GSW Homecoming 2020 activities kick off Feb. 17

Events open to community include Fashion Show, Chili Cook-Off, Food Trucks and more

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) will celebrate Homecoming during the week of Feb. 17-22. The theme of the week is “The Roaring ’20s” in celebration of the new decade. Members of the community and GSW alumni are encouraged to attend Homecoming events, bring their family and friends and enjoy a week of Hurricane pride.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, GSW will host a fashion show in the Fine Arts Theater featuring classic 1920s and modern 2020s fashions. The community is encouraged to participate and attend this free event. Those interested in participating as models should sign up by at bit.ly/GSWHoCo20FashionShow.

A community-wide blood drive hosted by Flint River Care-Net will take place Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Success Center 2^nd floor Conference Rooms.

Following the blood Wednesday afternoon, the community is invited to participate in the Chili Cook-Off and Lawn Party in Centennial Plaza from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Those interested in entering the Chili Cook-Off can sign up at bit.ly/GSWHoCo20ChiliCookOff. Attendees will cast votes for the best chili and first, second and third place winners will be recognized.

After enjoying chili and music on the Plaza, the community is invited to cheer on the Hurricanes in the Storm Dome. The women’s basketball team will take on Young Harris College at 5:30 p.m., with the men’s basketball team playing at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for community members and free for students with a valid GSW ID.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, GSW will hold its annual Homecoming Golf Cart Parade. Community members are invited to line the Wheatley Administration Building Loop at 5:30 p.m. to watch the parade and cheer on GSW student organizations.

The women’s tennis team will start Friday, Feb. 21 off early with matches beginning at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free.

Friday evening, the GSW Alumni Association will welcome alumni and friends to Gatsby’s Gathering Spot at the Windsor Hotel. This event is designed to provide alumni a gathering place to meet up and enjoy some food, fun and fellowship before heading to dinner together. The event is free, but RSVPs are encouraged and will be rewarded with a free drink ticket. RSVP to alumni@gsw.edu.

Homecoming activities will culminate in a busy Saturday, Feb. 22. The GSW Alumni Association will host the Flappers and Fellas 5K and One Mile Fun Run early Saturday morning, with registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. All ages are invited to participate. The overall 5K winners (male and female) will receive a $100 cash prize. Register online at gsw.edu/HoCoFunRun.

Following the Fun Run, the annual Homecoming Tailgate will take place at 12 p.m. in Centennial Plaza. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks in addition to the traditional free hotdogs and hamburgers. Participating food trucks include Taqueria Cruz Mexican Grill from Albany, Neicy's BBQ Food Truck from Columbus, and Castello's Jamerican Cuisine from Covington.

 If you're a GSW alum, stop by the Alumni tent to say hello, enjoy a wine and cheese reception, pick up an Aeolian magazine and alumni button, update your information, and more. The annual NPHC Alumni Stroll-Off will also be taking place at 12 p.m. in Centennial Plaza, so get there early!

GSW baseball will play a double header at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with free admission to both games in celebration of Homecoming. The women’s basketball team will start at 1:30 p.m, and men’s basketball will play at 3:30 p.m. Admission to basketball games is $5 for community members and free for students with a valid GSW ID.

Just before tip-off of the men’s basketball game, GSW’s 1964-65 basketball players will be recognized. The 2020 Homecoming King and Queen will be coronated during halftime of the men’s game.

Homecoming festivities will continue into Saturday night with the Alumni Association’s 2020 Outstanding Alumni Awards dinner. With a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., the event will recognize eight of GSW’s outstanding alumni. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at gsw.edu/alumnievents. Reservations are required by Feb. 18.

GSW’s NPHC Greek organizations will close out Saturday night with their annual NPHC Step Show in the Storm Dome. Hosted by DJ Crazy C, doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and may be purchased from NPHC members, the Office of Student Financial Aid, or the Division of Student Engagement and Success. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $15.

For additional information and the full schedule of events, visit gsw.edu/homecoming.