ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Beautiful weather and a fall canopy of colors will welcome alumni to Winthrop University when they return to campus for the annual Homecoming and Reunion week, Nov. 10-15.
Lori Tuttle, executive director of alumni relations and reunion giving, said alumni will have the opportunity to take campus tours, drop by art exhibitions and mingle with former classmates.
“Our alumni will be thrilled to see the exciting changes to campus. In addition to hosting an open house at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House, this year we also have an art exhibition at the Winthrop Galleries that looks back on the many contributions of the late Alfred Ward and the many students he influenced. It should be a wonderful week and weekend for our students and alumni. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back home to Winthrop,” Tuttle said.
The Alumni Association will kick off the week on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with a Faculty/Staff Alumni Luncheon for the nearly 250 employees who are proud Winthrop alumni. The luncheon is sponsored by Founders Federal Credit Union. President Edward Serna, a member of the Winthrop Class of 2002, will provide brief remarks before a group photo of all alumni faculty and staff in attendance is taken.
Alumni already in town and art lovers may want to check out the opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. of the “Legacy of a Mentor: Honoring Alfred D. Ward and His Artistic Influence” in the Rutledge Gallery. Professor Emeritus Ward, a long-time colleague and mentor in Winthrop’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, passed away on May 20, 2025. The exhibit will feature works of many Winthrop alumni who studied with Ward and his own work, including the creation of the Winthrop Mace and other pieces relevant to Winthrop and the Rock Hill community. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Also on display in the Rutledge Gallery is the Juliet McIver Collection. The exhibition researched and curated by students will feature American Abstract works from the collection of Juliet McIver, donated by Charlie and Nancy Wofford ’67, ’84.
Alumni arriving in Rock Hill on Friday, Nov. 14, can participate in a number of activities. They include:
-The Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center Open House at the Stewart House from 10-11 a.m. Historians and designers will be on hand to talk about how the center was created.
-The DiGiorgio Student Union (DSU), formerly known as the Dinkins Student Union, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Alumni are invited to a DSU 50th Anniversary Drop-In from 4-5 p.m. in Room 221 in the DiGiorgio Campus Center to view the anniversary wall, reminisce and connect with fellow alumni.
-Homecoming Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing from 6-11 p.m. The brewery, located behind the Winthrop campus, is owned by three Winthrop alumni, Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02.
-An Alumni Jazz Ensemble Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at The Edge, located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.
-Alumni celebrating milestone class reunions will participate in activities and gatherings specific to their classes. The Class of 1975 will be honored with a special 50th reunion dinner in the Richardson Ballroom. This event required prior registration.
Saturday, Nov. 15, events include:
-Morning class photos and an 11:15 a.m. Alumni Reunion Brunch in McBryde Hall. This event required an RSVP.
-10 a.m. Alumni Choir Concert in Byrnes Auditorium.
-10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. tailgating at the Winthrop Coliseum. Alumni are encouraged to stop by the Alumni Association tailgating tent, which is sponsored by Founders Federal Credit Union. The Eagles Nest Beer Garden will be open on the concourse of the Winthrop Coliseum featuring beers from breweries in York County.
-2 p.m. men’s basketball game against Mercer University at the Winthrop Coliseum. Homecoming Royalty winners will be announced at halftime.
-4:30 p.m. women’s basketball against Queens University at the Winthrop Coliseum.
*Please note that traffic around the Winthrop Coliseum area will be heavy on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Students also will enjoy a variety of Homecoming activities throughout the week.
To start the week, there will be a Homecoming Spirit Meal and Homecoming Court Presentation from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Eagle Eatery in Thomson Hall. The Royalty Court will be presented, with voting to begin immediately.
Later that night, the Catawba Nation will showcase traditional dance and drum performances from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Amphitheatre in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, students will have a laid back night under the stars from 5-7 p.m. on the Campus Green while soul, pop, acoustic, R&B and other tunes will play during the Soul Sessions event. Then at 8 p.m. in nearby Dina’s Place, a Talent Show will allow Eagles to show off their special skills. The event is sponsored by Residence Life and the Office of the First-Year Experience.
More musical opportunities will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when wireless headphones will be available for students to jam to during the Headphone Disco at 8 p.m. on the Community Concourse. With everyone listening to their favorite songs, it should be fun to watch the action.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5-7 p.m. on the Campus Green, 15 Greek Life organizations will hang out before heading over to the National Pan Hellenic Stroll Off at 7 p.m. at the Amphitheatre.
Another event, the Homecoming Darty (Day Party), will take place on the Campus Green from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. Students can enjoy mocktails, light refreshments and music.
For more Homecoming information and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.winthrop.edu/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 803/323-2145.
