Homecoming 2023: ‘Seeing people connect and reconnect’

More than 500 people, including alumni, friends, students, and families participated in Erskine Homecoming 2023 Oct. 13-14, with Family Day, sponsored by Student Development, and Future Fleet Day, hosted by Admissions, adding to the excitement.

Events on Friday, Oct. 13, included the 50th Annual Erskine Open Golf Tournament during the day and the Homecoming Dance at the Livery Stable in Abbeville in the evening.

At the President’s Reception on Saturday morning, alumni and friends enjoyed meeting Dr. and Mrs. Steve Adamson in the recently renovated Bowie Arts Center, where the exhibit “The Rocks Cry Out” was on display.

Meanwhile, in the Daniel•Moultrie Science Center Atrium, a Meet and Greet event offered an opportunity for prospective students to talk with Erskine faculty members as well as for current students to introduce their professors to their families.

“It was a beautiful day to host alumni, families, and potential students,” says Coordinator of Alumni Relations Jeanne Bell ’92. “Many people continued the celebration by attending the football game.”

A complimentary “Tailgate Lunch” on the Mall served as a prelude to the Fleet Football game in Greenwood against Carson-Newman. Food trucks on campus were “a big hit,” according to Bell. She noted that many students, alumni, and friends stopped by the Euphie Tailgate site at the football game.

The revamped campus shop—now called The Fleet Shop—was open for most of the day, and Erskine’s new coffee shop, The Grumpy Mule, was open from early morning to early afternoon.

Inflatables and games for students and families livened up the day, along with music by Fred Engler ’99, who leads “Fred Engler and the Trouble Shooters,” and photos with Erskine’s mascot, “Ace.”

The Class of 1993 gathered at the Alumni House in the afternoon, and more than 90 people attended a combined celebration for the Classes of 1972 and 1973 in the Founders Room of Moffatt Dining Hall.

“Seeing people connect and reconnect at Homecoming never grows old,” says Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Paul Bell ’84.

“For the Alumni Office staff, watching the smiles and hugs of people who hadn’t seen each other for 50 years was especially meaningful.

“The intervening years and distances that separate people in the course of life seem to evaporate once people step back on campus.”

A community bonfire behind Robinson Hall on the Erskine campus closed out Saturday’s activities.

Enjoy this collection of downloadable Homecoming photos.

Article by Joyce Guyette