'Highly anticipated' homecoming in 2021

The concert on Nov. 18 will feature Big Latto.

After two years, homecoming at Claflin University is much needed, Claflin officials said.

Claflin University’s homecoming committee spoke with Panther reporters on Nov. 4 to give a preview of homecoming week and their expectations. The conference was held via Zoom.

Assistant Dean for Student Engagement & Leadership Dr. Arthur Doctor said this homecoming is important for students “to feel connected and feel like Claflin is a part of their DNA.”

The theme of homecoming is “Claflin Entertainment Television” because they want homecoming to be a movie. This year homecoming will start on Saturday night, Nov. 13, with the ‘90s theme party and the week will feature events such as the sneaker gala, Greek step show, a concert, etc.

“It is something that is very highly anticipated,” Doctor said.

The homecoming kickoff will take place in the gym where the standing capacity is 750 people. Tickets for all events will be purchased through Eventbrite to ensure attendance is within capacity.

The committee expects a large turnout for each event, but especially the concert on Thursday, Nov. 18. “The target number is 2,000 to 3,000 attendees,” Doctor said.

Student Activities Board President Zhariah Walker said Big Latto, the homecoming artist, was in the top 5 for student choices and it will be a highlight for homecoming. “It’s going to be a movie,” Walker said.

 As homecoming approaches, students weighed in, sharing sentiments of excitement.

Kambria Cook, a junior music education major said, “After missing it my sophomore year, I can’t wait for homecoming.”

Mandatory COVID testing does not put a damper on events for her. “It is what it is,” Cook said.

Davon Jonas, a junior computer science major, said, “I am excited about homecoming, but I won’t be going to all the events. I’m still debating about the concert. “

 In order to participate in homecoming events, proof of COVID vaccination is required as well as a negative test 72 hours before every event.

“We’re making sure we are safe,” Doctor said. “We’re still not out of the pandemic.”

Only vaccinated students received an email about homecoming information. Outside persons that wish to attend will have to follow the vaccination and testing protocol.

Homecoming schedule

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Homecoming Kickoff: 90s Party (Claflin students only), 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Crocs & Christ Worship Experience, 11 a.m. Front steps of the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel. Join us for an outdoor worship experience featuring the Claflin University D.R.E.A.M. Gospel Choir. Please be sure to wear your Crocs (or slides).

Miss Homecoming Crowning Ceremony, 3 p.m., W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center

Late Night Pajama Meltdown, 10 p.m.-12 a.m., Panther Plaza Menu: Chicken and Waffles

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Mid-Day Dorm Stroll Off and Meltdown, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Panther Plaza (Stroll Off begins at noon)

Dorm Step Show (Claflin students only), 7 p.m., Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena

(The Bonfire and funeral for the Voorhees College Tiger will begin immediately following the Step Show in the Gravel Parking Lot.)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Claflin University International Alumni Association (CUIAA) Virtual Executive Meeting, 7-8 p.m., Please email zelee@claflin.edu to register for the Zoom Meeting.

Aux Cord Wars (Claflin students only), 8-10 p.m., Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Meltdown, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Panther Plaza

Drip or Drown Fashion Show, Noon-1 p.m., Panther Plaza

Sneaker Gala, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym. Price: $15 for undergraduate Claflin students with valid ID; $20 for general admission.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Homecoming Concert, 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.), Orangeburg County Fairgrounds. Price: $30 (early bird) for undergraduate CU students with valid ID: $45 for general admission. Early bird prices valid until November 10 at 11:59 p.m.)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, 9th President of Claflin University (By invitation only), 10 a.m. Watch live on Facebook (ClaflinUniversity1869)

50 Shades of Melanin Day Party (Claflin Students and Young Alumni Only), 1-4 p.m., SRC Quad

Presidential Scholarship Gala, 7-10 p.m., Camp Landy (1903 Shillings Bridge Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115) Price: $250/person. $50/Claflin students. Click here to purchase tickets.

CU "Wine" Down, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Garden Room, 1190 Orangeburg Mall Circle, Orangeburg, SC 29115 Price: $25. (Ticket also allows entry to the Alumni Social) Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails.

Alumni Social featuring DJ Envy, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Cinema, 1225 Orangeburg Mall Circle, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Price: $25. (Ticket also allows entry to the "Wine" Down). Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Leadership Giving Brunch (By invitation only), 11 a.m., Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1645 Russell Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Panther Den and Tailgate Experience, 11 a.m.-Until, Parking lot of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. Enjoy the company of your classmates during Claflin’ s ultimate tailgating experience – Burgess Brothers Famous BBQ, good music and lots of fun.

Homecoming Basketball Doubleheader: Lady Panthers vs Voorhees College 1:30 p.m. and Panthers vs Voorhees College, 3:30 p.m. Price: $20 for general admission; $25 for reserved seats. Click here to purchase tickets.

NPHC Greek Step Show, 8 p.m., Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena. Price: $20 for general admission.

Orange and Maroon Party 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Sulit Luxe Affairs, 1005 Broughton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Come dressed to impress for a night of fun, tasty cuisine and cocktails. Price: $25. Click here to purchase tickets.

Rock the Block, 10 p.m.-Until, Goff Avenue