Return to Tradition: Experiencing Homecoming Safely & Responsibly

Dear Morgan State Family,

After nearly 18 months removed from our beloved campus, we have finally returned to our home here at Morgan State University! Coming back to campus not only signaled the return to the academic pursuits of nearly 9,000 Morgan students, the largest enrollment in our 154-year history, but it also signaled the return to our rites, traditions and a college experience that is uniquely Morgan.

One of those time-honored traditions is the Morgan Homecoming, a week of activities culminating with the homecoming football game and day of celebration. Homecoming at Morgan is a time when distant and connected members of our Morgan Family pilgrimage back to these hallowed grounds, reaffirm their love of the Orange and the Blue, and fellowship in the unifying experience that binds us as one. However, this year will be slightly different from years past, and not without cause.

As we stride toward this grand reunification and return home, we do so with great measure and discernment in our continued commitment to safeguard the wellness of our beloved Morgan Family. We are consistently monitoring our local and regional public health landscape in relation to COVID-19, with a constant eye on assessing and analyzing the best course of action for Morgan’s 2021 Homecoming Experience. In consultation with the Morgan Campus Health Monitoring and Response Team, the Campus Reopening and Readiness/Preparedness Committee and my leadership team, we have decided to forego the annual Homecoming Parade, the “Tent City” enclosed tailgating, and the Memorial Service which typically concludes our weeklong celebratory events for Homecoming. The remaining Homecoming event schedule will proceed in a hybrid fashion, offering a combination of the traditional in-person events and virtual activities that will fully accommodate our entire Community.

All in-person Homecoming events—both indoors and outdoors—will have mandatory mask requirement for all attendees, including vendors. A number of events will be limited to Morgan students. In accordance with the University’s mandatory vaccination requirement, this measure will be critical in our efforts to lessen chance exposure. With these necessary precautions in place, Morgan is in a better position to return, once again, to hosting a Homecoming experience that we so greatly covet.

In anticipation, please see the following “At-Glance” itinerary highlighting a full week of events, activities, and engagements for Morgan’s 2021 Homecoming. A full and detailed schedule of events can be found on the Homecoming website, complete with specific details including precautions, limitations, and requirements. Please note the schedule of events is subject to change.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

• MSU Alumni Association Homecoming Business Meeting (Virtual) 

Sunday, October 17, 2021

• Homecoming Worship Service (Live Streamed) 

Monday, October 18, 2021

• Bears on the Block (USC Patio – Student Only) 
• Beyond the Lights Skating Party (USC Ballroom – Student Only)

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

• Mister & Miss Morgan State University Coronation VIP Movie Screening (USC Ballroom)

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

• Homecoming Concert (Hill Field House) 

Thursday, October 21, 2021

• Sneaker Ball (USC Ballroom – Student Only) 

Friday, October 22, 2021

• Pep Rally (Hughes Stadium) 
• Homecoming Gala (Martin’s West)

Saturday, October 23, 2021

• Receptions & Reunions (University Student Center) 
• Vendor Village 
• Alumni Tent (Hughes Stadium)
• Homecoming Football Game – MSU Bears vs. NCCU Eagles (Hughes Memorial Stadium)
• Limited Tailgating 

Sunday, October 24, 2021

• Memorial Service—CANCELLED
• Coronation Screening

As you can see, we have a robust itinerary for Morgan’s 2021 Homecoming and anticipate a thriving campus full of spirit and revelry as we cheer on our MSU Bears to victory over the Eagles of North Carolina Central. We fully recognize the importance that this occasion represents each year as our current students, alumni and many supporters look forward to the fellowship of the Morgan Homecoming tradition.

Please keep in mind that even the best made plans can fall victim to external factors and, therefore, can be subject to change. Should we see the further decline in the great strides made in combating the pandemic, and the number of positive COVID cases start to again rise, we may need to pivot in our thinking and change our approach to hosting homecoming at Morgan. The safety of the Morgan community is always paramount.

Also, I encourage all members of our community to revisit our Core Values and to embrace them as we celebrate homecoming responsibly, particularly RESPECT. Please remember that you are a proud product of Morgan and that this campus is your home.

In closing, thank you to all of the units, committees and teams responsible for the planning and execution of our 2021 Morgan State University Homecoming. And a Happy Homecoming to all of our students, faculty, staff and alumni!

Respectfully, Forever Morgan and Morgan Forever!

David K. Wilson,
President