VCU news

By Joan Tupponce

The longstanding tradition of celebrating VCU Homecoming during the spring semester is back after taking place in the fall for the past decade.

“We ran into the issue of the annual Richmond Marathon that took place on the same Saturday of the previous Homecoming game schedule, which impeded our programming abilities in the area due to the heavy traffic and street closures,” said Bria Taylor, assistant director of student programming and campus engagement in the Division of Student Affairs.

This year’s theme for Homecoming, which will be held Feb. 12 through Feb. 18, is “Frameable.” Everyone is encouraged to capture moments throughout the celebration at one of the photo booths stationed at each event. Homecoming features events and activities for both students and alumni throughout the week.

Among the centerpiece events is the Homecoming Fan Zone and Block Party on Feb. 18. The block party will include games, music, food, swag and more before the VCU men’s basketball team takes on Fordham at 2:30 p.m.

“Homecoming is a collaborative effort among VCU Alumni, Student Affairs and Athletics,” said Ashley Dow Burton, executive director, DAR Signature Events, Office of Development and Alumni Relations. “This year, for the first time, all three have collaborated to bring alumni and fans the Homecoming Block Party.” 

The schedule of student-centered events ranges from a pep rally to a fashion show.

The Homecoming Fashion Show, “BECOMING,” will be held at Main Street Station on Feb. 17 and feature fashion, music and dance. The event showcases the fashions of student designers and Richmond designers. Student art will also be on display.

“It will be an unforgettable fashion show,” Taylor said.

At 7 p.m. on Feb. 18, the National Pan-Hellenic Council presents the 106 & Park Homecoming Step Show in the Commons Ballrooms. Greek organizations will perform step routines.

Meanwhile, in addition to the Block Party, VCU alumni can participate in an array of events dedicated to them this Homecoming. Many new events are planned, appealing to alumni at all stages of life.

For instance, families can bring children to “Reading with Rodney” with alum author Jessica Parham on Feb. 11 at the North Courthouse Library from 10 a.m. to noon, and alumni who are 70-plus or graduated in 1973 or earlier can attend the Golden Alumni Get-Together on Feb. 18 at the Shift Retail Lab from noon to 2 p.m.  

In addition, online bingo on Feb. 15 allows alumni – no matter where they are located – to connect over a bingo game with a host of prizes.

Alumni Night Out on Feb. 17 kicks off Homecoming weekend at The Park RVA, which will include VCU-only duckpin bowling lanes, mini golf and VCU swag. 

For more information about alumni events, visit www.vcualumni.org/events/homecoming. For more information about student events, visit www.vcu.campusgroup.com/vcuhomecoming/events.