The annual Warrior Fitness Challenge, tailgating, music, fun events for kids, alumni reunions and the annual battle on the gridiron are just a few of the activities included in East Central Community College’s annual homecoming scheduled Saturday, Oct. 2, on the Decatur campus, announced Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director for foundation and alumni relations.
Dr. Hollingsworth said the theme of this year’s celebration is “Remember When in 2010.”
Homecoming week activities actually start with a tennis tournament for alumni and ECCC students, planned Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 on the College tennis courts.
The fourth annual Warrior Fitness Challenge, a 5K Run/Walk, begins events for homecoming day and gets under way at 7:30 a.m. near the Lady Warrior softball field. Registration is set for 7 a.m. at the College pavilion, located across from the softball field.
An added feature to this year’s homecoming is an oral history collection pertaining to Founders’ Gymnasium. Alumni and friends of the College who would like to provide their memories of the now historic landmark can do so from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. A video camera will be set up in Founders’ Gym to record comments.
Registration for homecoming begins at 9 a.m. on the East Mall Patio located near Mabry Memorial Cafeteria. Refreshments will be provided.
Alumni will also want to visit the Memorabilia Room in Burton Library, which will be open from 9 to 11 a.m.
Tailgating, music and other family activities get under way at 10 a.m. at the pavilion located on north campus. Special events are also scheduled for children, including inflatables, football throw, soccer goals, face painting and a rock climbing wall. The family activities conclude at 2 p.m.
Reunion groups begin their respective meetings at 10 a.m. at various campus locations according to the following schedule: Class of 1940 (Room 92, Newton Hall); Class of 1950 (Room 90, Newton Hall); Class of 1960 (Vickers Fine Arts Center Auditorium); Class of 1970 (Room 105, Newton Hall); Classes of 1979, 1980 and 1981 (Room 115, Newton Hall); Classes of 1957,1958 and 1959 (Vickers Fine Arts Center); and Warrior Corps (Thrash Auditorium, Newton Hall).
Members of the 1960 class will receive 50th Anniversary Diplomas from ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin during a special ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Vickers Fine Arts Center Auditorium.
The Warrior Club, a fundraising organization for ECCC athletics, will hold its annual meeting at 11 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Room, located in the Vincent Administration Building.
The Alumni Luncheon starts at 12 noon in Mabry Memorial Cafeteria. Recognition of Homecoming honorees and selection of Alumni Association officers highlight the program.
Warrior Club-sponsored tailgating begins at 1 p.m. on the deck inside Bailey Stadium.
ECCC and Hinds meet at 2 p.m. for the annual homecoming battle.
The presentation of the homecoming court and recognition of homecoming honorees will be made during halftime activities and will be followed by a performance from the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band.
Homecoming weekend activities conclude with the ECCC Gospel Choir Reunion Concert scheduled at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 in the Vickers Fine Arts Center Auditorium.
For more information on ECCC’s Homecoming, contact Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, 601-635-6327 or call toll free, 877-462-3222, ext. 327. Her e-mail address is sholling@eccc.edu.