Morgan Homecoming 2022—Going Back to the Basics

Dear Morgan Family,

Happy Homecoming Week! As we enter the weekend of our annual homecoming day here at the National Treasure—Morgan State University, please allow me this opportunity to share some of the changes and improvements we’ve introduced to enhance the homecoming experience. With thousands of students, alumni and visitors expected to traverse the campus this Saturday, it was imperative that we put in place a comprehensive plan that would not only help to facilitate a safe, secure, and family-friendly environment but also maintain the tradition and dignity of a Morgan Homecoming. To this end, I commissioned a Homecoming Improvement Committee led by Morgan State University Police Chief Lance Hatcher and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Banks; and thanks to the committee’s thoughtful planning, we are confident in our expectations for this weekend’s activities.

When you come to campus on Saturday, you can expect to see the following:

More Law Enforcement – To maintain the safety and security of the campus on homecoming day, we have invested in adding more law enforcement and security officers. In addition to a full complement of Morgan State University Police on campus tomorrow, you will also see Maryland State Troopers, Baltimore City Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore School Police, security officers and K-9 units—all committed to ensuring the safety of the occasion.

Limited Access to Academic Quad – As you may be aware, a number of campus maintenance projects are currently underway, with none more intensive and visible than the work taking place on the Academic Quad. We understand that our returning alumni like to gather on the Quad as has been the tradition, however, for the safety of all our guests, access to this area will be limited. The Greek organization ‘Circle Steps’ that would normally happen on the Quad has also been relocated.

Enhanced Lighting – With the days growing darker earlier and our desire to promote a safer environment and increase visibility on campus, we are erecting 13 light towers and elevated observation decks throughout the campus, particularly where people tend to congregate.

Zero Tolerance for Smoking, Alcoholic Beverages, or Weapons – There will be signage and messaging throughout the campus on homecoming day reminding our students, employees, alumni and guests that Morgan is a Smoke-Free campus. Smoking of any kind is prohibited. In addition, alcoholic beverages should not be present on campus. Lastly, anyone found to be in possession of a weapon of any kind will be subject to the consequences of law enforcement.

Student Tailgating – To enrich the student experience on homecoming day, we have created a special student-hosted tailgating area on the practice field found on the main campus. We encourage our students and guests attending homecoming to take advantage of the activities that will be taking place.

Additional information about what behaviors are to be expected while on campus (Do’s & Don’ts) as well as important information to know and answers to some of the most common questions you may have (FAQs) can be found on the official Homecoming website.

Homecomings at Morgan State University have always been a special occasion. For the many Morgan alumni from around the world and across the country, returning to campus during homecoming weekend presents a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with alma mater in celebration of Morgan's excellence and growth. Morgan’s homecoming is also a family reunion, a time for sharing special moments with lifelong friends and catching up with classmates from years past. Lastly, it is an opportunity to rededicate and reinvest in Morgan’s future and continued success. That’s why this year, homecoming at Morgan is going Back to the Basics, back to what homecoming was meant to be — respect for self, respect for our campus, and respect for the traditions, customs, and rites that make Morgan great.

There’s a lot that happens during homecoming week along with a variety of activities taking place. Already, we’ve participated in a successful Bear Family Day, been treated to an outstanding jazz performance by the G. Thomas Allen Quintet and experienced the majesty of the Mister and Miss Morgan State University Coronation. And still, there is more to come! To kick off the homecoming weekend, there’s a Pep Rally happening this evening at Hughes Stadium as well as the annual Homecoming Gala taking place at Martins West. Tomorrow is even more packed with activity and excitement beginning with the Homecoming Parade, followed by the big game as our Bears take on the Norfolk State Spartans, and then later on in the evening the Blue and Orange Extravaganza. On Sunday, concluding a packed week of events, it will be ‘Morgan Day’ at M&T Bank Stadium as the University sponsors the nationally televised Baltimore Ravens vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. I invite you to learn more about what is taking place via the homecoming website: https://homecoming.morgan.edu.

In closing, I want everyone to have a great time during homecoming and comport yourselves as Morgan men and women. Be safe, be courteous and most importantly have fun!

GO BEARS!

Sincerely,

David K. Wilson,
President