WCU Stories      October 1, 2021

“Roaring with Pride” will be the theme for Homecoming 2021 at Western Carolina University, with a variety of festivities scheduled from Thursday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 10.

Highlights include the homecoming game against Mercer, performances by the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, a series of alumni brunches, tailgating parties and receptions, plus tours of the new, state of the art Apodaca Science Building along with the traditional parade through downtown Sylva.

The “Roaring with Pride” schedule:

Monday - Tie dye an exclusive Homecoming 2021 t-shirt, students can RSVP through engage.wcu.edu.

Wednesday - Career Fair Plus welcomes students and alumni to the Ramsey Regional Activity Center from 11am - 2pm. 

Thursday – inaugural Shetland Society Day for faculty and staff members of the newly established Shetland Society on the Killian lawn (near the big purple chair) at 11 a.m. Students can swing by the UC Grand Room for 'Make and Take: Spirit Souvenirs' Enjoy making a custom stadium cushion, license plate or tote! RSVP on Engage.

Friday –  The Homecoming Parade has been canceled due to inclement weather, and NPHC Yard Show at Central Plaza beside the Alumni Tower from 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday – Start the weekend off with the Alumni Homecoming Trail Hike on the WCU Trail System at 8am or 10am. Register at myrec.wcu.edu.

Apodaca Science Building tours from 9 to 11 a.m. offered every 30 minutes; a series of by-reservation brunches will be held in the University Center’s multipurpose room from 10 a.m. to noon:

• Chancellor’s Alumni Awards Brunch 

Young Alumni Award to Aaron Marshall; Professional Achievement Award to Laura Leatherwood; Academic Achievement Award to Kathryn Rentz; Distinguished Service Award to Bryant Kinney

• WCU African American Alumni Society Brunch 
• WCU Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Alumni Society Brunch 
• WCU Latinx Alumni Society Brunch 
• WCU Military/Veterans Society Brunch 

Members of the alumni affinity groups can RSVP for brunch with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

WCU Alumni Association Homecoming Central will be located in the E.J. Whitmire Stadium parking lot from noon to 3 p.m. with info, complimentary swag and a homecoming photo; additional tailgating parties from noon to 3 p.m. with Greek Alumni in the Camp Building lot and the African American Alumni, family and friends in the Fieldhouse lot.

The Catamounts kickoff against the Mercer Bears for the homecoming football game at E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field at 3:30 p.m. A postgame reception will be held the Ramsey Regional Activity Center’s hospitality room at 6:30 p.m. and a Young Alumni Celebration will take place at Innovation Cullowhee brewery, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sunday – Homecoming activities will end with a WCU African American Alumni Society breakfast reception and devotional service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Center’s Illusions.

Students, faculty and staff can see all the events for homecoming week at homecoming.wcu.edu

More information about the Alumni Homecoming activities is available online at alumni.wcu.edu/homecoming or by calling the WCU Office of Alumni Engagement at 828-227-7335 or toll-free 877-440-9990.