Homecoming @ Home: University community, from our family to yours, to celebrate annual tradition remotely and on campus

Rowan University’s annual Homecoming Week, in which we welcome alumni, friends, family and current students back to campus to cherish memories and create new ones, has a 2020 twist.  

We’re celebrating Homecoming, but mostly doing so remotely, from the comfort of our own homes.

Jessica Kanady, assistant director for Alumni Engagement, said while COVID-19 disrupted pretty much everything this year, it did not dissuade Rowan from planning a unique, historic, socially distanced but promising Homecoming celebration.

“Unfortunately, we can’t bring alums back to campus right now but we can still reconnect, reminisce and show our Prof Pride,” Kanady said.

Melissa Ulmer, assistant director for the Chamberlain Student Center & Campus Activities added, “although Homecoming may look a little different this year, our spirit and pride are stronger than ever.”

The week of programming starts Monday, Oct. 5, with a student centric Homecoming Spirit Competition and will include such special events as a Webex Wealth in Wisdom lecture by investment guru Ric Edelman ’80, and a Homecoming Banner Competition live from Bunce Green. There will also be a virtual paleontology lecture by Rowan’s own Dr. Ken Lacovara, a world-renowned researcher, author and TED fellow; the annual student pushcart competition; and much more.

Homecoming @ Home will also feature the annual Rowan Legacy Family Competition; a special return lecture of Persuasion and Social Influence featuring Dr. Ed Streb, who taught the popular course for nearly 40 years; and a lip sync/TikTok competition.

Homecoming @ Home concludes Sunday, Oct. 11, with our annual 50^th Anniversary party, which this year honors the Class of 1970, and the Back to the 80s with RUBAN (Rowan University Black Alumni Network) program.

Overall, the week promises to engage and remind alumni what a vital part they play in our campus community, to celebrate our current students, and to preserve and embrace some of our favorite Homecoming traditions and competitions.

“Homecoming is always a special time at Rowan, for students, graduates, family and friends,” Kanady said. “But we can celebrate even if we’re not on campus. This year, many of us will do it from home.”