Contributed by Howard Newsroom
WASHINGTON – Howard University presents “Forward” as the theme for the 2019 Howard Homecoming festivities, scheduled Oct. 5-13, 2019. The full calendar of events is available online at https://homecoming.howard.edu/ including the highly anticipated 2019 homecoming football game. Howard Bison will compete against the Norfolk State Spartans on Saturday, October 12.
“Forward” is a concept that Howard University and all Bison embody. Howard’s community of scholars and leaders are tenacious, constantly driving progress at the University, within local communities and across the globe. Howard’s recently unveiled strategic plan, Howard Forward: 2024, outlines the University’s vision to advance the mission over the next five years. As the Bison community returns to campus with fond memories and proud reflections of the rich Howard legacy, Homecoming is also an opportunity to look ahead toward future accomplishments and milestones to come. This year’s theme reflects this sentiment.
“In alignment with our Howard Forward: 2024 strategic plan, the essence of Howard’s approach to a contemporary education can be captured in five pillars: to enhance academic excellence, inspire new knowledge, serve the community, improve efficiency and effectiveness and achieve financial sustainability,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Forward describes the energy, passion and goals of the faculty, staff, students and alumni, and is a perfect reflection of the current attitude across campus. We are firing on all cylinders, across all areas, to aggressively advance Howard forward.”
The week of festivities will begin with the annual Howard University Day of Service on Saturday, October 5, a continuation of the volunteer spirit connecting Bison to the surrounding community. Service will segue into a day of praise at Howard’s legendary “Call to Chapel” on Sunday, October 6. Howard University’s Department of Athletics and its student athletes will host a campus-wide pep rally on Monday, October 7.
“Howard is fortunate to have an engaged alumni base, talented faculty and staff and a student body who are passionate about purpose. We invite everyone to experience the energy of Howard Homecoming first-hand,” says Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations David P. Bennett. “This is an incredible time to be a Bison and Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity to come to campus see how Howard is, indeed, leading and moving forward.”
Homecoming Week will feature many time-honored, fan favorite activities designed for Bison of all ages, including the Student Fashion Show, the Greek Step Show, and President Frederick’s State of the University Address. The week-long festivities will close out with the Alumni Jazz Brunch and the Gospel Concert on Sunday, October 13.
“As we welcome alumni and friends back to campus, we invite the entire Howard community to get in the Homecoming spirit, fellowship and collaborate on ways to move the institution forward,” says President Frederick.
For a complete list of events, visit https://homecoming.howard.edu/. To follow the latest homecoming news on social media, use the hashtags #HUHC19 and #HowardHomecoming
Day of Service
Date: Saturday, October 5
Location: Various communities surrounding Howard University
Start time: 9 a.m.
Continuing in the tradition of Truth and Service, volunteers will serve Howard’s local community and celebrate the University’s rich legacy. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, Bison families and friends of the University are all welcome to join us and volunteer.
Service opportunities throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area coming soon.
Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, October 6
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 11 a.m.
Join us at the Homecoming edition of the weekly Chapel service to worship with the University community. The incomparable Reverend Al. Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network is the guest speaker. #SundaysAreForChapel
Bison Madness: The Trilogy (Pep Rally)
Date: Monday, October 7
Location: Burr Gymnasium
Start time: 7 p.m.
Join us as the Howard University Basketball and Football teams join forces to host “Bison Madness,” a joint pep rally in Burr Gymnasium. In honor of the start of Homecoming week and the basketball seasons, the rally will include music, entertainment, giveaways and more. The event will be open to all and will include an opportunity to win tickets to Saturday’s game.
LGBTQ+ Lavender Reception
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Location: Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library Atrium and Lobby
Start time: 8 p.m.
The Lavender Reception is an evening focused on inclusion, scholarship and activism. The reception honors Howard University undergraduates driving change in local and global communities. Honorees are awarded a scholarship from the Lavender Fund that celebrates their engagement, commitment to raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and dedication to activism in the larger community. Donations raised contribute to the Lavender Fund.
Student Fashion Show
Date: Thursday, October 10
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 8 p.m.
Howard University’s Annual Homecoming Student Fashion Show never fails to electrify the masses! Year after year, it proves to be a staple Homecoming event – don’t miss out! Howard is regularly cited as one of the most fashionable universities in the nation, and that style radiates at the fashion show. Powered by HU talent, student models and stylists will define chic in their presentation. Missing the fashion show will be a fashion faux pas!
Tickets can be purchased at the Cramton Auditorium Box Office.
State of the University Address
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: School of Business (SOB) Auditorium
Start time: 10 a.m.
President Wayne A. I. Frederick will engage the entire University community at his annual State of the University. During this address, President Frederick will provide key updates on academics, University finances, Howard University Hospital, enrollment, student initiatives and much more! He will share what continues to drive the progress of the University and what’s in store for Howard. You will leave this session ready to educate the world about Howard’s continued success and bright future. So, don’t miss this!
HU Ideas Symposium
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: School of Business (SOB) Auditorium
Start time: Noon
The HU Ideas Symposium is back for a second year! Like last year, it will feature dynamic and provocative discussions led by leading industry experts on topics that matter most to the African-American community. The HU Ideas Symposium is a forum for presenters and attendees alike to discuss their ideas, opinions and issues facing Howard University’s local and global community. You won’t want to miss any of these important discussions!
Schools & Colleges Open Houses
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: Various schools and colleges
The Yardfest
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: The Yard (Upper Quadrangle)
Start time: Noon
A cherished tradition, Yardfest will continue to reinvigorate Homecoming with a live stage, featuring a diverse range of top tier artists and entertainment that reflects the Howard diaspora. In addition to the celebrity musical appearances, Yardfest attendees will delight in a mainstay of food and merchandise vendors.
Greek Step Show
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: Burr Gymnasium
Start time: 8 p.m.
The Annual Greek Step Show features the University’s Divine Nine and other student organizations showing off their creativity and showmanship through step. Steeped in Howard tradition, the step show signifies brotherhood and sisterhood throughout the University community. Expect nothing less than a live, high-stepping event, one of the most exciting of the weekend! Tickets can be purchased at the Cramton Auditorium Box Office.
Homecoming Tailgate
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Howard Center Parking Lot
Start time: 10 a.m.
A time-honored tradition of Homecoming weekend, the tailgate is an engagement experience for alumni of all ages. Recapture your Bison experience by coming together for food, fun, and music. Held in the Howard Center parking lot, this event is a traditional outdoor gathering before, during and after the Homecoming football game.
Please check back for the official registration link.
The Yardfest: Day 2
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: The Yard (Upper Quadrangle)
Stop by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations tent for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and giveaways.
The Parade
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Howard University and surrounding communities
Start time: 10 a.m.
The Howard Homecoming Parade is a community staple led by the Howard University Showtime Marching Band and showcases bands, student organizations and community partners. Join us in your most festive Howard University gear and come together for the prelude of the Homecoming game.
HUPAC Welcome
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Front Courtyard of Cramton Auditorium
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Howard University Parent Advisory Council (HUPAC) is committed to engaging the parents and family members of current HU students as partners in supporting student success through the provision of information, resources, tools, intentional programming as well as leadership and volunteer opportunities. HUPAC serves as Howard University’s parent and family member liaison office, connecting parents to campus departments and student services and advocating the needs and concerns of parents and family members to the institution.
Stop by and learn more about how parents can get involved in the Bison Community.
Homecoming Football Game
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Greene Stadium
Start time: 1 p.m.
Howard Bison will take on the Norfolk State University Spartans in one of the signature games of this football season. Always a sell-out, don’t miss the special performance by the illustrious Showtime Marching Band. Tickets can be purchased at www.BisonTickets.com
Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 11 a.m.
Join us to close out the homecoming week with a thoughtful oration by Senior Pastor of Friendship -West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Hayes, III. #SundaysAreForChapel
Alumni Jazz Brunch
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Time: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wrap up Homecoming weekend at the Alumni Jazz Brunch, where fellowship, style and music all come together for a delightful time for alumni and friends to share in the rhythmic expressions of Step Afrika! plus a showcase of Jazz artists and performers. WHUR-FM radio hosts Allison Seymour & Marc Clarke will emcee the event. Purchase tickets at https://alum.howard.edu/homecomingjazzbrunch
Gospel Concert
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Rankin Chapel presents a foot-stomping, spirit-filled evening of Gospel melodies to culminate the Homecoming weekend engage in fellowship all around.
