MACON – Mercer University will welcome thousands of alumni and friends to the Macon campus Nov. 1-2 for Homecoming 2024.
The Office of Alumni Engagement has partnered with other University entities to offer a full schedule of events for alumni, families and friends during the celebration weekend.
“We’re excited to welcome our alumni and friends back home for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend,” said B. Todd Smith, associate vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Mercer Alumni Association. “We have an amazing lineup of events, but what I look forward to most is reconnecting with the generations of alumni returning to campus. It’s always a special time, and I can’t wait to see everyone. Go Bears!”
Homecoming Weekend Highlights:
Friday, Nov. 1
12th Annual Alumni Career Speaker Series
Locations across campus, 10-11 a.m.
Presentations by Charles M. “Chip” Russell, III (EGR ’07), Senator John F. Kennedy (CLAS ’87, LAW ’90), Dr. Jermani Thompson (CLAS ’96), Clay Thomas (CLAS ’96) and Alicia Williams (CLAS ’15)
Toby’s Campus Tour Book Launch Party
5-7 p.m., Plunkett Gallery, Hardman Hall
Undergraduate Class of 1974 Golden Anniversary Reception and Dinner
5:30 p.m., Reception; 6:30 p.m. Dinner; Penfield Hall
Annual Alumni and Friends Awards Reception and Dinner
The Presidents Dining Room, University Center, 6-8 p.m.
Honoring the University’s major alumni awards, as well as recipients and Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame’s newest induction class.
Pep Rally and Fireworks
8:30 p.m., Cruz Plaza
Featuring Mercer cheer, dance, the marching band, the football team and the announcement of the Homecoming court followed by a fireworks display.
Saturday, Nov. 2
14th running of the Homecoming 5K
Participants start at Five Star Stadium and race through the University’s beautiful campus.
Registration is $20 in advance. Please note that online registration will close at noon on Friday, but participants may still sign up for the race on the morning of the event at the race site/start at 7:45 a.m.
Mercer University Press (MUP) Book Sales
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Black Field
Mercer alumni receive a 40% discount on books published by Mercer University Press, including the recently released Mercer Illustrated: The Places, People, and Experiences of a Uniquely Impactful University.
The Half Century Club Induction and Celebration
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., the University Center intramural courts
Honoring undergraduate alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.
Tailgating
Several tailgating opportunities will be available before the football team’s 3 p.m. game when the Bears will face off against the Eastern Tennessee State University Buccaneers. Prior to kick-off, Black Field will include a variety of activities for all ages. Drop by the Alumni and Friends Hospitality Tent for swag and reunion class recognition buttons!
These are just a few of the events available throughout the weekend. To view the complete Homecoming 2024 schedule, visit homecoming.mercer.edu/schedule and find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Registration is required for select events, and registration instructions vary by event, so guests are encouraged to consult the online schedule before arriving on campus.
