Nearly 40 events bring alumni and community together to celebrate Eagle Pride
The Ultimate Homecoming Experience returns to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with a week-long series of festivities and community service activities from Sunday, Nov. 3 to Saturday, Nov. 9.
National recording artists will take the stage at the university’s signature gospel, hip-hop and alumni concerts. This year’s lineup includes:
- Durham native, pastor and Grammy Award-winning artist John P. Kee, who will headline the 11th annual Ultimate Praise Homecoming Gospel Concert on Sunday, Nov. 3. Additional entertainment by Grammy-nominated artists Travis Greene and the Walls Group, along with NCCU’s WPI Mass Choir, will also be part of the concert experience beginning at 5 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Arena.
- Rapper Megan Thee Stallion will headline the Ultimate Hip-Hop and R&B Concert. She will be joined by hip-hop artist Tink and rapper Lil Durk at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, in McDougald-McLendon Arena.
- Legendary soul band MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly will perform at the annual Alumni Scholarship Concert on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, starting at 8 p.m.
- Several signature Homecoming events will return this year, as well as new initiatives.
- On Monday, Nov. 4, NCCU will crown the 2019-2020 Royal Court during the Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation and Ball at 7 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Arena.
- Building on the university’s motto “Truth and Service,” the university will also celebrate Homecoming with community-service projects. Students, faculty, staff and alumni will participate in the Power of Reading, at various Durham Public Schools. The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- The annual Founder’s Day Convocation begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in McDougald-McLendon Arena. The event recognizes the life and contributions of NCCU founder Dr. James E. Shepard. As part of the Founder’s Day observance, members of the class of 1969 will be inducted into the Society of Golden Eagles. The society includes alumni who graduated from the university at least 50 years ago. The Founder’s Day address will be delivered by Class of 1969 member Elwood K. Callahan, retired U.S. Marines Corps corporal and Superior Court of the District of Columbia employee, where he served the court system for 34 years. Following the induction, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place in front of the James E. Shepard Statue on campus.
- Local radio station K97.5 FM will host an Eagle Street Festival from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Outdoor Recreational Complex.
- NCCU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will host the annual Ultimate Face-off Step Show with performances from the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Council of Independent Organizations at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.
- Festivities will continue with the pre-game Ultimate Homecoming Parade, starting at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, on Fayetteville Street, followed by the Homecoming football game against Norfolk State University at 2 p.m.in O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Other Homecoming events include:
Sunday, Nov. 3
· Worship Service, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., B.N. Duke Auditorium
· Soul Food Dinner, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., W.G. Pearson Dining Hall
Tuesday, Nov. 5
· The Ultimate Talent Show, 7 p.m., B.N. Duke Auditorium
· Sodexo’s Late-Night Breakfast, 9 p.m., W.G. Pearson Dining Hall
Wednesday, Nov. 6
· The Ultimate Drag Show, 6 p.m., B.N. Duke Auditorium
· The Ultimate Tent Party, 9 p.m., Outdoor Recreational Complex
Thursday, Nov. 7
· Eagle Pride Amplified Networking Reception, 4 p.m., A.E. Student Union
· Corporate and Community Reception, 6 p.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel
· NCCU Alumni Association Presents: Black Laughs Matter Comedy Show, 8 p.m., Rhythms Live Music Hall
Friday, Nov. 8
· Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fundraise, 9 a.m., Falls Village Golf Club; visit
Saturday, Nov. 9
· Post-Game Student/Alumni Social, following football game, Library Bowl
· NCCU Alumni Association Homecoming Dance, 7 p.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel
· NCCU Alumni Association 10:40 Break Late Night Edition, 10:40 p.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel
General Homecoming event tickets for the public are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the NCCU Ticket Office.
Tickets for the Alumni Scholarship Concert with MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly will be available for public purchase on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
For further information regarding NCCU Alumni Association events, visit https://www.nccualumni.org/.
