TU ready to Stay HOMEcoming

By Kyle Hobstetter on October 1, 2020

Towson University’s annual Homecoming celebration has embraced the idea of staying together while staying apart—even when demonstrating school spirit. 

Tigers from across the globe are invited to Towson University’s Stay HOMEcoming from Oct. 12-18. The week will feature virtual events providing students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members a chance to show their Towson University pride. 

Homecoming usually coincides with a Tiger football game. But once the season was postponed, Alumni Relations coordinated with other departments for an alternative. 

“One thing that we knew for sure was the whole university needed to support this effort and really grasp it in their arms,” says Jenna Mills, director of alumni engagement programs.

“After a few conversations, we realized that this was something that the university not only wanted but needed. We needed some school spirit back into things.”

Check out a complete list of events for TU’s 2020 Stay HOMEcoming

One of the most spirited groups was the student-led Homecoming Committee. According to Kaylee Franc, the student Homecoming chair, once it was announced Homecoming would still take place, her team jumped into action.

The committee kept the carnival theme they voted on earlier in the year, and Franc admits it’s been a little bit of a challenge adjusting that to a virtual setting. But she’s enthusiastic.

“I never imagined hosting Homecoming from my computer,” Franc says with a laugh. “You never would have thought you would experience this as a director. But we’re adapting, we’re adjusting and it’s really kind of exciting.”

Student events include a virtual talent show on Monday, a crafts event on Tuesday, on Wednesday a social media petting zoo and Thursday will feature the annual Homecoming pageant.

Franc is excited to help Alumni Relations and other groups promote their events. In fact, she’s thrilled by the collaboration happening across campus.

“It’s never been to this extent,” Franc says. “I never went to alumni meetings before and now I am, and I feel more a part of the Towson community. I feel like more people know who I am, and I know more of who they are personally and professionally.”

One of the keys for Alumni Relations is to provide something that interests the entire TU community. Mills and her team have found a variety of events that could be enjoyed virtually.

“I think when it came to a virtual Homecoming, we looked at what's worked these past few months and tried to build off that,” Mills says. “But we’re also adding school spirit flare with a few social events we think will be well received by our alumni.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Towson University Archives’ Felicity Knox will host a virtual presentation titled “The History of TU’s Homecoming,” which will look at how much the event has grown since the university’s inception.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Black & Gold Catering and head catering chef Kevin Ryan will offer a virtual cooking class showing how to cook a Maryland crab cake. An online shopping list includes ingredients for the crab cake; a corn, potato and tomato hash; and Berger cookies; and participants will receive an alumni swag bag in the mail.

On Friday, Oct. 16, TU Brew: A Virtual Beer Tasting will provide participants with a six-pack featuring three hard-to-find beers from TU alumni-owned Full Tilt Brewing and Waverly Brewing Co.

Alongside the newer events, there will still be the classic events but with a new physical distancing twist.  

Campus Rec will hold a virtual Tiger Trot Homecoming 5K on both October 17 and 18, with all registration proceeds going to the TU Student Emergency Fund. Those who register will run the 5K at their own pace and receive a special Stay HOMEcoming 5K-themed performance long-sleeve shirt. 

Then on Saturday, Oct. 17, TU Alumni Relations will host a virtual tailgate party in partnership with Towson University Athletics. Attendees can show their TU pride while interacting with Doc, members of the TU athletic staff and former Tiger athletes.  

These are just a few of the university-wide events. Individual colleges and departments are holding virtual Homecoming events too.

“This week is meant to remind TU why we bleed black and gold, and that there are so many reasons to be proud of being a Tiger,” Mills says. “We weren’t really sure how well it would be received, but everyone has jumped on board, and it’s been really exciting. This is going to be a big week for Towson University.”

To stay up to date with Towson University Homecoming, follow Towson University Alumni Relations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.