Homecoming and Reunion Week Set for Nov. 10-14 (10/26/26)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lori Tuttle, executive director of alumni relations, looks forward to a weekend with beautiful weather where alumni will have the opportunity to take campus tours and attend sports events.
• Those whose class year ends with a 1 or a 6 will celebrate milestone reunions at the Alumni Reunion Brunch in McBryde Hall.

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University alumni will return to Rock Hill during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 13-14, to visit with former classmates and enjoy a host of activities.

Lori Tuttle, executive director of alumni relations, looks forward to a weekend with beautiful weather where alumni will have the opportunity to take campus tours and attend sports events. Those whose class year ends with a 1 or a 6 will celebrate milestone reunions at the Alumni Reunion Brunch in McBryde Hall.

"Our alumni will be thrilled to see how the campus continues to evolve," Tuttle said. For example, a construction fence has been erected where a new four-story, 400-bed residence hall will be built along Cherry Road on the site where two former high-rise residence halls-Wofford and Richardson-were demolished in 2024. This is the first new construction since 2010. In addition, work is underway for the Center for Career Development and Internships to move to a new home in the DiGiorgio Campus Center in December.

The Alumni Association will kick off the week on Tuesday, Nov. 10, with a Faculty/Staff Alumni Lunch for the nearly 250 employees who are proud Winthrop alumni. The lunch will be held in Richardson Ballroom in the DiGiorgio Campus Center, with brief remarks by President Edward Serna, a member of the Winthrop Class of 2002. A group photo is planned at the conclusion of the event.

Alumni events kick off on Thursday, Nov. 12, with "From Winthrop to the World: An Education Discussion" at 4:30 p.m. in Room 114, DiGiorgio Campus Center. The Rev. Dr. Betty Creamer '73 will talk about how her life's work in education, religion and society has made her life fulfilling. She was once a Headmaster in a Muslim country, then became ordained as an Episcopal priest and now lives in Lake Chapala, Mexico, where she directs the program of theological education to prepare students for ordination in Mexico's English-language Anglican Churches. At 6 p.m., alumni are invited to The Journeyman where Dan Drane, professor of sport management, will explore the rapidly expanding world of sports betting and the ethical questions lurking behind every wager.

Alumni arriving in Rock Hill on Friday, Nov. 13, can participate in several activities. They include:

-The Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House will hold an Open House from 10-11 a.m. to see how Winthrop history has come to life.

-In Johnson Hall, the Winthrop Dance Theatre will showcase pieces choreographed by Winthrop faculty and guest artists at 10 a.m. and then again at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

-At 3 p.m., Shaun Cassidy, professor of fine arts, will lead the Campus Art Tour, while traditional campus tours led by Presidential Ambassadors will be held at 3, 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.

-In honor of the 50th anniversary of Greek Life at Winthrop, Greek alumni are invited to a drop-in from 3-5 p.m. in Byrnes Auditorium to view memorabilia and celebrate 50 years of fraternal excellence. Alumni are encouraged to wear their Greek letters.

-Alumni are invited to the 4 p.m. dedication of the Computer Science Room in Vivian Moore Carroll Hall, which will be named in recognition of a generous gift from Ty Hensley '90.

-The Alumni Welcome Reception at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House and Homecoming Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing kick off the evening events at 6 p.m. The brewery, located behind the Winthrop campus, is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee '05, Matt Poston '11 and Ron Fasick '02.

-The Class of 1976 will be honored with a special reception and dinner in celebration of its 50-year class reunion in Richardson Ballroom.

-At the Winthrop Coliseum, the volleyball team will host Gardner-Webb at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14, events include:

-The Alumni Reunion Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in McBryde Hall.

- The Alumni Choir Concert at 11 a.m. in Byrnes Auditorium. The concert is free, open to the public and will include pieces sung by the Winthrop Alumni Choir and Winthrop Chorale.

- Tailgating at the Winthrop Coliseum from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

-The women's basketball team versus Clinton College at the Winthrop Coliseum at noon. The men's basketball team will tip off at 2:30 p.m. against Jackson State University. Homecoming Royalty winners will be announced at halftime of the men's game.

*Please note that traffic around the Winthrop Coliseum area will be heavy on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Students also will enjoy a variety of Homecoming activities:

To start the week, there will be a Homecoming Spirit Meal and Homecoming Court Presentation from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in Eagle Eatery in Thomson Hall. The Royalty Court will be presented, with voting to begin immediately.

-On Tuesday, Nov. 10, there will be lights, music, games and some friendly competition with some Vegas Vibes during the DSU Casino Night. The casino-style games start at 7 p.m. in Richardson Ballroom.

-Look for the Talent Show on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Students will take the stage to showcase their unique skill, whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, or some hidden talent. This event is a campus-wide event sponsored by Residence Life.

-On Friday, Nov. 13, fraternity and sorority members will take part in the 50th anniversary celebration of Greek Life at Winthrop during the 3-5 p.m. drop-in at Byrnes. The volleyball team takes to the court at 6 p.m. at the Winthrop Coliseum against Gardner-Webb.

-On Saturday, Nov. 14, students, alumni, family and friends can tailgate at the Coliseum from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is $20 per car.

A campus shuttle will begin taking students to the Coliseum beginning at 10:45 a.m. at Scholars Walk. The shuttle will run every quarter hour, with the last drop-off at 7:45 p.m.

For more Homecoming information and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.winthrop.edu/homecoming or contact the Winthrop Alumni Association at 803/323-2145.