Enthusiasm and a renewed sense of family marked UNC Greensboro’s 2022 Homecoming, bringing together current students and alumni who had waited patiently for this weekend.
Alumni took part in the festivities on campus for the first time since the implementation of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The Classes of 1971 and ’72 held their 50th anniversary reunions.
Cheryl Callahan ’71 and Jim Lancaster ’72 were the class chairs. Lancaster was eager to share in some of the traditions that began after his graduation.
He says, “I had the opportunity before Homecoming to sit quietly on the campus one afternoon and to admire the beauty and tranquility of the place. I was excited to share the present-day UNCG with my classmates who may have been away for some time.”
Callahan looked forward to seeing the new state-of-the-art Nursing and Instructional Building. “The late Dean Robin Remsburg – who oversaw its design and development – was a special friend,” she says. “I know I will feel her presence when I enter that building.”
Students and guests took part in all the Spartan customs, such as lighting up the night sky with the bonfire. Ashlee Hand and Victoria Howard were crowned the Homecoming royalty.
A Food Truck Festival ensured there was no shortage of tasty treats. The School of Theatre presented their adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Assistant Professor Mya Brown.
On Saturday, the Black Alumni Network held its inaugural family reunion. A Celebration of Women in Sports Luncheon coincided with 50 years since the adoption of Title IX. Dr. Bev Warren ’70, President Emerita of Kent State University, was the speaker.
“She clearly laid out the past, present and future of the effects of Title IX on all levels of female athletics from childhood through college,” says Susan McDonald ’67, one of the luncheon organizers. “Most importantly she pointed out how much more there is to be done to ensure that girls and young women have equal opportunity as their male counterparts at all level of sport.”
Visitors got to see the new mural by artist Jeks One to celebrate the Light the Way campaign. It has raised more than $143 million of its $200 million goal to increase access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs. It will be permanently displayed at Fountain View.
Women’s soccer gave a rousing finale to the weekend revelry on Sunday. They shut out Wofford with a 4-0 win. UNCG is now outscoring its Southern Conference opponents 12-5. SoCon named sophomore forward Nadia Wilson and men’s soccer senior defender Ethan Conley players of the week.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by David Lee Row, Grant Evan Gilliard, and Sean Norona, University Communications
