Get those Homecoming outfits ready! Today, Howard University announced “Remember the Times” as the theme for this year’s Homecoming festivities. This year’s Homecoming events will be closed to alumni and will feature student-centered in-person events with limited capacity that will be available via livestream.
“Howard is calling on students, alumni, faculty and staff to remember their first Homecoming experience, their first Homecoming football game and fond University experiences,” President Wayne A. I. Frederick said. “Homecoming is an ideal opportunity to recommit ourselves to navigating the current social landscape and building toward Howard’s future,” he continued.
This is a surprising turn of events for the Howard community considering recent Homecoming updates sent out earlier this year. The University sent out an email addressing the Howard community on Sept. 10 stating that in-person events like Yard Fest and the tailgate would not take place this year due to the health and safety of the Howard community.
This year’s events will feature fan favorites like the Bison Madness Pep Rally, the student fashion show, the Greek Life Step Show, the annual Lavender (LGBTQ+) Reception and Homecoming Day of Service. Yard Fest, which is typically held on The Yard, will be modified into a concert in Cramton Auditorium.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, as a precaution, participants will be required to download the Bison SAFE app and complete the daily COVID-19 self-assessment prior to entering any Homecoming events held in-person.
“This year, our focus is on ensuring that Howard students have the opportunity to safely experience Homecoming while providing our alumni with creative opportunities to participate in Homecoming events virtually,” Vice President of Student Affairs Cynthia Evers, Ed.D. said. “The capacity restrictions we’ve put in place are meant to ensure the safety of the entire community. We must remain vigilant to changing health conditions due to COVID-19. Please be reminded that if health conditions worsen or the large group gathering guidelines from the D.C. government or the CDC become more restrictive, we may have to make changes to our plans,” she continued.
Those wanting to share memories of homecomings both past and present can use the hashtags, #HUHC21, #HowardHomecoming21, and #RememberTheTimesHU.
For specific details about ticket sales and livestreaming information, check homecoming.howard.edu frequently throughout Homecoming week. Questions about homecoming events should be directed to bisonhomecoming@howard.edu.
Here is a list of the events that will take place:
HUAA Community/Public Service Challenge Events
Date: Friday, October 1-22 (on-going)
Location: Varying local community locations
Viewing format: In person, open to alumni
Hosted by: Office of Alumni Relations and Howard University Alumni Association
Day of Service
Date: Saturday, October 16
Location: The Upper Quadrangle
Viewing format: In-person and virtual option, for students only
Time: 11 a.m.
Hosted by: Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel
Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, October 17
Location: The Upper Quadrangle (The Yard)
Viewing format: In-person attendance, open to the public
Time: 11 a.m.
Hosted by: Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel
The Royal Court Coronation
Date: Sunday, October17
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only and livestream available
Time: 7 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of Student Life and Activities
Bison Madness: Pep Rally
Date: Tuesday, October 19
Location: Burr Gymnasium
Preshow: 4:30 p.m.
Main event: 7 p.m.
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only
Hosted by: Department of Athletics
Lavender (LGBTQ+) Reception
Date: Wednesday, October 20
Location: Blackburn Center Ballroom
Time: 7 p.m.
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only
Hosted by: Office of Student Life and Activities
Howard Jeopardy
Date: Wednesday, October 20
Location: Virtual
Viewing format: Livestream available open to alumni
Time: 7 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of Alumni Relations and Howard University Alumni Association
Inauguration of the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership
Date: Wednesday, October 20
Location: Virtual
Viewing format: Livestream, open to the public
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Hosted by: Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership
Greek Step Show
Date: Thursday, October 21
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only and livestream available
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of University Events and Protocol
State of the University Address
Date: Friday, October 22
Location: School of Business Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only
Time: 11 a.m.
Hosted by: Office of the President
Lucy Diggs Slowe Street Naming Ceremony
Date: Friday, October 22
Location: 4th Street NW/College Street NW/The Lower Valley
Viewing format: In-person attendance, open to the public
Time: To be determined
Hosted by: Howard University Graduate School
HU Ideas Symposia
Date: Friday, October 22
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only, livestream available
Time: 1 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of University Events and Protocol
Homecoming Concert
Date: Friday, October 22
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance and livestream available for students only
Time: 7 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of University Events and Protocol
Homecoming Football Game Against Norfolk State University Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 23
Location: Greene Stadium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, open to the public
Time: 1 p.m.
Ticket information: https://bisontickets.com or call 202-250-5555
Student Fashion Show
Date: Saturday, October 23
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Viewing format: In-person attendance, for students only and livestream available
Time: 7 p.m.
Hosted by: Office of University Events and Protocol
