Published: 07:00 AM, Fri Oct 23, 2009
Concert, comedians, football and more planned for FSU Homecoming
By Brian Dukes
Staff writer
For Victor Pace, director of Alumni Affairs, Fayetteville State University's homecoming usually means lots of entertainment and one heckuva football game.
"It's also a time for reconnecting with friends and classmates across generations," said Pace.
Fayetteville State University will celebrate homecoming with several activities throughout the weekend, including a concert featuring Trey Songz, a step show, a parade, a comedy show featuring Kevin Hart, and, of course, one heckuva football game.
Up-and-coming R&B crooner Trey Songz earned a Grammy nomination this year for "Can't Help but Wait" in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category. His third and latest studio album, "Ready," debuted at the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and has a sexier, more adult-oriented sound.
At 5 foot, 4 inches, diminutive comedian Kevin Hart has made a big name for himself. His comedic talents have been seen in such films as "Scary Movie 3," "Scary Movie 4, "Along Came Polly," "Soul Plane," "The 40 Year Old Virgin," and most recently on Comedy Central's "Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire."
Pace said the homecoming entertainment lineup gets better every year, which is one of the reasons why so many FSU alumni return home.
"This is the one time of the year that all of our alumni know to come home and enjoy fellowship," said Pace, who expects close to 10,000 FSU alumni to attend, along with their families and friends.
Pace said there are also several alumni-only activities planned, including a number of social events, dances and reunions.
The bevy of activity has been helped by the increasing number of younger alumni, he said.
"There's a lot of younger generations coming in to the fold," said Pace.
The larger, younger numbers have also meant more support for the university, especially when it comes to financial support.
"Alumni donations are really up this year from last," said Pace. "Our alumni are showing their love and support for the university. And in the face of this economy, that's just awesome."
Homecoming Activities
Today
FSU Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show, 8 p.m., Capel Arena. Tickets for FSU students are $11 (limit of 2). General admission is $16 in advance, $21 day of show.
Saturday
Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m. The parade starts on Rowan Street near Vick's Drive-In, and will work its way down Murchison Road to Langdon Street.
Tailgate & Block Party, 11 a.m. Parking lot between Knuckles & Taylor.
Homecoming football game: FSU vs. St. Augustine's College, 2 p.m., Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. Tickets are $25-$28.
Homecoming Comedy Show featuring Kevin Hart, Nikki Carr & Spank, 8 p.m., Capel Arena. Tickets for FSU students are $10; general admission is $15 in advance and $20 day of the show.
National Alumni Association homecoming dance, 10 p.m., Holiday Inn Bordeaux. Tickets are $25.
Sunday
National alumni fellowship breakfast, 9 a.m., Holiday Inn Bordeaux. Tickets are $20.
United Voices of Praise old school gospel concert, 4 p.m., Seabrook Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.