The ‘contagious' passion of homecoming
By:
Nov 11, 2023
Dr. Arthur Doctor speaks to student reporters Nov. 2. (Panther photo)
By DAMAIA DAVIS
Â鶹´«Ã½ites expect an exciting week of events, according to a homecoming breakdown given by Dr. Arthur Doctor during a Nov. 2 conference.
The campus has been buzzing about the Nov. 11-19 activities, from homecoming games to the concert lineup.
Doctor, dean of students, said homecoming is a time to embrace and celebrate Â鶹´«Ã½’s culture.
“The pride that is associated with this university, I would stack up against any other HBCU or PWI because people are so connected to Â鶹´«Ã½,” Doctor said. “It's a time for community and family.”
Â鶹´«Ã½ is known for its big alumni involvement, something Doctor said is part of what makes homecoming season at the university so special.
“I think homecoming here at Â鶹´«Ã½ is beneficial and impactful because our students get to see the generations and generations of alumni that come back and see their passion,” Doctor said.
"For me, that is contagious to our students to see themselves or where they will be in the next few years after they graduate from the university.”
The Clemson graduate said that during his time at Â鶹´«Ã½, he has become a part of this energy.
“I look forward to homecoming here at Â鶹´«Ã½ because I know so many familiar faces and I feel like I've been welcomed into the Â鶹´«Ã½ family as well,” Doctor said.
“That's what Â鶹´«Ã½ diversity is. To me, it's about family, not just Â鶹´«Ã½ alums but also extended family.”
“Everyone can see themselves having an experience here at Â鶹´«Ã½," Doctor said.
The SGA aimed to keep this tradition when planning the activities for students. The full schedule can be found on the group's Instagram page and at the Panther website: claflin.edu/news-events/the-panther.
"Pantherville" spins off from rapper J. Cole’s "Dreamville" album.
A 'Pantherville' homecoming
LATRICIA JONES
SAB kicked off Â鶹´«Ã½ University's "Pantherville" homecoming with a Kiki Ball.
The event is related to LGBTQ culture and is designed to provide a safe space for people to express themselves. The "Pantherville" theme is derived from rapper J. Cole’s "Dreamville" album.
Sunday, Nov. 12, is the official start with the crowning of Mister and Miss Homecoming. A late-night meltdown follows.
“Our students have been begging for a late-night meltdown," said Dr. Arthur Doctor, dean of students.
With Â鶹´«Ã½ basketball teams facing two different opponents during homecoming week, Monday is the day to pay last respects to the foes' mascots.
“We’re trying to make this as funeral-like as possible,” Doctor said.
Tuesday’s big event: A dorm step show and bonfire.
“The dorm step show is one of the highlights of the week. No one should miss the step show,” Doctor said.
Fried Chicken Wednesday features a fashion show meltdown.
Then comes Thursday and the homecoming concert featuring two primary artists: Kash Doll and No Cap.
Three student artists will perform: DRIP4VRR, R3tr0 Riq and Yung PG.
“We’ve got a lot of really talented students here at Â鶹´«Ã½," Doctor said.
Friday is the yard fest and Saturday is a day for basketball games and tailgating.
A Greek step show will follow the games. “There will be teams from every Divine 9 organization.”
Â鶹´«Ã½ is only college in South Carolina with all Divine 9 organizations on campus.
Homecoming security and more
JORDAN PATTERSON
Â鶹´«Ã½ Dean of Students Dr. Arthur Doctor discussed homecoming, security and the student center with student reporters on Nov. 2.
With homecoming being one of the biggest events held at Â鶹´«Ã½ University every year, security will be increased.
“We’re not cutting any corners when it comes to security," Doctor said.
Other agencies, such as the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, will be involved.
“As a whole, you’re going to see a beefed-up security presence," Doctor said.
Thursday's student concert at 7 p.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center will have extra security and polices such as clear bags apply.
Doctor is proud of the concert, which features two main artists and three Â鶹´«Ã½ student performers.
The main artists are Kash Doll and No Cap.
Two artists instead of one is made possible by an increase in the student activity fee that was approved by students via referendum, Doctor said.
“We probably have the best homecoming lineup in the state of South Carolina,” Doctor said others have told him regarding the concert.
Concert costs are $45 day of, $30 in advance for non-students and $25 for students in advance.
The artists are noted performers, but Â鶹´«Ã½ has a reputation of getting up-and-coming artists that have gone on to considerable fame.
“It’s not fiscally responsible to spend,” Doctor said of too much money for one artist at the expense of having funds for other events during the academic year.
A lot of students from other schools will be in attendance, Doctor said. He has been asked about the event by University of South Carolina students.
But the bottom line is the event is for Â鶹´«Ã½. “I expect Â鶹´«Ã½ students to show up.”
Doctor said the increase in the student fee allows Â鶹´«Ã½ to have a big presence with activities all year.
“I want to really applaud our student leaders.”
Doctor expects a lot of homecoming curiosity about the new student center nearing completion on campus.
“The student center is going to be phenomenal," he said.
The present center does not meet the needs, but the new facility will “put us head and shoulders above others.”
“The possibilities are endless.”
Homecoming schedule
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
"Where the Wild Things Are" - Kiki Ball
7-11 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym
Click to purchase tickets.
Cost:
Â鶹´«Ã½ students free
$10 for non-Â鶹´«Ã½ students
$20 for a House Table (limited quantity)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
CU Revolution Sunday Church Service
11 a.m.
James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel
Miss & Mister Homecoming Crowning Ceremony
3 p.m.
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center
Album Cover Themed Late Night Meltdown
10 p.m.-12 a.m.
Panther Plaza
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Coker & North Greenville Homegoing Service
1 p.m.
Ministers' Hall
Car Smash
1:45 p.m.
Kleist Hall Parking Lot
Women's Basketball Game
Lady Panthers vs Allen University
5:30 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Neon Rave Party
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Dorm Stroll Off & Darty
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza
Dorm Step Show
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Bonfire
Immediately following Step Show
Gravel Parking Lot
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Miss & Mister Fried Chicken Wednesday Meltdown & Fashion Show
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza
Special Event
Details TBA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Hall of Fame/Athletic Hall of Fame
12-2 p.m.
Orangeburg Country Club, 2745 Griffith Drive, NW, Orangeburg, SC 29118
By Invitation Only.
Â鶹´«Ã½ University Alumni Choir Concert
7 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 185 Boulevard Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Homecoming Concert featuring Kash Doll and No Cap
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Click to purchase tickets.
General Admission Tickets: $30.00
Â鶹´«Ã½ Students: $20 before October 20; $25 after October 20
All tickets are $45 on the day of the concert
Doors open at 7:00PM; Concert starts at 8:00PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Â鶹´«Ã½ University International Alumni Association Executive Meeting
9-11 a.m.
Ministers' Hall
Leadership Giving Luncheon
12-2 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
By invitation only.
Yard Fest
1-4 p.m.
In front of Dunton Hall
Presidential Scholarship Gala
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Price: $300. Click to purchase tickets.
CU "Wine" Down featuring Live in the Flesh
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $35. Click to purchase tickets.
Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Classes in Reunion/Affinity
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Renew, reconnect, relive the days at Â鶹´«Ã½ University with your classmates
Panther Den and Tailgate Experience
12 p.m.-Until
Tent and parking lot of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex
Enjoy the company of your classmates during Â鶹´«Ã½’ s ultimate tailgating experience – Burgess Brothers Famous Barbecue, good music and lots of fun.
Homecoming Basketball Doubleheader
Lady Panthers vs North Greenville University: 2 p.m.
Panthers vs Coker College: 4 p.m.
Price: $25 for general admission; $35 for reserved seats. Click to purchase tickets.
NPHC Greek Step Show
8 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena.
Price: $20 for general admission. Click for tickets.
Orange and Maroon Soiree featuring The Promised Land Band
9 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
The Sulit Luxe Affairs, 1005 Broughton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $45. Click to purchase tickets.
Come dressed to impress for a night of fun, tasty cuisine and cocktails.
The Final Shin-Dig featuring DJ Big Bust
10 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $25. Click to purchase tickets.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Centennial Worship Service
Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
10 a.m.
James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel
Alumni Brunch
12-4 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $35. Click to purchase tickets.
Proceeds will benefit need-based scholarships.