSU has cherished and maintained certain Homecoming traditions, it has also moved forward across the century, finding new ways to celebrate pride in the institution, its students and its alumni. Innovations that have sprung up over the years include the parade, pep rally, Homecoming Court, tent parties and many additional campus activities.

“This year’s celebration is expected to be our biggest ever,” said Cassandra Griggs, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “We recognize that every year Homecoming is a special time at the University, but 2012 promises to be even larger because of our Centennial. This celebration promises to bring students, alumni and the campus community together to commemorate the University’s 100-year anniversary.”

This year’s student and alumni events include:  (EXCERPT)

Friday, Sept. 28

• Breakfast of Champions, 8 a.m., Floyd Payne Campus Center, Kean Hall, $15 per person, $20 after 9/13/12
• Charles Campbell Fish Fry, 11 a.m., Gentry Complex lawn, for tickets email dsjanitorialserv@bellsouth.net
• Homecoming Pep Rally, 11:45 a.m., Hale Stadium (Gentry Complex-Inclement Weather)
• Gateway to Heritage Plaza Announcement, 3 p.m., Jefferson Street beneath I-40 overpass
• TSU Pan-Hellenic Step Show, 4 p.m., Gentry Complex
• 13^th Annual Agriculture & Home Economics Hall of Fame, 7 p.m., Gaylord Opryland Resort, email shpatterson@tnstate.edu for information

Saturday, Sept. 29

• Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m., parade starts at Walter S. Davis Blvd.
• Showcase of Bands, 11 a.m., Hale Stadium
  Homecoming Pre-Game Festivities, 4:45 p.m. LP Field
• Homecoming Football Game, TSU vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 5 p.m., LP Field (Centennial Fireworks Show immediately following the game)
• The Official TSUNAA Homecoming After Party, 9 p.m., Gaylord Opryland Resort, www.tsu-alumni.org for more information

View the complete Homecoming Schedule including student, alumni and reunion events

Video Above: The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands enters the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Theme Park in Orlando, Florida on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 to kick off the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade.  Videographer: Cass Teague