Monday, February 11, 2013
UMES celebrate Homecoming
Events for campus and community
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (February 8, 2013) – University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumni flock to the area for homecoming, February 10-17, spreading their affinity for the school and some of their spending power.
“Thanks to social media outlets, like Facebook and the school’s alumni site, the Hawk Zone, alumni have been informed and are sharing in the excitement as the date draws near,” said Walter Woods, the university’s assistant director of alumni affairs.
Woods said the 1,000 alumni that participate in the festivities have a positive impact on the local economy by shopping, eating and using other services.
“A number of our partner hotels have sold out of their room blocks and have had to expand the existing room blocks to accommodate returning alumni,” he said.
Events are not just for alumni, Woods explains. Tickets can be purchased by the general public, unless sold out, on the day of the event up until 30 minutes before show time in person at the Hawk Center on the second floor of the Student Services Center.
“The big event, especially for our student body and the younger crowd in the community, is the Homecoming Concert,” said James Lunnermon, UMES’ director of Campus Life. “The Step Show and the Late Night Comedy Show are always popular as well.”
The concert rocks the William P. Hytche Athletic Center Thurs., Feb. 14, from 7-11 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. This year’s headliner is R&B recording artist, “2 Chainz” with performances by “Juicy J” and “The New Impressions Band,” he said. Tickets are $45 for non-students.
The annual Step Show is the only event that advance tickets will be sold, Lunnermon said. Tickets must be purchased in person, cash only, beginning Mon., Feb. 11. The event, which takes place Fri., Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Hytche Athletic Center, highlights Greek-lettered organizations as they demonstrate their talent in the art of stepping. Tickets are $15 general admission. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Comedian Gary Owens fills the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts with laughter Tues., Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission. Other events include a fashion show Wed., Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. and a free gospel concert Sun., Feb. 10 at 6 p.m., both in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 for the fashion show.
Homecoming at UMES centers around basketball. Game time is 2 p.m. for women’s basketball and 4 p.m. for men’s basketball action against intrastate rival Morgan State University, Sat., Feb. 16. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a $25 general admission entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased at the door. A parade at 10 a.m., tailgate from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a pep rally at noon precede the game.
Visit www.umes.edu/alumni or call 410-651-6434 for more information on Homecoming Events.
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580.
