Winthrop University: Schedule of Events
Contact Information
Alumni Association
304 Tillman Hall
Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA
803/323-2145
803/323-1452 (Fax)
800/578-6545 (Toll-Free)
alumni@winthrop.edu

Homecoming and Reunion 2022


We are excited to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming and Reunion in November! The schedule of events offers in-person and virtual events. Please see event details below for the date, time, location and registration information. E-mail alumni@winthrop.edu with questions. (R) denotes registration required, virtual events are noted and ($) denotes cost associated with the event.


Schedule of Events Nov. 7-12, 2022

 

Monday, Nov. 7

Winthrop Spirit Check Video (Virtual) 

Do you have Winthrop Spirit? Check out the Winthrop Alumni Association Facebook page, Twitter (@winthropalumni) or Instagram (@winthropalumni) to learn the Winthrop Spirit Check so you can join us as we show our Eagle Pride all week long.

"Just One More... Celebrating the Life and Work of Joel Nichols" Exhibit

Noon | Facebook Live

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections will host a Facebook Live of the "Just One More... Celebrating the Life and Work of Joel Nichols" exhibit. Joel Nichols was a long time photographer for Winthrop. Joel's wife, Janice Williams Nichols '63, '75, will join Archives for the event to share special insights and stories on some of the photographs. If you would like to see the exhibit in person, please visit the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections on Friday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Faculty and Staff Alumni Lunch (R)
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom, located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center

As a thank you for their service to the university, all 200+ Winthrop faculty and staff who are also Winthrop alumni are invited to a Faculty and Staff Alumni Luncheon, courtesy of the Winthrop Alumni Association.  Please reserve your spot by Tuesday, Nov. 1. If you have any dietary restrictions, e-mail Brittany Neely, alumni engagement coordinator.
 

If you’ve attended the lunch in the past, please wear your “Proud to Work for my Alma Mater” T-shirt that you received. If you do not have a T-shirt or are a new faculty or staff alumnus, stop by the alumni office, 304 Tillman, between Nov. 1-4 to pick one up. We will take a group photo at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Campus Beautification Initiative: REVITALIZING WINTHROP (R)

2 p.m. | Margaret Nance Hall

With the start of the 2021-22 academic year, REVITALING WINTHROP launched a new website and announced the Winthrop Year of Service to spark community engagement and participation. Everyone has an opportunity to participate in this community service activity by planting new shrubs at the front of Margaret Nance Hall.

Following our Campus Beautification Initiative join us for happy hour at Slow Play Brewing. Slow Play Brewing is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02. Registrants will receive more details ahead of Nov. 9. 

Winthrop Wednesday with The Tipsy Doc (R) (Virtual)
7 p.m. | Zoom

Mark your calendars for a virtual cocktail social with The Tipsy Doc, Akilah Murray '15! The Tipsy Doc will walk us through the steps to make two Winthrop-inspired beverages, the Winthrop College and the Winthrop University.  The link to join along with the beverage recipes will be e-mailed to registered alumni by Monday, Nov. 7.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Alumni Awards Dinner (R)

6 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom, located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center

The 2022 Alumni Award recipients will be honored at the Alumni Awards Dinner. This event is invitation only. 

Friday, Nov. 11

"Just One More...Celebrating the Life and Work of Joel Nichols" Exhibit

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., | Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Stop by the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections to see an exhibit of the life and work of Joel "Nick" Nichols. Joel was Winthrop's photographer from 1963-2008. Joel was honored during the 2008 Alumni Reunion Celebration for his dedication to capturing and documenting university life for nearly 45 years. The Winthrop Alumni Association granted him honorary membership in the Alumni Association as a member of the Class of 1963, the same class as his wife, Janice Williams Nichols.


West Center Tours (R)

2 p.m. | Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center

The West Center provides educational and recreational opportunities for the campus and is the home of the Office of Recreational Services and the Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance. Take a tour to see the four-court gymnasium, 1/8 mile indoor track, 36-foot climbing wall, four racquetball courts, 8-lane 25-yard pool and more! 

College of Arts and Sciences Encore Distinguished Lectures (R) 
2 p.m. | Kinard Hall Auditorium

Join us to hear the culminating work and reflections of Winthrop's College of Arts and Sciences Emeriti Professors. Lecture times and topics are listed below. Light refreshments will be served at 2 p.m. If you are unable to join in person, you can participate via Zoom. E-mail Jill Lauber at lauberj@winthrop.edu to request the Zoom link. Please consider a gift to support the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Excellence Fund.

Lecture details:

People in Our National Parks: Changing Perspectives
Dr. Marsha Bollinger, Geology Professor Emerita
2:15–2:55 p.m. 
According to the mission statement of the US National Park Service, the parks should “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources [of the parks]. . . for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” But what has the relationship of people been to our iconic national parks? Have all people been welcomed and inspired? Examples of how our relationship with the parks has evolved over time will be presented. Changes due to the COVID-19 global pandemic will be included.

Our Befuddling English Language:  Why Do We Say That? Who Made Up Those Rules?
Dr. Gloria Jones, English Professor Emerita
3–3:40 p.m.
This presentation will focus on the oddities in our English language – the peculiarities that make us question, “What? Why?” Many of these questions came from students in the 500-level “Theory and Practice Grammar” course over the last 25 years, students who always made me re-examine the idiosyncrasies of our language and research many of their origins.

Finding Your Voice:  How To Tell Your Personal Story in the Professional Youniverse
Dr. Padmini Patwardhan, Mass Communication Professor Emerita
3:45–4:25 p.m.
Our ability to communicate effectively with others is vital for professional success. But do we really reflect on what we are communicating and how we are doing it? This brief presentation will highlight simple brand-building and storytelling strategies from integrated marketing communication that can help shape how others see us in our professional Youniverse. Used thoughtfully, these tools can be used to find and amplify our voice and tell our own story regardless of where we are in our careers.


CANCELLED: Campus Tours with Student Ambassador (R)

3 p.m. and 3:30  p.m. | Joynes Hall

Cancelled due to inclement weather forecasted for Friday, Nov. 12.

"Day by Day" 1919 Film Viewing (R)

3:30 p.m. | Dina’s Place

A special screening of the 1919 silent film of Winthrop, which was used as a recruitment video will be shown during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Gina Price White ’83, director of Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, will narrate the movie.

 

Class Reunion Welcome Reception (R)

5-7 p.m. | Olde Stone House

If you are celebrating a milestone reunion, kick off your Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at the Class Reunion Welcome Reception at the Olde Stone House. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with fellow alumni from the Class of 1942-2017 celebrating a milestone reunion. 

Homecoming Happy Hour ($) (R)

5 p.m. | Slow Play Brewing

Raise a glass to your Winthrop friends with an alumni Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing! Grab some delicious grub from the Cibi Cibi food truck. Cibi Cibi will be there from 4-9 p.m., and the brewery will be open until 11 p.m. Come early for an exclusive brewery tour at 4:40 or 4:45 p.m. Tours are limited to 10 people per tour. E-mail alumni@winthrop.edu by Oct. 28 to reserve your spot for a brewery tour. Slow Play Brewing is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02. Mention you are an alumnus to get 15% off your bar tab.

The following affinity groups will have tables on the patio from 5-7 p.m. so alumni can connect: Black Alumni Council, Model United Nations; Philosophy and Religious Studies; Political Science; PRISM (formerly ZZZ/GLoBAL); Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology; Student Alumni Council; STEM (departments include - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology and the Environment, Human Nutrition and Mathematics) and World Languages and Cultures. The Winthrop Bookstore will have a pop-up shop at Slow Play from 5-7 p.m.

Softball Alumnae Game (R)

5 p.m. | Terry Field

Winthrop softball alumnae, come out and play! Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the softball game, alumnae vs. current squad, at 6:30 p.m. at Terry Field. Register for the game with Coach Ansley at gilstrapl@winth​rop.edu. Please include your T-shirt size with your RSVP.


Class of 1972 50-Year Reunion Wine and Cheese Reception and Class Dinner (R)

6 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom, located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center

The Class of 1972 will celebrate their 50-Year Reunion with a wine and cheese reception followed by a class dinner in Richardson Ballroom located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Reunion Class Photos

9:30-10:30 a.m. | McBryde Hall

Each reunion class will take a commemorative photo that will be mailed as a keepsake. Each class photo time is noted in your class letter and below. Join all reunion classes in McBryde Hall for coffee, cocktails, games and a walk down memory lane with Winthrop Archives before the brunch buffet opens at 11 a.m. Pick up your nametag and reunion souvenir if you did not receive it on Friday. 

  • 9:30 a.m. - Class of 1942 photo, McBryde Hall 
  • 9:30 a.m. - Class of 1947 photo, McBryde Hall by class blanket
  • 9:30 a.m. - Class of 1952 photo, McBryde Hall by class blanket
  • 9:45 a.m. - Class of 1957 photo, McBryde Hall by class blanket
  • 9:45 a.m. - Class of 1962 photo, McBryde Hall by class blanket
  • 10 a.m. - Class of 1992 photo, side steps of Tillman Hall
  • 10 a.m. - Class of 1987 photo, front steps of Tillman Hall
  • 10:15 a.m. - Class of 1982 photo, side steps of Tillman Hall
  • 10:15 a.m. - Class of 1977 photo, front steps of Tillman Hall
  • 10:30 a.m. - Class of 1972 photo, front steps of Tillman Hall
  • 10:30 a.m. - Class of 1967 photo, side steps of Tillman Hall
  • The following Classes will take their class photo after the Alumni Reunion Brunch in McBryde Hall - 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017.


Alumni Reunion Brunch (R)

10 a.m. | McBryde Hall

Celebrate your reunion and meet Winthrop’s first family as they celebrate their first reunion weekend at Winthrop! Reunion classes will be recognized by Winthrop's new president, Dr. Edward Serna ’02 (who is celebrating his 20-year Winthrop reunion!), and Alumni Executive Board president Byron Putman ’94. Enjoy coffee, cocktails, games and a walk down memory lane with Winthrop memorabilia from Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections before the brunch buffet opens at 11 a.m. followed by our program.

 

Homecoming Tailgate ($)
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Coliseum

Celebrate Homecoming by setting up a tailgate with alumni, family and friends before the men's basketball Homecoming game at 4 p.m. The Winthrop Bookstore will have a pop-up shop beside the Alumni Association Tent from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Maki Taco will be open from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and Roam Local sorbet will be open from 12 - 3:30 p.m. to purchase food. Visit the Homecoming Tailgate website for more information and Winthrop Athletics to purchase your tailgate spot.

West Center Tours (R)

12:30 p.m. | Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center

The West Center provides educational and recreational opportunities for the campus and is the home of the Office of Recreational Services and the Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance. Take a tour to see the four-court gymnasium, 1/8 mile indoor track, 36-foot climbing wall, four racquetball courts, 8-lane 25-yard pool and more!

 

Winthrop Alumni Choir Homecoming Concert
2 p.m. | Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church
421 Oakland Ave.
Rock Hill, SC 29730

The Winthrop Alumni Choir and the Winthrop University Chorale will present a Homecoming concert at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The concert is free, open to the public and will include pieces sung by the Winthrop Alumni Choir and Winthrop Chorale. Follow Winthrop University Choirs on Facebook for more updates.

E-mail Jeremy Mims, director of choral activities, at mimsj@winthrop.edu by Saturday, Oct. 15 to reserve your spot in the choir.


Men's Basketball Game vs. Middle Tennessee State University ($)
4 p.m. | Coliseum

The men's basketball team will host the Homecoming game against Middle Tennessee State University at the Coliseum. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Nov. 1 at winthropeagles.com

Sunday, Nov. 13

Women's Basketball Game vs. Coppin State University ($)
2 p.m. | Coliseum

The women's basketball team will host the Coppin State Eagles for a Homecoming game. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Nov. 1 at winthropeagles.com.

 


Ongoing Campus Events

The College of Visual and Performing Arts will have three gallery exhibitions and the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections will have an exhibition for the fall semester which will be open for alumni to visit during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

 

Mutually Assured Seduction (MAS)
Tamara LaValla
Sept. 12 - Dec. 9 | Rutledge Gallery

Mutually Assured Seduction (MAS) is a One-Woman Group Show, led by artist Tamara LaValla, exploring a real and persistent preoccupation with desire, order, progress and work. MAS resists the evanescent embrace of our ethereal, virtual world through the rigors of making. The resulting collaborative artifacts and ephemera — edible, malleable, consumable, sonic — are, at once, both timely and timeless. 

Tamara LaValla earned her B.F.A. in Illustration from Syracuse University. She worked as an award-winning illustrator for the Herald newspaper in Rock Hill and co-founded Social Design House. She is currently a faculty member in the Department of Design at Winthrop and is a self-described OCD artist, and sometimes chocolate maker.


Southern Fiction

Tema Stauffer
Sept. 12 - Dec. 9 | Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery

Tema Stauffer’s Southern Fiction traces the literary landscape of the American South investigating sites that were formative to canonical fiction writers of the region such as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Harper Lee, Truman Capote, Alice Walker and Flannery O'Conner, among others. Large-format color photographs depict the domestic settings, vernacular architecture, and rural landscapes significant to the history of these iconic writers. Through this series, Stauffer explores the beauty, mystery and complexity of the South. She is currently an Associate Professor of Photography at East Tennessee State University. Her work has been exhibited at Sasha Wolf, Daniel Cooney Fine Art, and Jen Bekman galleries in New York, as well as galleries and institutions internationally.

"Just One More...Celebrating the Life and Work of Joel Nichols" Exhibit

Sept. 16 - Dec. 16 | Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Stop by the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections to see an exhibit of the life and work of Joel "Nick" Nichols. Joel was Winthrop's photographer from 1963-2008. Joel was honored during the 2008 Alumni Reunion Celebration for his dedication to capturing and documenting university life for nearly 45 years. The Winthrop Alumni Association granted him honorary membership in the Alumni Association as a member of the Class of 1963, the same class as his wife, Janice Williams Nichols.


Art Education Exhibition

Nov. 1-14 | Lewandowski Student Gallery

In this exhibition, art education students display a collection of interdisciplinary/community-based artworks created by K-12 students during their internship experience. This is a legacy art education exhibition that is connected to their capstone exhibition.

 


Bookstore Hours

The Winthrop University Bookstore is located inside the DiGiorgio Campus Center on the first floor and will be open during the following times. For additional information, call 803/323-3800.

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday | 12 p.m.-5 p.m.


Rock Hill Partnerships

Mention you are a Winthrop alumnus at these local businesses to enjoy discounts during the 2022 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. From cold beer to coffee, to an immersive shopping experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

partnership logos

Knowledge Perk ($)

Celebrate your milestone reunion with 15% off a beverage at Rock Hill’s full coffee immersion coffee shop.

 

Slow Play Brewing ($)

Celebrate your milestone reunion with 15% off your tab. Slow Play Brewing is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02.

 

The Mercantile ($)

Take 10% off your purchase at Rock Hill’s immersive & unique shopping establishment.

Last Updated: 11/14/22