Friday Highlights - Homecoming 2011

Friday is Black and Gold Day- - everyone is encouraged to wear their black and gold attire or WVSU gear to show support for the Yellow Jackets. Activities for the day include the ROTC Hall of Fame Induction, NAACP Oratorical Contest, Alumni Forum, Coronation Pageant and Class Reunion Dinner.

11 a.m. ROTC Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be held in the Davis Fine Arts theater. The ceremony honors those with WVSU connections who have a history of distinguished service in the military. This year's honoree is: Colonel (Ret.) Gary Allen Blackhurst, a 1976 graduate. Col. (Ret.) Blackhurst, a South Charleston resident, currently serves as the Environmental Programs Manager for the WV Army National Guard. WVSU has graduated 14 alumni who have gone on to earn the rank of General in the U.S. Army. Traditionally some of the alumni/generals return for Homecoming.

1 p.m. - Oratorical Contest sponsored by the WVSU student chapter of the NAACP in the Davis Fine Arts theater. Eight students have registered to display their speaking talents on "A Student Perspective of West Virginia State University." A distinguished panel of judges will rate the performances. Prizes are $750 for first place and $300 for second place.

History shows that oratorical contests were held on the campus as early as 1901.

3 p.m.-Alumni Forum, a town-hall style meeting, will be held in the Davis Fine Arts theater. The topic will focus on "The State of ‘State’". The panel will include representatives of the WVSU Board of Governors, the WVSU Foundation Board, Faculty Senate, Classified Staff, Student Government, and the WVSU National Alumni Association. The audience will submit questions on a card. There will also be time for open microphone audience participation.

5 p.m. - Coronation pageant in the Ferrell Hall auditorium. The new Mr. and Miss State, along with their court, will be officially introduced. They will ride in Saturday’s parade and reign over Homecoming festivities.

7 p.m. - Alumnus of the Year Award and Class Reunion Dinner at Embassy Suites. The WVSU Alumnus of the Year will be named. Various classes from 1936 to 2006 will be honored. Among the participants will be Ms. Daisy Alston, who will celebrate the 75thanniversary of her graduation from "State."

Dusk- students can gather for a bonfire on the football practice field.

10 p.m. - "W" Club event at the Embassy Suites