Co-Lin’s Homecoming during the week of October 23-28 will feature an array of activities for alumni, friends and students on the Wesson campus and provide opportunities for folk to reconnect and experience the exciting changes happening at the college.
At an awards ceremony on Thursday, October 26, Charles Fortenberry, class of 1961, will be honored as Alumnus of the Year.. He is originally from Bogue Chitto and currently resides in Fayetteville, NC. After Co-Lin, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science and Troy State University with a Master of Arts. He is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and received 11 Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Cross medals.
Homecoming week will kick off on Monday, October 23, with a karaoke night outside of the cafeteria to which all students, alumni and members of the community are invited.
On Tuesday, October 24, the Alumni Association and Office of Enrollment Services are sponsoring a 5K Glow Run on campus. The event is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female winners in a variety of age groups. The first 50 participants to register will receive a t-shirt. Registration is online on the Co-Lin website.
The bulk of Homecoming events will be Thursday:
A retiree brunch at the president’s home at 10:30 a.m.. All retirees from the college’s three campuses are invited to attend.
Alumni Association chapter meetings for the Athletic Alumni Association in the Henley Building and for the Band/Colette Alumni Chapter in the Natchez Room at the Thames Center at 2:00 p.m.
The annual alumni awards reception from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Thames Center. Alumnus of the Year, Sports Hall of Fame, Band & Colette honorees and the 50-year reunion class will be recognized during this time. Check-in and social time will begin at 3:15 p.m., with the award program beginning at 3:45 p.m.
The annual business meeting beginning of the Alumni Association at 4:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free, but guests are asked to RSVP with the Alumni Office.
A tailgate party outside Stone Stadium from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with free food sponsored by Alfa Insurance, games and activities for kids sponsored by the Mississippi Army National Guard, and a pre Homecoming football game pep rally featuring the Blue Wave Show band and cheerleaders at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public.
The Homecoming football game at 6:30 p.m. against East Central. The 2023 Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized on the field prior to the coin toss. The Homecoming Queen and her court will be recognized on the field at halftime.
On Friday, October 27, a four-man scramble golf tournament will be hosted by the Co-Lin baseball team at the Wolf Hollow course. Registration will be $100 per player, and hole sponsorships are available for $100. Registration is online on the Co-Lin website. A mixed doubles tennis tournament will also be hosted by the Co-Lin tennis team at the Co-Lin Tennis Complex. Registration will be $50 per player, and t-shirt sponsorships are available for $150. Registration is online on the Co-Lin website.
For more information on Homecoming events and activities, visit www.colin.edu or contact the Alumni Office at 601-643-8498.