As Cumberland University welcomes alumni and their families back to campus for Homecoming weekend on October 7th-8th, I can’t help but reflect on a number of the stories I hear first hand from those who previously called 1 Cumberland Square home. With over 8,000 alumni, the 2022 Homecoming theme, “Flashbacks with Phelix” gives a voice to each and every graduate of Cumberland University and their unique experience. Whether you knew Cumberland as a Jr. College, call yourself a Bulldog, or identify as a part of the Phoenix legacy, Cumberland University’s impact lives on because of you!
Over the course of the weekend, there are a number of events to attend and opportunities to connect with former classmates and friends. I hope that this weekend in particular is one you are able to look back on fondly and add to the list of stories you share with your families, friends, and loved ones. I hope you’ll kick off the weekend by joining the Cumberland University Alumni Association (CUAA) on Friday, October 7th at 6:00 pm at the Catron Alumni House for our annual Homecoming Party on the Patio. Drinks, food, and live music will be provided. RSVP here by Wednesday, October 5th.
Saturday, October 8th is officially Gameday as the Cumberland University Phoenix take on the Campbellsville Tigers at 4:00 pm at Nokes-Lasater field. CUAA will host a VIP tailgate beginning at 1:00 pm and will move to the stands at kickoff. Joining us during tailgating will be Smoked Kulture, a local food truck and Middle Tennessee Electric, with their famous grilled cheese. Tim Tebow will join us for our Rise Above speaker series before kickoff at 2:00 pm also at Nokes-Lasater field. Tickets for both the game and Rise Above can be claimed online, here. As Rise Above concludes we will continue tailgating with CU Student Life until kickoff at 4:00 pm. During the course of the weekend, Alumni and community members can also bid on signed Tim Tebow items, in an online silent auction, here. All funds will go towards Cumberland University Athletics.
Homecoming t-shirts will be available to purchase for $15 at Party on the Patio and at the Homecoming tailgate from 1:00-4:00 pm. This year’s shirt is gray with our homecoming theme logo on the front left chest and the Homecoming graphic on the back. T-shirts will be available in sizes S-3X, are first come first served, and can be purchased with cash, checks, and cards.
As alumni, I also want to challenge you to continue impacting the lives of our current CU students. This week, in connection with Rise Together, our annual giving campaign, you have the ability to participate in the Battle of the Decades, a fundraising competition between classes. Just as others before helped you on your CU journey, I ask you to unite with your classmates and contribute to your university’s future during this special time of giving.
The donors of the decade with the most alumni participation will each get 2 tickets to our annual CU Alumni Association Holiday party on Thursday, January 12th, 2023, and the donor with the largest gift will receive a basket full of CU gear! To participate in the Battle of the Decades, give here!
If you have any questions about Homecoming, our schedule or ways to get involved, feel free to contact me directly at cahaynes@cumberland.edu or (615)-547-1362.
Go Phoenix!
Caroline Haynes
Alumni Relations Coordinator