Homecoming 2024 Schedule

We are hard at work putting together the 2024 slate of Homecoming events! For a sampling of what may be offered, the 2023 schedule is featured below!

 

 

Follow the photo to our Homecoming 2023 Photo Gallery!

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7 a.m. – 8 p.m. • University Center
Visit the University Center for public restrooms, ATM, and vending. UC Food Court opens at 10:30am.

11th Annual Alumni Career Speaker Series
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. • Various Locations:

– CLAS/Theatre: Nathaniel Bittman, BUS ’00 • Branch Manager, NFM Lending • Connell Student Center Conference Room 1
Nathaniel is a Graduate of Mercer University, Macon, Georgia. Nathaniel graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration with an additional concentration in Theater Arts. Nathaniel is a State Educator, teaching New Loan Officer Boot Camps and 8 hours Continuing Education for Licensed Loan Officers in the state of Florida. Nathaniel is a certified instructor and trainer in Emotional Intelligence, Strength Finder 2.0 and DISC profiling with a focus on Behavior Management. Currently serving as President of Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and has maintained a 29 year career in Mortgage Banking. Nathaniel has presented and trained over 4,000 Real-Estate and Mortgage Professionals, with a focus on Stress Management, Conflict Management, Strategic Selling, Crucial Conversations & gaining In-Sight in Self- Management processes to leverage higher Emotional Intelligence skills.
Divisional Branch Manager NFM Lending Corp.
President of the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals
Greater Tampa Bay Realtor Association, Tampa Bay Builders Association & Pinellas Realtor Organization Instructor- Lecturer
AMP, MBA
Certified Instructor Emotional Intelligence
DISC Certified Instructor
Strength Finder 2.0 Coach
State Government Affair Chair State Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals
Secretary Executive Committee State Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals
Past President Tampa Bay MBA

– BUS: Carly Williams, BBA ’97 • Stetson 251
Carly Williams is the University Recruiting Leader at Ford Motor Company. She is responsible for the overall campus recruiting strategy, university relations, and early career programs at Ford, hiring over 1,000 intern and full-time hires per year. In her role, Carly leads efforts to attract, engage, and hire entry-level full-time professionals and interns from universities across the country. She frequently presents to students, informing them of career opportunities, host sessions on cultural dexterity, resume and interviewing workshops, and how to position themselves for success.

– EGR: Patricia Carter, BSE ’03 • Science and Engineering Building Room 110
Patricia started her career in Savannah at Gulfstream Aerospace after graduating from Mercer in 2003. After a year in the aerospace industry, Patricia moved to Memphis, TN and joined Smith & Nephew to begin her career in the medical device arena.  At Smith & Nephew, Patricia held several marketing roles focused on new product development. During this time she also received her executive MBA from Vanderbilt.
In 2012, Patricia helped Smith & Nephew spinout their biologics business unit to a new stand alone company called Bioventus. At Bioventus, Patricia held several leadership roles including Sr. Product Manager, Sr. Manager of International Marketing, Director of Sales, Director of Sales Operations, and later was promoted to the Vice President of Patient Access and Reimbursement. In this role, Patricia led a team of over 100 employees who were helping patients use their healthcare insurance to cover select Bioventus medical devices.
More recently, Patricia has joined Syneos Health, an organization focused on helping new technologies move from Lab to Life. In her new role in business development, Patricia will focus on supporting biotechnology companies execute their commercial and market access strategies.
Patricia resides in Tampa, FL with her two daughters who are 10 and 8.

– CLAS/Health Sciences: Tim Slocum, CLAS ’01 • Willet Science Center Auditorium
Timothy A. Slocum serves as a Senior Vice President of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare and also as the President of Methodist’s flagship facility, Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. Prior to working with Methodist, Tim spent more than 16 years at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA, most recently as the Vice President of System Support Services. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercer, as well as a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, a member of the Board of Examiners for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Tim is a graduate of New Memphis’s Leadership Development Intensive, Leadership GHA and Leadership Macon. He is an Eagle Scout and has served on a number of community boards over the years. He is the former President of the Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives and is currently serving as the Regent for Tennessee within the American College of Healthcare Executives.

-CLAS/Great Books: Josh Rogers, CLAS ‘05 • Connell Student Center Conference Room 3
Josh Rogers is President and CEO of the non-profit NewTown Macon. Josh works to attract, leverage and invest in self-sustaining transformation for downtown Macon, Georgia. Over his career, Rogers has become an innovator in using real estate to spark and sustain revitalization in communities desperate for reinvestment. One of Rogers’ signature abilities is to use market forces to cause revitalization, especially by investing directly in real estate development in non-profit-owned projects. Part of these strategies include infrastructure and programming, where Rogers has led such projects as reviving Macon’s soap box derby and installing the world’s largest pop-up bike lane network. Rogers resides in a historic home in downtown Macon with his wife, Meaghan and two young children, Jack and Ellie.

College of Professional Advancement Alumni Speakers – Virtual
10 a.m.  • Virtual
Gena Bryant Chalfa – Director of Student Wellbeing, Stratford Academy
Zoom link.
10:30 a.m. • Virtual
Melissa Alterio – Director, Cobb County, Department of Emergency Communications
Zoom link.

Our Timeline at Tarver
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Tarver Library
To celebrate our alumni and friends, Tarver Library has created an interactive timeline featuring Mercer’s vibrant history. Come pin your place and, while you’re at it, peruse old year books, grab some popular swag, and make a unique Homecoming souvenir to take home with you. For more information, please contact Ceallsach Crouch: 478-301-2962.

College Bound: An Inside Look at College Admissions
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. • University Center
Don’t miss the opportunity to get an inside look at the college admissions process during Mercer’s Homecoming Weekend. Join the Office of University Admissions for a seminar designed for alumni, faculty, staff, friends of the University, the Middle Georgia community, and their college-bound students in grades 11-12. Lunch will be provided. Further details and registration information is forthcoming. With questions, contact Mattie Zanin: (478) 301-2322. To register, visit College Bound: An Inside Look at Admissions. Join us as we dedicate the newly upgraded ROTC space in the upper level of the Penfield Annex. An open house will take place immediately following the dedication.

Dedication of Kicklighter Hall and Freedom Plaza
1:30 p.m. • Adjacent to Penfield Hall • Free
Join us as we dedicate the newly upgraded ROTC space in the upper level of the Penfield Annex. An open house will take place immediately following the dedication.

ROTC Open House 
Immediately following Freedom Plaza Dedication (2 p.m.) • Penfield Annex • Free

National Alumni Board of Directors Meeting
2:30 p.m. •  Invitation Only
This event is by invitation only. Members will receive additional information under separate cover. For more information, contact Todd Smith: (478) 301-2718.

Reunion Classes Walking Campus Tours
3 p.m. • Penfield Hall • Free
Walking tours available for our Anniversary Classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2013. Limited space is available; pre-registration is required.

Undergraduate Class of 1973 Campus Tours
3 p.m. • Penfield Hall • Free
Golf cart tours available for our Golden Anniversary Class of 1973. Limited space is available; pre-registration is required.

Mercer Law School – Dean’s Reception
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. • Mercer Law School • $15
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Register at law.mercer.edu/alumni.events. For more information, contact Andrea Williford: (478) 301-2180.

Undergraduate Class of 1973 Golden Anniversary Reception and Dinner
5:30 p.m. Reception • 6:30 p.m. Dinner • Penfield Hall • $35
Members of the Mercer undergraduate Class of 1973 are invited to celebrate your 50th anniversary with your classmates, current faculty and staff. Invitees will receive invitations by mail, and may register online or by returning the printed registration form.

An Evening with Southern Spirits
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Woodruff House, 988 Bond Street • $75
This Homecoming favorite pairs Southern literature with complementary cuisine and spirits. Pre-registration is required; seating is limited. Transportation from campus to the Woodruff House will be offered.  For additional information, contact Shawna Dooley at 478.301.2720.

Annual Alumni and Friends Awards Reception and Dinner
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Presidents Dining Room, University Center • $35
Our Annual Alumni and Friends Awards Dinner will honor our Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, and recipients of the Alumni by Choice, Meritorious Service, Distinguished Alumnus, and Young Alumnus awards. Pre-registration is required; reception begins at 6:00 p.m., with dinner and a program beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Pep Rally, Fireworks and Aspire Campaign Celebration
8:30 p.m. • Cruz Plaza • Free
Free and open to all, our annual Homecoming pep rally gets the party started!  Celebrate the successful completion of Mercer’s $500 million comprehensive fund-raising campaign.

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7 a.m. – 8 p.m. • University Center
Visit the University Center for public restrooms, ATM, and vending. UC Food Court opens at 10:30am.

Homecoming 5K
8 a.m. • Five Star Stadium • $20
The 2023 installment of the Mercer University Homecoming 5K race will consist of two laps around the beautiful Mercer University campus with a short trip through Five Star Stadium and along Coleman Avenue. Registration includes a Homecoming 5K t-shirt based on availability. Pre-registration is now open. For more information, contact Todd Thomas: (478) 301-2370.

SGA President and Vice President Reunion Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. • Location TBA • Free
Homecoming event for current and past SGA presidents and vice presidents. For more information, contact Michele Josey; (478) 301-2685. Register here.

CANCELED – Alice in Wonderland, presented by Mercer Theatre
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. • Tattnall Square Park – Family Friendly! • Free
Due to inclement weather, this performance has been canceled. Join us for a bear-y free children’s theatre event at 10am on Saturday morning! Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” re-imagined, adapted, and directed by Mercer Theatre’s own Scot Mann. The familiar plot with its beloved characters is set in a steampunk world where the Victorian era meets science fiction through design and special effects. Family-friendly and in the beautiful Tattnall Square Park, free coffee for adults (sorry, cubs) will be provided by ZBeans. Please follow signs to the performance area at the southwest corner of the park. Appropriate for all audiences, this performance is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact Frani Rollins: (478) 301-2975.

Rest(room) and Read at Tarver
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Tarver Library
Looking for a peaceful moment? An indoor restroom? How about a place to sit for a while? Visit Tarver! While you’re here, take a look at some resources we have for our alumni and friends. For more information, please contact Ceallsach Crouch: 478-301-2962.

Half Century Club Induction & Celebration
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. • Intramural Courts, University Center • Invitation Only
This event is by invitation only for our undergraduate alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Invitees will receive invitations in the mail. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, alumni and one guest attend free. A registration fee of $25 applies to each additional guest. View special Half Century Club parking, transportation, and football game ticket information on the Half Century Club page.

Alumni Hospitality Tent and Tailgate
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field – Look for our tent and signage! • Free
Open to all alumni, with recognition items for the classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2013! Registrants come to the tent and get your homecoming t-shirt. Shirts will be available at the Alumni tent while supplies last. Register for your free t-shirt here!

Tift College Alumnae & Scholar Reunion
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field, with the Alumni Hospitality Tent and Tailgate – Look for our tent and signage! • Free
Open to all Tift alumnae and Tift Scholar alumnae, with recognition items for the classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2013!

College of Health Professions Tailgate
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field • Free
The faculty, staff, and students in the College of Health Professions welcome you to visit our tailgate prior to the Homecoming game. Everyone is welcome – returning alumni, current students, prospective students, and family members. Come find out what is going on in the College and share in our dessert buffet. We will also have giveaways to take to the game. For more information, contact Pamela Green: (678) 547-6208.

McAfee School of Theology Homecoming Tailgate
11:30 a.m. • Black Field • Free
Please join us for the annual McAfee School of Theology Homecoming Tailgate! Alums, faculty, staff, and current students with their friends/family are invited to tailgate with us prior to the game on the Black Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information and to register, contact Nikki Hardeman.

Center for Collaborative Journalism and JSM Graduates Homecoming Tailgate
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field • Free
The Center for Collaborative Journalism welcomes students and graduates to our 2023 Homecoming Tailgate on Black Field. Enjoy free food and fellowship before the big game! For more information, contact Debbie Blankenship.

College of Pharmacy Homecoming Tailgate
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field • Free
The College of Pharmacy invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to join us for our Homecoming Tailgate in Macon. Come by and enjoy an afternoon of fun and food before the big game. Everyone is welcome! With questions, contact Genice Johnson, Director of Alumni Services, at johnson_g@mercer.edu or (678) 547-6306.

College of Professional Advancement Homecoming Tent and Tailgate
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Black Field • Free
You are invited to enjoy food, drink, fun and the company of College of Professional Advancement Students, Alumni, and Faculty.

Stetson-Hatcher School of Business Homecoming Tailgate
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Black Field • Free
The Stetson-Hatcher School of Business would like to welcome our Alumni, Students, Prospective Students, Faculty, Staff, Family, and Friends to join our 2023 tailgate before the game. Please come and enjoy free food and drinks! Hang out with some old friends and make some new ones! We can’t wait to see you! Registration is not required. For more information, contact Dollie Shankle: (478) 301-2832.

Law School Tailgate
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. • Black Field • Free – Pre-registration required
All Mercer Law alumni and families are welcome to attend this free event, featuring lunch catered by The Bear’s Den with soft drinks, tea, beer and wine. Join us on Black Field at Mercer University’s main campus. The event is free, but registration is required. Register at law.mercer.edu/alumni.events.

Football Game: Mercer Bears face Samford Bulldogs
3 p.m. • Five Star Stadium
Visit Mercer Ticket Sales for more information

A Divine Kerfuffle, presented by Mercer Theatre
7:30 p.m. • Tattnall Square Center for the Arts • $15 General Admission; $10 Mercer Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni
The year is 1895, and Sarah Bernhardt is the greatest actress to ever grace the Victorian stage – just ask her! In this high-energy, physical comedy, the stage is set for the ultimate showdown as two dueling divas cross wits and blades in this frantically funny farce! Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. For more information, contact Frani Rollins: (478) 301-2975.

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Recital by Dr. Jack Mitchener, Professor of Organ & University Organist
3 p.m. • Newton Chapel • Free
A celebration of the organ with the famous Toccata & Fugue in D minor by Bach and Widor’s Toccata from the 5th Symphony. Additional works by Saint-Saens, Clara Schumann, and spirituals by Hailstork.
Re-dedication of the Plunkett-Sewell Memorial Organ (Built by Holtkamp; tonal revisions by Gober and Desautels; new console by Desautels).