by Sarah Waller
Online registration opens Sept. 1 for Samford University’s homecoming weekend, Nov. 10–13 at alumni.samford.edu/homecoming.
As the university celebrates its 175th anniversary, homecoming weekend will be bigger than ever before with special anniversary events including the 175th Anniversary Convocation and Service of Thanksgiving, and the 175th Anniversary Ball, according to Chris Blazer, senior director of alumni programs and annual giving.
Tickets for the Nov. 11 175th Anniversary Ball vary in price and can be purchased through the registration process. General admission tickets cost $100 each or two for $150. Tickets for young alumni and Samford employees cost $50 each or two for $75. VIP tickets cost $175 each and include a special VIP reception, reserved area in the ball and VIP parking.
Five classes will celebrate milestone reunions this year with special events, including the classes of 1966, 1961, 1991, 2006 and 2011. The Golden Bulldog Luncheon, an event for Samford alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago, will take place Friday, Nov. 11, prior to the 175th Anniversary Convocation and Service of Thanksgiving.
Schools and departments across campus will be hosting open houses, allowing alumni the chance to reconnect with faculty and tour new facilities. The College of Health Sciences will host an open house Saturday, Nov. 12, providing tours of its new state-of-the-art facilities in east campus.
Online registration will prompt visitors to register for events that require payment to Samford University, Blazer said, including the 175th Anniversary Ball, the Samford Alumni Association tailgate, the Golden Bulldog Luncheon and class reunion events. To register for other events, please see the full homecoming schedule. Events that require registration and/or payment will be marked and include registration details.
To purchase tickets for the Samford vs. Mercer football game Saturday, Nov. 12, go to samfordsports.com/tickets.
Several homecoming events are free and do not require registration.
Homecoming event details, including locations and times, are subject to change, Blazer noted. The online schedule will be kept up-to-date with the most current information.
The site also provides information about local hotels with blocks of rooms at discounted rates.
Blazer emphasized that if individuals have any questions or face any issues during registration, contact the Office of Alumni Programs and Annual Giving at 205-726-4065 or sualumni@samford.edu.
Sarah Waller is marketing and communication coordinator for the Office of Alumni Programs and Annual Giving.