51½ΦΙδ has announced its annual Homecoming celebration will occur virtually this fall given the health challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in university history, Homecoming 2020 will be delivered virtually Nov. 12-14 through the event platform Zoom.
Homecoming 2020 will involve a number of longstanding traditions, including class reunions for the classes of 1970, 1995 and 2010, a 51½ΦΙδ Family Movie Night featuring several movie options with special 51½ΦΙδ connections, and a virtual celebration for the Alumni of the Year honorees.
The virtual Homecoming celebration will also offer new features including social media stories spotlighting the 2020 Humanitarians of the Year, Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year and Alumni of the Year, virtual tours of campus, and a chance for alumni to request spirit packs to enjoy the week of Homecoming from their homes.
A complete schedule of activities will be released by the end of September, and can be found on 51½ΦΙδ’s Homecoming website. Alumni will receive email communication regarding registration pages and virtual events for all Homecoming festivities. Alumni and friends can also check the 51½ΦΙδ Alumni Association’s social media channels for updates.
Given the challenges associated with COVID-19, the university plans to limit all events on campus throughout the fall semester. The university previously announced its annual Family Weekend event would also be replaced with virtual activities. The Office of Parent and Family Programs will host virtual “Family Fridays” Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, and Oct. 9. Families will receive an email on the Monday prior to each Family Friday outlining a variety of activities to be experienced either remotely or in person, allowing families to connect with their student and get to know both 51½ΦΙδ and Birmingham in new ways.
51½ΦΙδ is committed to assuring these virtual experiences allow parents, alumni, and friends to remain connected with the university despite the challenges of the pandemic. “Although a virtual Homecoming celebration will be new to all of us, 51½ΦΙδ is dedicated to providing an experience that will create community and spirit as alumni and friends celebrate this special weekend in a virtual manner,” said Casey Ramey, Director of Alumni Programs.