THE NSU 2019 HOMECOMING

By Shedrick Byrd

This upcoming weekend is Norfolk State University Homecoming.  I eagerly anticipate homecoming as one of my favorite times of the year.   I look forward to seeing fellow NSU alumni and old friends.  I look forward to tailgating, enjoying my own food and sampling from other tailgaters.  It’s a time when graduates wear their school colors and insignias to show their pride for being an NSU Spartan.

NSU will play against the Morgan State University Bears for the homecoming game on Saturday.  The Spartans record is 2 and 6 and the Bears record is 1 and 6.  This should be an exciting game because, sad to say, both teams have losing records. 

This year is a little bit special because Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, has recently been installed at NSU as our new President.  She is the school’s 7^th President, and she comes to NSU from Ohio State University where she was a Senior Vice President of the Office of Student Life.  She was responsible for 40 operations affecting over 66,000 students’ learning and development outside the classroom.  I am sure homecoming alumni will be enthusiastically looking forward to seeing and meeting her. 

Alumni will notice several new constructions since last homecoming.  There is a new brick entrance to the campus that represents the spirit and pride of the NSU community.  A new 750-bed residence hall is under construction for first year students.  The campus is beautiful and much different from when many of us graduated.  I do look forward to seeing my fellow college mates and friends. 

There are a number of events scheduled for homecoming starting Friday with the 24^th Annual Alumni Classic Golf Tournament at Greenbrier Country Club in Chesapeake.  An alumni welcome will be held at the Melvin and Patricia Stith Alumni House from noon until 3 p.m.  Spartan Spirit fest will be held at the Spartan Greens, Student Center from noon to 6 p.m.  Join the campus community for a fun-filled festive event that includes performances by the NSU Cheerleaders and the Spartan Legion Band.  NSU Departments will begin hosting free receptions which are scheduled between noon and 6:30 p.m.  Interested participants should call the department to get the exact time. 

On Saturday the NSU Homecoming Parade will be from 8 until 10:30 a.m. starting at Booker T. Washington High School, on Park, Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard.  The Homecoming Presidential Brunch will be from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Student Center (Invitation only).  The football game kick off time is 2 p.m.  The NSUAA will host an all-black party at the Double Tree Hotel on Military Highway from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.  NSUAA Sunday worship service will be held at the same hotel from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m.

I look forward to a successful and fun filled Homecoming!  Alumni and friends of NSU, I hope to see you there!

Shedrick Byrd is a frequent contributor to the New Journal and Guide and a graduate of Norfolk State University.