by Kelli Sharpe
There’s no homecoming like a TSU homecoming as the university gears up for this year’s celebration. The 2022 theme is ‘Back in Stride Again,’ as TSU prepares to welcome thousands of alumni back to the 500-acre campus. Homecoming is October 2-8 and kicked off the week-long celebration with the annual Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest and Gospel Explosion on Sunday.
The celebration will be highlighted with a scholarship gala, the legendary TSU parade, and of course the homecoming football game between the Tigers and Bethune-Cookman University out of Florida.
“TSU homecoming is always a special and exciting time of year for the university as we welcome alumni and friends to our campus,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“This marks the second year we’ve held in-person activities to highlight student achievement and showcase our accomplishments as an institution. It is also a time to celebrate alumni and supporters who have left an indelible mark on TSU.”
This year’s honorees include: Grand Marshals Entrepreneur Ms. Andrella Kenner; and Global Warming Ambassador and Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley. Honorees are Communications and Public Relations Executive Dr. Harold Jackson and Former TSU first lady, Mrs. Edwina Hefner.
In addition to the big game against Bethune-Cookman at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 8 and the parade that morning, another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming is the annual Scholarship Gala, TSU’s signature fundraising event. It will take place on Oct. 7 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.
TSU Homecoming Chairman Grant Winrow added that this year promises to be even more exciting, but safety will remain a priority even as the pandemic has tapered off.
“Homecoming week officially began with an array of events, to kick off the annual celebration,” said Winrow.
“Last year certainly lived up to the hype and was indeed a homecoming for the record books. So get ready and come prepared this year, as we are ‘Back in Stride Again,’ picking up where we left off. The health and safety of everyone is our number one priority. We will adhere to all safety protocols that are still in place and ask that you practice social distancing throughout the weekend. Although wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, it is encouraged when inside among large groups.”
Student Government Association President Kenneth Rolle, Jr. said that for students, TSU’s homecoming can be summed up in two words: “Get geeked. That is all that needs to be said. TSU alumni and friends from near and far will know it’s homecoming week by those two simple words.”
