Hawks from all generations are returning to the nest as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore hosts Homecoming 2024 events from Nov. 3-10.
Many events are open to the public.
The theme for this year’s event, “Do the Shore Thing,” is based on the 1989 Spike Lee film, “Do the Right Thing.”
Jada Wilkinson, 2024-25 Student Government Association vice president, said the choice of this year’s theme is a nod to the Hawks that came before them.
“We wanted this to be a moment of paying homage,” Wilkinson said. “We wanted to pay homage to the fact that we’re having our alumni come back. So, having a throwback that alumni can connect with was important.”
For alumni returning to campus for homecoming, the opportunity to reconnect and the ability to profess their love for their alma mater is what brings them back each year.
“UMES was a place that our families trusted to take good care of us while we advanced in our studies,” said Teonna Wallop, a 2000 graduate, who is also president of the UMES National Alumni Association. “We created some of the dopest friendships and memories on this campus. Some of our biggest lessons learned were also right here at home.”
Highlights of Homecoming 2024 include:
- Sunday services at Metropolitan United Methodist Church on Nov. 3 and 10;
- A pep rally on Monday, Nov. 4;
- An election day rally and watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5;
- The crowning of Mr. and Miss UMES during coronation on Wednesday, Nov. 6;
- The biannual UMES Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and Greek Step Show on Friday, Nov. 8;
- And the men’s and women’s basketball games preceded by the homecoming tailgate on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Added Wallop: “This is our yearly family reunion. I hope that alumni will cherish every moment that we’re afforded to come back here. Without a home, there is no homecoming!”
For the full schedule of all homecoming events, go to the UMES Homecoming 2024 page. And keep track of the latest homecoming highlights with the #Hawkcoming24 and #DoTheShoreThing hashtags on social media.
