Homecoming is a celebration of tradition, legacy, and accomplishment at Albany State University. During the week-long event from Oct. 19-25, the campus family and community pay homage to past milestones, present achievements and alumni whose service empowers communities, the nation and the world. 

This year, Golden Rams will reunite to commemorate the Flood of 1994 and how alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community pulled together in the midst of devastation. Surviving the aftermath of the natural disaster and rebuilding to become “bigger, stronger, better” is the inspiration for the event’s theme, “Still We Rise”.

Topping the lineup of events is the crowning of the 2014-2015 Homecoming Queen, Taylar Martin.  The coronation begins at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.  The event is free and open to the public.

The City of Albany hosts the official Homecoming kick off at noon, Monday, Oct. 20 at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater located across from the Civic Center.  Community leaders including Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, commissioners, members of the Chamber of Commerce and community residents are invited to enjoy the meet and greet.   

Activities also include the Gospel Explosion, featuring Deitrick Haddon and the ASU Anointed Gospel Choir at 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20 in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Gymnasium. General admission is $13-$14 in advance and $20 at the door.

On Friday, Oct. 24, the Homecoming Convocation is scheduled at 10 a.m. in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Gymnasium. Keynote speaker is ASU alumnus Bobby L. Brown who served as Student Government Association president from 1994 –1996. Brown became a bridge between students and then president Dr. Billy C. Black after the flood.

Immediately following the convocation, ASU will hold a special ceremony to rename the Academic Building in honor of ASU’s sixth president Dr. Billy C. Black who led the campus rebuilding effort. The dedication takes place on the north side of the Academic Building.

A signature community event that attracts thousands is the Homecoming Parade at 9 a.m. on Pine Avenue. Kickoff of the culminating event, the football game is at 2 p.m. at the Albany State University Coliseum. The Golden Rams face the Clark Atlanta Panthers. 

Vendors from across the country will line the Pedestrian Mall on Friday and Saturday. There’s still time for vendors to register. The deadline to register for space is Tuesday, Oct. 21. ASU products sold by unlicensed vendors will be confiscated.  

The Albany State University National Alumni Association events include a golf tournament at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at River Point Golf Club and the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m., in the L. Orene Hall Building. Luncheon tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.  A complete listing of 2014 Homecoming events is available by clicking http://www.asurams.edu/homecoming-2014-schedule-events/.

For more information, please telephone the Office of University Communications at (229) 430-4671.