ECSU’s 2021 Homecoming, Vikings Unleashed: Reunited, Kicks Off Oct. 17 for a Weeklong Celebration

The song says, “Reunited and it feels so good …,” and that’s the feeling on the Elizabeth City State University campus as Vikings prepare for the 2021 Homecoming, Vikings Unleashed:  Reunited. 

ECSU, as with the rest of the world, has been navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and after more than a year of lockdowns, remote learning and event cancelations, the Viking family has come back together to learn, live and love their university home. Starting on Sunday, Oct. 17, ECSU will celebrate that spirit with Vikings Unleashed: Reunited and a week of events that will culminate with a homecoming match-up between ECSU and Chowan University. 

“This year’s homecoming is an exciting time,” says Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Student Affairs, Kevin Wade. “We have been navigating the challenges of the pandemic and are now coming back together to celebrate our Viking family. Homecoming: Reunited is an opportunity for the Viking family to raise the spirit of this great university and show the world what Viking Pride! is all about.”

The week will begin on Sunday, Oct. 17 with the time-honored Viking tradition, the Mr. and Miss ECSU Coronation and Reception at the K.E. White Center, at 3 p.m. That night, at 10:30 p.m., everyone is invited to the Homecoming Countdown at the R.L. Vaughan Center. 

On Monday, Oct. 18, Food for the SOUL, “Clergy in the Café” will happen from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bedell Dining Hall. That evening, the Homecoming Kick-off Bonfire will light up at 7 p.m. on the softball field. 

The ECSU Modeling Troupe Battle will happen on Tuesday, Oct. 19 in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center at 8 p.m. Tickets for this event are $10 for students and $20 for the general public. 

Wednesday, Oct. 20 is the Day of Royalty in the Bedell Dining Hall. The event happens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, students will have an opportunity to meet successful, young Viking alumni at the Emerging Leaders Forum. This event happens from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Ridley Student Center, room 216. 

That evening, Viking alumni will gather in the K.E. White Center at 6 p.m. for the Mr. and Ms. Alumni Coronation. This event, hosted by the ECSU National Alumni Association, is by invitation only. 

For late night revelers, the Midnight Breakfast in Bedell Dining Hall and the Ridley Student Center will happen from 10 p.m. to midnight. A student meal plan is required. 

Friday, Oct. 22, kicks off at 11 a.m. with the Chancellor’s Donor Appreciation Brunch. This invitation only event happens in the K.E. White Center. 

That morning, golfers will be teeing off at 9 a.m. for the Alumni Golf Tournament and Fundraiser. The event takes place at The Sound Golf Course in Hertford. 
That afternoon, alumni are invited to attend the Chancellor’s Welcome Alumni Reception in the Chancellor’s Residence, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The ECSU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the K.E. White Center. Tickets are $40. 

At 8 p.m., the Student Body Pre-game event will happen at the R.L. Vaughan Center. Tickets for students are $10 and $20 for the general public. 

At 10 p.m., the Alumni Icebreaker will happen at the K.E. White Center. This is a ticketed event. 

Saturday, Oct. 23, the highly anticipated Viking tailgating activities begin at noon at Roebuck Stadium. 

Kick-off for the homecoming football game against Chowan University is at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. 

A Homecoming Block Party will happen later in the day, at 4 p.m. That night, the Pre-Dawn Party in Williams Hall Gym will start at 10 p.m. and run until 3 a.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for the general public. 

Also, at 10 p.m., the Black Encore Cabaret will happen at the K.E. White Center until 2:30 a.m. Tickets are $30 before Sept. 25 and $45 thereafter. 

On Sunday, Oct. 24, Homecoming will come to a closer with the Prayer Breakfast at the K.E. White Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This year’s guest speaker will be Dr. William Liverman, Class of 1971. Tickets are $15 before Oct. 15 and $20 thereafter. 

For more information about event tickets, tailgating, vending, and more, visit www.ecsu.edu/HOMECOMING.