The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) presents “Hawkcoming After Next” from Nov. 2-9, a weeklong celebration featuring various homecoming events for students, alumni, and the community.
“This year’s Homecoming will be an exciting way to continue the traditions of connecting the current generation of UMES students with the legacies that came before them,” said Dr. D. Jamar Simmons, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students. “We’ve focused on being more intentional with student engagement by offering a multitude of opportunities for the campus community to show their Hawk Pride.”
The festivities start with a praise-filled Sunday beginning with “Church After Next,” a service for the entire campus community, on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Following the service, there will be a “Fellowship Feast” held at the Student Services Center (SSC) Allen J. Singleton multipurpose room and adjacent outdoor patio area.
The day concludes with the “Praise Unplugged” gospel concert at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts at 6 p.m. The event, which includes performances by Ricky Dillard and the New G, the UMES Gospel Choir, UMES Reunion Choir, and the University of Maryland Gospel Choir, is free for UMES students and $20 for the general public.
The official Homecoming kick-off begins on Monday, Nov. 3, with “Maroon and Gray Madness” from noon to 2 p.m. at the SSC Rotunda and Cafeteria. The action then moves to the William P. Hytche Athletic Center with the “Topflight Pep Rally” from 5- 7:30 p.m., before concluding with the “Late Shift: SSC Takeover event from 7:30-11:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, alumni faculty and staff share their wisdom with current students during the “Legacies Over Lunch” Luncheon in the SSC cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., before things ramp up again with the “Stay Plottin’ Official Homecoming Darty (Day Party)” at the UMES Greek Plots, beginning at 5 p.m.
Homecoming reaches its mid-point on Wednesday, Nov. 5, with four events, starting with the “Hawk Street Market,” where student entrepreneurs showcase their businesses at the SSC from noon to 2 p.m. Later that evening, this year’s Mr. and Miss UMES are officially crowned during the coronation ceremony at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts at 6 p.m., followed by a coronation ball and reception in the SSC Ballroom.
Some of the institution’s seasoned Hawks will converge on the Richard A. Henson Center for the 60th anniversary reunion for the Maryland State College/UMES Class of 1965.
The itinerary for Thursday, Nov. 6 brings “The Nest Fest” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SSC Theatre, followed later in the day by the Hip-Hop Homecoming Concert at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts from 8-11 p.m., featuring Cash Cobain, BunnaB, Zeddy Will, and various special guests. UMES student tickets are $30; $45 for the general public and at the door.
The UMES National Alumni Association will host the “Brims & Gems” Life Member & Class Reunion Sneaker Ball at the Richard A. Henson Center from 7-11 p.m.
Starting Friday, Nov. 7, former Hawks return to the nest, beginning with Alumni Central taking place in the SSC Rotunda and Game Room areas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional events include a “Friday on the Yard!” celebration in the SSC Courtyard from noon to 3 p.m., followed by a reception recognizing former student leaders from 3:30-4:30, p.m., and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show from 8-11 p.m. at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts.
The step show is $10 for UMES students and $25 for the general public.
The action ramps up on Saturday, Nov. 8 with the “Destination 1886” parade starting at 9 a.m. on campus. At 10 a.m., the Homecoming Tailgate goes into full effect through 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Student Cultural Development Center (SDC) parking lot.
Later in the day, the UMES women’s and men’s basketball teams take the court of the Hytche Athletic Center for a hoops doubleheader. Both teams face off against Cheyney University at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively. General admission for the basketball game is $26, and reserved seating is $51.
Following the game, there’s an array of events for UMES alumni, including the Class of 1975 Reunion in the SSC multipurpose room, “Overtime: The Grown Folks Event” at the Richard A. Henson Center from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sirius Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Brew River in Salisbury.
Events for Homecoming are subject to change.
For additional information, visit https://wwwcp.umes.edu/homecoming/ for student events and https://www.umesnaa.org/hawkcoming/ for a listing of alumni events.
