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Homecoming Highlights: 2020
Virtual events brought Marlins together for an unprecedented Homecoming weekend
University News | October 5, 2020
A global pandemic couldn’t stop Marlins from gathering for the University’s annual Homecoming and Family Weekend. Virginia Wesleyan held this year’s celebration virtually October 2-4.
Fans showed their love for the University on October 2 as part of the annual Marlin Spirit Day, kicking off Homecoming weekend by sharing photos of their Wesleyan pride on social media. The day also included a virtual Campus Tour, and a Zoom reunion for the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1970 led by University Archivist Stephen Mansfield. The fine and performing arts were in full view with the Marlin Fringe Festival on Friday, featuring the JukeVox a capella concert by Vox Vera and the student filmmakers’ exhibition, Blue Marlin Productions. Homecoming King and Queen Timothy Anderson ’24 and Melina Cabral ’24 were crowned following the socially distanced Homecoming Kickball Homerun Derby on campus.
The celebration continued October 3 with the annual Chili Cook-Off, held on the Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Facebook and Instagram pages. VWU Sports Information Director Alysse Scripter took home the prize for best chili submission, and additional recipes were submitted for the Marlin Family Chili Cookbook. That afternoon, VWU Esports took on Lander University in League of Legends, and alumni and friends competed in a Virtual Pub Trivia Night. Graduates from the University’s theatre program reunited for a friendly “Family Feud” competition with current students as part of the Marlin Fringe Festival’s Alumni Spotlight. The Trio Atomic Concert was also available for streaming.
The Marlin Fringe Festival continued Saturday evening with a Fall Music Concert featuring the Camerata choir, VWU Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, as well as The Virtual Stage, starring theatre and performing arts students. Haruspex provided a late-night Halloween-inspired audio experience. A Virtual Homecoming also gave current students the chance to participate in the traditional, yet socially distanced, Homecoming Dance.
The weekend came to a close October 4 with a special Sunday coffee edition of Ask Me Anything with VWU President Scott D. Miller. The event was hosted by Jason Seward ’05, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. A Nondenominational Worship Service was led by University Chaplain Marie Porter.
Throughout the weekend, VWU family and friends had the opportunity to take part virtually in the Marlin 5K Run/Walk (while getting in the groove with the Homecoming and Family Weekend playlist on Spotify). Fifty-eight participants raised just over $1,000 for the Student Life & Learning Fund, which directly supports COVID-19 relief for current Marlins.
Virtual visitors also had the chance during the weekend to check out Barclay, Modernity, and the Environment: Barclay Sheaks Gallery at 20 Years with Art Historian and Professor of Art Joyce Howell. A Neil Britton Art Gallery Exhibition also gave viewers a retrospective look into the gallery’s evolving mission, shows and events dating back to its opening in 2009.
Homecoming and Family Weekend virtual events are archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network