ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University will kick off a week-long, alumni-centered
virtual Homecoming celebration on Nov. 9. This year’s Homecoming festivities are going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the comfort of their homes and offices, Winthrop alumni can catch up with former classmates and friends in a variety of online activities, including a speed networking event, fitness classes, coffee and cocktail hours, and virtual exhibits from the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections.
“We will miss having alumni on campus for our annual Homecoming and Reunion celebrations, but we hope alumni enjoy the virtual events and will reconnect with Winthrop and fellow alumni in a new way this year,” said Lori Tuttle, executive director of alumni relations and reunion giving.
There are several live streams planned to spark up the spirit of Homecoming. On Nov. 11, look for a virtual showcase with Jostens to view Winthrop’s exclusive jewelry collection. On Saturday, Nov. 14, grab a cup of coffee and join Men's Basketball Coach Pat Kelsey for a virtual chat to hear the latest about the Winthrop men's basketball team.
New this year, the Alumni Association has tapped three alumni to take over Winthrop Alumni Instagram account for an inside glimpse of their day-to-day lives. Look for interactive content from: Mat Fretschel ’03, a photographer for Walt Disney Animation Studio; Byron Putman ’94, president of the Winthrop Alumni Association Executive Board and a producer for Carolina Panthers Radio Network; and Zainab Ghadiyali ’09, a product lead for Airbnb.
Additionally, Winthrop's Dining Services will host cooking segments featuring two special recipes – applesauce spice cake and bacon fried rice. The applesauce spice cake is an original recipe from Mai Rutledge Johnson, Winthrop Class of 1898 and wife of Winthrop founder D.B. Johnson.
At this time, traditional class reunion activities and events have been rescheduled to Spring 2021 to help ensure everyone can safely gather and celebrate. Alumni with class years ending in ’0 or ’5 will soon hear more from the Alumni Association about spring activities, which will include the Class of 1970 50th reunion wine and cheese reception and class dinner, class reunion gatherings, the Winthrop Archives memorabilia display, trolley tours and the Alumni Reunion and Awards Luncheon.
Finally, nominations for the 2020 Alumni Awards will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 29. The 2020 Alumni Award recipients will be honored in the spring.
For more Homecoming information and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.winthrop.edu/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 803/323-2145.
