By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vemejicanos@afro.com
Morgan State University (MSU) will hold its annual homecoming events Oct. 9-12 with events that foster pride, community and tradition.
As droves of students and alumni come together for the occasion, the university says the week is rooted in a sense of unity.
“Homecoming is a time for building and reinforcing connections among current and former members of the Morgan State family,” said Cheryl Stewart, who serves as public relations manager for the institution. “It creates lasting memories and strengthens the bonds that unite everyone who is part of the university.”
The festivities will include on and off campus activities. All on campus events will end at 5 p.m. to prioritize safety. University President David K. Wilson took to social media ahead of the celebration to say that safety is a top priority. The university has tightened security and made several changes since a shooting in 2023 made made national news.
“As we do every year during homecoming week, we prioritize safety and security on campus,” said Morgan State University Police Chief Lance Hatcher in a statement on social media. “We want everyone that visits Morgan State University Campus to enjoy themselves in a safe and family friendly environment.”
“To help us achieve this goal, we have implemented a variety of important security measures,” said Hatcher, adding that attendees can expect “more than 200 security and police officers on campus with the support of Baltimore Police Department” and an “increase of surveillance and camera coverage campus wide.”
Hatcher said there will be “an implementation of strategic weapons technology” and campus buildings will close at 3 p.m.
Off campus, events will be open to current students and alumni alike. On Thursday Oct. 9, the “Live the Legacy: MSU Homecoming Kickoff” will take place at the Live! Casino and Hotel in Maryland. The event will feature music, live DJs, food and drinks and exclusive giveaways for attendees.
On Oct. 10, the 41st annual homecoming gala will be hosted at Martin’s West in Baltimore. The event is a time to fellowship and raise funds for the work of the Morgan State University Foundation.
On Oct. 11, the university will start the day with the annual Homecoming Parade at 9 a.m., featuring student organizations and notable alumni. The university will also host its annual homecoming game, where the Morgan State Bears will take on the Virginia University of Lynchburg. Kickoff is at 1 p.m and tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or at the student center box office. Both events will include performances by the Magnificent Marching Machine.
Homecoming will conclude Sunday, Oct 12. The day begins with an interfaith candlelight memorial service at 8 a.m., “in remembrance of students, alumni, faculty, and staff from the Morgan community who passed away this past year, offering an opportunity to reflect and honor their memory,” according to information released by the institution.
Following the memorial service, MSU Chapel Service will be held at 2pm.
For a full lineup of events and more information about each, click here.
Links:
https://events.morgan.edu/event/homecoming-memorial-service
https://events.morgan.edu/event/homecoming-university-updates
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1K3MjqFFkc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://events.morgan.edu/event/live-the-legacy-msu-homecoming-kickoff