ECSU

Homecoming History

Excerpt from "A History of Elizabeth City State University: A Story of Survival"
By Evelyn A. Johnson, 1980

When Dr. S. D, Williams began his administration on January 1, 1946, "homecoming" had not become a tradition. The institution had been a full four-year college for nine years. Many graduates who had participated in the athletic program while enrolled as students were eager to return to their alma mater to view the sports of their choice. At one time, Thanksgiving Day was the "big day" for alumni and friends to return to see a football game. This proved unsuccessful because larger institutions, such as Morgan State in Baltimore and Virginia State in Petersburg, had built up a clientele for similar games on this day and smaller colleges suffered financial losses from these larger and more competitive colleges which attracted larger crowds.

The custom of providing for a "Miss Homecoming" had been established during the Harold L. Trigg administration, when in 1939, Miss Izetta Bowser had been proclaimed "Miss ECSTC." After this first celebration of homecoming with a reigning queen, there was a brief lapse of time in which no homecomings occurred.

Beginning in 1946, homecoming activities were better organized. The selection of queens for this coveted position was now done by popular vote. Money needed to operate homecoming was provided, not by young ladies competing for the status of "queen” but through student fees, gate receipts and advertisements from local businesses.

Though Winston-Salem, Norfolk State, and Virginia Union were often played during homecoming celebrations, Fayetteville State College became the traditionally accepted friendly opponent. There existed a beautiful relationship between the two institutions, similar to that of good neighbors.

Read More

Available on the ECSU Archives website:
http://www.ecsu.edu/library/archives/collections/docs/JohnsonBook4-15-2009.pdf

Parking & Shuttles

SHUTTLES

New this year, ECSU will provide shuttles on Saturday, October 20th. Event patrons are encouraged to use shuttles for the most convenient way to get around town and to the Homecoming events. Avoid the traffic congestion around campus, and get curb-side service!

Shuttles will begin pick-up at 11 am at:

The rear parking lot of Southgate Mall
The Fairfield Inn & Suites: 1640 City Center Blvd., Elizabeth City
The Hampton Inn: 402 Halstead Blv., Elizabeth City

Shuttles will begin return trips at 1:30 pm from the parking area behind the student bowling center.
Shuttles will run until 7:00 pm.

Parking

Homecoming In-Stadium Parking - 15.00
All Tailgating - 25.00
Homecoming General Parking - 10.00

Map of Campus

For a map of campus, click below.

Campus Map

Become a Vendor

Each year, ECSU Homecoming draws thousands of people including alumni, students, families, and friends into the Elizabeth City community and surrounding areas. As one of the largest events to take place in Northeastern North Carolina, this is a tremendous business opportunity for quality vendors. We encourage you to apply and join the Viking festivities!

Click Here for Vendor Packet

For questions regarding vending opportunities at the Football Game, please contact:

ALICO DUNK
1704 Weeksville Road / Campus Box 900
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252)335-3396 or (252)335-3461
Email: ajdunk@mail.ecsu.edu

For questions regarding vending opportunities at all other events, please contact:

Darrien Jerman
Homecoming Vendor Chair
1704 Weeksville Road / Campus Box 978
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252)335-3511
Email: djjerman@mail.ecsu.edu

Chancellor's Message

Greetings Alumni and Friends:

Welcome to the Elizabeth City State University Homecoming 2012 website!

Plans are underway for Viking Homecoming 2012. We are eagerly working to make sure we deliver a homecoming experience that will be memorable. There is nothing quite like Homecoming to evoke a sense of Viking Pride in your alma mater. This event gives us another opportunity to thank you for your continued financial support for our students and the University.

As the campus continues to grow with new start-of-art facilities and new degree programs, we are also making sure the University continues to promote academic excellence as we prepare graduates for the challenges of the world. We are planning events in areas around the campus that will allow you to see the improvements and upgrades while enjoying Viking fellowship.

ECSU has been an integral part of our local community for over 100 years and our continued partnership has made this community a better place to live, work, and grow. The local community recognizes and values your stay in Elizabeth City and they want to show their appreciation of your patronage. Together, we are working to "paint the town Viking Blue and White".

We look forward to your arrival and hope you'll enjoy this year's Viking Homecoming activities.

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Press Releases

ECSU HOMECOMING ADDS NEW TWISTS TO LONGSTANDING TRADITION

ELIZABETH CITY, NC - It's the best of both worlds at this year's Viking Homecoming, taking place Friday, October 12th, through Sunday, October 21st, 2012. During the 66th annual Homecoming celebration, coordinators plan to showcase the deep-rooted tradition of the university and its traditional Homecoming events, while adding a fresh spin to this year's festivities.

Most notable this year will be a series of pre-homecoming events happening the weekend before Homecoming. The ECSU Foundation Golf Classic, traditionally taking place in Elizabeth City, will now be the first event in a 10-day series and will take place at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University on Friday, October 12, 2012. This event will be hosted by the Raleigh-Durham-Wake Alumni Chapter of the ECSU National Alumni Association, Inc. Back on campus, 89.9 WRVS-FM will host a fundraising concert and food drive Saturday evening. This new event, a fundraiser for the university's radio station, will feature R&B musicians and a canned food drive for the Food Bank of the Albemarle.

Wednesday, October 17th, will provide a new addition to the Homecoming line-up. In partnership with the ECSU Lyceum Series, an annual series which brings national performing artists to the stage of the Floyd L Robinson Auditorium, homecoming coordinators are planning a Gospel Concert which will showcase a nationally known gospel group or artist. While artists are still being discussed, both Homecoming and Lyceum coordinators are confident that this will be a much welcomed addition to the university's schedule of Homecoming events.

ECSU is also in the process of increasing its community outreach efforts for Homecoming 2012. While events such as the Homecoming Parade and football game are traditionally well-supported by the community, organizers hope to involve community members in more of the school's offerings, as well as implement volunteerism and service through university groups. In an effort to incorporate new ideas from non-university community leaders, a representative of the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce, as well as Elizabeth City Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Member Andy Montero will be serving as planning committee members. "We felt that it was important to look beyond the confines of the University for new ideas in an effort to get our surrounding communities more involved," states Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist. "ECSU Homecoming brings thousands of people into town every year, and has a major impact on the local economy, but we want to know how we can better involve the people who live here year-round."

To read more, click the button.

Press Releases

How to Become a Sponsor

Every year, over 10,000 faithful alumni, family, friends, and community members attend ECSU's annual homecoming events. This celebration has fostered a legacy of fellowship, entertainment and Viking Pride.

This year's events will include a step show, parade, concerts, comedy show, alumni mixers, reunions, receptions, block party, ECSU Vikings vs. Chowan University Hawks football game and much more.

Viking Homecoming draws patronage from a diverse population of consumers and remains one of the most valuable opportunities in the region to increase exposure and revenue to your business.

Event sponsors will have the opportunity to enjoy:

- National, regional and local recognition as an elite business or entity
- Market expansion to clients/consumers in a variety of markets
- Increase sales and awareness by positioning your company products and services
- Major visibility, massive exposure and tremendous marketing opportunities
- Publicity generated from media coverage, social media, mobile marketing, email blast and printed materials that will be broadcasted and distributed to millions of people
- Ability to distribute promotional items at various events (attendance range from 500-12,000)
- Recognition on website, marquees, vehicles, signage, banners, event screens, apparel, publications, etc.
- Photo opportunities with event participants and designated representatives from your organization
- VIP tickets, seating, and parking for selected events

To learn more, please download the 2012 Viking Homecoming Sponsorship Package

We look forward to hearing from you! For questions or to confirm your participation, please contact:

Ralisha Mercer
2012 Homecoming Sponsorship Chair
rmmercer@mail.ecsu.edu | Phone: (252) 335-3223