Ƶ alumni, students, faculty and staff celebrated the start of Homecoming Weekend and $1 million in reunion giving at the annual "Rock the Block" Homecoming celebration.
Young Commons was filled Friday night with Ƶ alumni, students, faculty, staff and their families for “Rock the Block,” the annual celebration and community block party to officially kick off Homecoming Weekend.
The block party offered delicious food from local vendors, games and live music performed by Ƶ marching band Fire of the Carolinas and cover band Night Years. The celebration was an opportunity for alumni to reunite with friends and classmates as well as celebrate successes throughout the Ƶ community.
“Students and alumni, you are proof of what Ƶ does well,” said President Connie Ledoux Book to the crowd gathered around the stage on Haggard Ave Friday night. “You are making a difference as leaders, advocates, volunteers, employers and philanthropists. Ƶ LEADS through you.”
The block party was also an opportunity to celebrate the generosity of alumni who have contributed to Ƶ LEADS, the university’s most ambitious philanthropic campaign in its history, aiming to raise $250 million. Accompanied by representatives from each milestone reunion class or affinity reunion group, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Brian Feeley ’03, announced alumni reunion giving totaled $1,172,052.74 for 2019.
In all, 2,367 alumni contributed to this year’s reunion giving totals, with the Class of 2019 and the Class of 1969, which is celebrating its 50th reunion, earning the highest participation rates.
“Your continued support is a vote of confidence in Ƶ and will ensure this experience is possible for students in the future, giving the world the Ƶ graduates it so desperately needs,” Book said.
Following her remarks, Book led the community in counting down to an impressive fireworks display over Carol Grotnes Belk Library and officially began the show by leading the crowd in a cheer of “Long Live Ƶ!”
Homecoming festivities continue Saturday with events for Ƶ alumni, students and families throughout the weekend, including the Phoenix football team in a showdown with William & Mary at 2 p.m. at Rhodes Stadium.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Ƶ Homecoming & Reunion Weekend website.