Saint Augustine’s University has been buzzing about Homecoming for weeks and it’s finally here. The Blue and White Experience runs through Saturday, Oct. 7, when it will come to a peak when the Falcons face off against Fayetteville State University Broncos on the football field.
Arielle Pratt, a sophomore biology major, was ready the week before Homecoming. “I plan on attending every event for the experience and for the fun of it,” Pratt said.
It’s the first Homecoming for Teja Williams, a psychology major. “I expect this experience to be the first of many and I will enjoy myself to the fullest,” Williams said. The week-long event includes skate night, a student talent show, a fashion show and the coronation of Mr. and Ms. SAU.
This year’s Homecoming is unusual – it will be a joint event with Shaw University and some of the events will be held there. Most students interviewed by the Falcon Forum were not upset about sharing the week-long event with Saint Augustine’s archrival.
“I feel as though having a joint Homecoming with Shaw is a great idea,” said Ralston Thomas Jones, a freshman business administration major. “We are two small schools and it makes sense to combine the schools for a great experience.”
The game looks like a daunting task for the Falcons. The team has an 0-5 record and is going up against the Fayetteville State University Broncos, who have a winning 3-2 record and have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
But Lee Sales, a redshirt junior linebacker, said the Broncos should expect a fight. “We are going to be playing on the new turf, so we are all going to be juiced up,” Sales said. “It will be a game to remember.”
Whatever happens on the football field, Falcons are certain to experience a memorable time at Homecoming’s many other events. The step show and concert, which will take place 6-11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, on the Shaw campus, will feature popular hip-hop trap and alternative R&B artist Toosii, who hails from Raleigh, N.C., and Hip-hop female sensation Kash Doll from Detroit.
“Audiences will enjoy a memorable and exciting top-tier entertainment performance from both shows,” said Miss SAU Ashley Weekes. Organizers “continue to work tirelessly to facilitate the interest of our students and staff, showcasing the real Blue and White pride,” Weekes added.
“This show that will have us talking about it even after a couple days has passed,” predicted Kadain Roper, a senior biology major.
— Ashely Petway and Emily Samuels
Okhalia Buchanan and Bryan Monroe contributed to this report
HOMECOMING SCHEDULE:
Event: AUX Cord Wars
Location: Emery Gymnasium, SAU
Date & Time: Oct 2, 7-10 p.m.
Price: $25
Description: Students battle one another to see who has the best playlist.
Event: Fashion Show
Location: Shaw University
Date & Time: Oct. 2, 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $20
Description: Students will show their individuality through creativity and fashion.
Event: Skate Night
Location: United Skates of America, 2901 Trawick Road, Raleigh
Date & Time: Oct. 3, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Price: $20
Description: An opportunity for both campuses to mingle and interact in a night of skating and fun.
Event: Daughters of Saint Augustine’s
Location: Saint Augustine’s Chapel
Date & Time: Oct. 3, 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Induction Ceremony
Event: 1867 Break
Location: MLK Hall, SAU
Date & Time: Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Students can get to know one another and play games.
Event: Talent Show
Location: Emery Gymnasium, SAU
Date & Time: Oct. 4, 7-11 p.m.
Price: $25
Description: SAU will partner with Shaw University to host a talent show. Comedian B. Simone will be the guest.
Event: Homecoming Art Exhibition
Location: Seby Jones Art Gallery
Date & Time: Oct. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Paintings by Ernest M. Lee, a son of SAU. The exhibition will run through Oct. 31, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Event: Coronation of Mr. and Ms. SAU
Location: Emery Gymnasium, SAU
Time: Oct. 5, 7-10 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Witness the official crowning of the 73rd Miss Saint Augustine’s University and the 10th Mr. Saint Augustine’s University.
Event: Divine 9 Reception
Location: Boyer Building First Floor Foyer/Outside Landing area
Date & Time: Oct. 6, 3 to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: A gathering open to all Greek and Social Organizations. Share in the camaraderie and celebrate the bonds that unite.
Event: Comedy/Jazz Show
Location: Hilton Raleigh North Hills, Capitol Ballroom,
Date & Time: Oct., 6, The doors open at 6 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a comedy show at 7 p.m. Music and dancing begin at 8 p.m.
Price: $100
Description: A night of entertainment and socializing.
Event: Scholarship Appreciation Donor Mixer Reception
Location: MLK Student Center Start
Date & Time: Oct 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Description: Come to express gratitude and connect to scholarship donors and supporters of education.
Event: Campus Health Fair
Location: MLK Student Center, SAU
Date & Time: Oct. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Gift card giveaway, free desserts & popcorn, entertainment, student health resources. Non-perishable and toiletry items will be collected to stock SAU Pantry.
Event: Gamma Rho 75th anniversary Glitz & Glam Gala
Date & Time: Oct. 5, 6 p.m.
Location: Hilton Raleigh North Hills
Price: Deltas – $95, Non-Deltas – $65
Description: Dinner and music by DJ Reggie Mac
Event: Yard Fest
Location: Quad, SAU
Date & Time: Oct. 6, 12-6 p.m.
Price: Free
Description: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere of fun and games on the quad.
Event: Stepshow and concert
Location: Shaw University Quad
Date & Time: Oct. 6, 6-11 p.m.
Price: $60
Description: Featuring Toosii and Kash Doll
Event: Homecoming Finale
Location: Hilton Raleigh, North Hills
Date & Time: Oct. 7, 9 p.m.
Price: $40
Description: Featuring DJ Skills, Sumthin 4 tha People, and DJ Reggie
NOTE: Students can get all Homecoming events in one package. A $150 value for the price of $125. For more information, visit www.st-aug.edu/sau-homecoming/
