Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109 Jbaile19@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will celebrate its 2017 Homecoming with a variety of activities held at the school’s Institute campus beginning Sept. 23 and concluding Sept. 30.
A highlight of the annual celebration will be the State of the University address by WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium, located on the second floor of Ferrell Hall.
“Homecoming is a special time of year as the Yellow Jacket Nation gathers to celebrate our proud history, as we welcome alumni from all over the world home to the place they love so dear,” said Jenkins. “It is also a time to look forward and discuss the steps being taken and actions needed to keep us at the forefront of meeting the needs of our students and driving the region and state’s economy.”
Homecoming festivities officially kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 23, with the annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the plaza of the James C. Wilson University Union. Register online at TriStateRacer.com. The cost is $20 in advance of the race, or $25 on race day.
Other activities scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 28, include a WVSU National Alumni Association Board Meeting set for 3 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Charleston, and a Young Alumni Mixer at 7 p.m. in the Erickson Alumni Center on campus.
On Friday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. in the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery of the Davis Fine Arts Building a dedication ceremony will be held for a portrait honoring the late Lou Myers. A 1962 WVSU graduate, Myers was a world-renowned stage and film actor known for his role as Mr. Gaines on the hit television show “A Different World.”
At 11 a.m. on Friday in the Fannin S. Belcher Theater of the Davis Fine Arts Building an induction ceremony will be held to honor the newest members of the Yellow Jacket Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame. Friday’s Homecoming activities will also include a Golf Outing at Little Creek Country Club in South Charleston with registration at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Cost is $50 per player and proceeds benefit the WVSU men’s basketball team.
At 3 p.m. in the Dr. Ann Brothers Smith Conference Room of the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall, President Jenkins will hold an open forum and take questions from alumni, guests and friends. Friday at 7:30 p.m. the WVSU National Alumni Association will hold its annual Homecoming Awards Banquet at Embassy Suites in Charleston. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by visiting or by calling (304) 766-3387.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8:30 a.m. in room 134 of the Wilson University Union, the National “W” Club will induct new members into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Cost to attend the induction brunch is $10 and tickets will be sold at the event.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 30, the annual Homecoming Parade will begin at Shawnee Park and proceed along Route 25 before turning onto campus and continuing along the red road through the heart of campus to the football field where it will be followed by tailgating.
At 1:30 p.m. the WVSU Yellow Jackets will take on the Glenville State College Pioneers in the annual Homecoming football game. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the gate.
At 8 p.m. Saturday there will be an alumni dinner at Embassy Suites in Charleston. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by visiting or by calling (304) 766-3387. For more information, and a complete schedule of Homecoming events, visit or call (304) 766-3387.
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