“One of the most cherished traditions at the University of Mount Olive is Homecoming and Pickle Classic Weekend,” said Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Anna Whitman. “The weekend is a time for alumni to gather and relive those special moments that were created during their time at the University.”
Whitman noted, that due to COVID-19, this year’s Homecoming festivities will take on a different look, but will have the same focus of connecting and celebrating. “Although we are not able to gather in person, the fun must go on,” she said.
Scheduled for November 16-22, UMO’s Homecoming Week will include events to engage with alumni in a virtual format. There will be an Alumni Series featuring UMO alumni delivering presentations about timely topics such as healthcare and health insurance, purchasing a home, financial planning, and more. The messages will be available daily at noon at http://umo.edu/homecoming/, so viewers can log in during their lunchtime. On Wednesday, UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom will deliver a virtual Founder’s Day message honoring the institution’s past and looking to the future. This year’s class reunions will be held virtually as well.
“Get your running shoes ready!,” Whitman advised. She noted that both alumni and non-alumni can participate in the annual Trojan Trot 5K event. “Anyone from anywhere can join, and participants can run their race and log their times throughout the week,” she said. To track and report race information, UMO has partnered with the app, Race Joy.
Although Kornegay Arena will not be filled with athletes and spectators this year, the Alumni Office is providing a virtual baseball championship watch-party to keep the Trojan spirit alive and well among is current and former students. The 2008 national championship game will re-air on Saturday, November 21. Sunday will close out the week’s celebration as alumni and friends are invited to experience messages and music during the virtual Homecoming worship service.
“Homecoming is a tradition that we value for many reasons,” said Jason M. Gipe, Vice President for institutional Advancement. “It’s an opportunity for our alumni to gather and come ‘home’ to remember experiences they had during their time as a student. Although this year’s Homecoming may look different, it presents a unique opportunity for us to explore new avenues of communication and programing for our alumni. While we wish we could gather in person, we hope to offer great ways to engage with each other and continue to build pride in UMO.”
To see the complete schedule of events and to register for programs, visit umo.edu/homecoming. For additional information contact, Anna Whitman at 919.299.4940 or [email protected].
