Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109 jbaile19@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Thousands of West Virginia State University (WVSU) alumni from around the country are expected to descend on Institute Oct. 3-5 for the school’s annual Homecoming celebration.
This year’s celebration will feature a variety of activities designed for all ages, including the annual Homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct.5, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a family fun area in the Erickson Alumni Center parking lot with games, activities and a variety of food from local vendors. In addition, each of the University’s colleges will be hosting a tailgating event, giving alumni returning to campus a chance to reconnect with their favorite faculty members.
The annual Homecoming football game will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday with the Yellow Jackets taking on the Urbana University Blue Knights. Tickets are $5 at the gate. After the game on the Student Plaza, a free pig roast will be hosted by WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill.
“Homecoming is an exciting and inspirational time when the State family comes together to celebrate the University’s rich traditions, reminisce about the past and plan for the future,” Hemphill said. “Once a year, Yellow Jackets from the local community, state and nation converge upon the Kanawha Valley in great numbers to demonstrate their connection to ‘a place we love so dear.'”
The three-day event kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. with a Young Alumni Mixer in the Erickson Alumni Center on WVSU’s Institute campus. This free event will allow for an evening of networking and socializing.
Friday, Oct. 4, will feature a variety of activities including a Homecoming golf outing at Little Creek Country Club in South Charleston. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. This four-man scramble costs $50 per person and all proceeds support the WVSU W Club and the men’s basketball program.
At 11 a.m. on campus in the auditorium of the Davis Fine Arts building there will be an induction ceremony for new members of the ROTC Hall of Fame. The event is open to the public and a reception will follow in the Ferguson-Lincoln Military Science Building.
Friday’s events will also feature walking tours of campus, an open house in the University Archives and a planned giving seminar.
Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Charleston will be the annual William L. Lonesome Alumnus of the Year Award Ceremony and Class Reunion Dinner. Tickets to the dinner are $50 and must be purchased in advance by calling (304) 766-3387 or visiting .
Saturday, Oct. 5, beginning at 7:30 a.m. will be the second annual Yellow Jacket 5k Run/Walk to help raise money for WVSU students. Preregistration for the race is $20 and $25 on the day of the race. To register online, visit .
Also on Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m. in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium of Ferrell Hall, a Step Show will be performed. General admission tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. Student tickets are $5. The annual WVSU alumni dinner will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Charleston. Tickets are $50 and are available for purchase online at .
At 10 p.m. there will be a Young Alumni Black & Gold Party at the Charleston Town Center Marriott with food, fun and music by DJ Jon Quick. Tickets are $20 and also available for purchase online.
For more information and a complete schedule of all Homecoming events, visit , or contact Belinda Fuller at (304) 766-3387 or .