North Carolina Central University is preparing for the biggest bash it has ever thrown. NCCU is expecting more than 12,000 alumni, students and visitors to turn out for Homecoming to celebrate the university’s 100th birthday. Festivities will begin Friday, October 23, 2009, and run through November 1, 2009.

There will be a myriad of activities, starting with a comedy show featuring Kevin Hart, Benji Brown, and Corey Holcomb on October 23. On Sunday, October 25, the university’s royalty will take to the stage at B.N. Duke Auditorium for the Coronation of Mr. and Miss NCCU and their majestic court.

The Centennial Lyceum performance, which is expected to pull a huge crowd, will feature Grammy-nominated, gospel artist and songwriter, Tye Tribbett and the Greater Anointing choir. One reviewer describes Tribbett and G.A. as the “acrobats of gospel.” That performance takes place October 27, at
7:30 p.m., in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Founder’s Day on Friday, October 30, is filled with ceremonial pageantry in recognition of Dr. James E. Shepard, the university’s architect. Soaring on the Legacy is the Centennial motto, which holds special significance for alumni and staff. “Many other HBCUs are defunct, out of business,” says Melvin Riggs, Jr., an imaging liaison and coordinator in the registrar’s office, “We’ve lasted 100 years. This will be a sweet family reunion.”

Johnnie Southerland, interim associate vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement, feels the legacy is “a continuum of accomplishment that will last for another century.”

Later in the day, there will be a special tribute to artist and alumnus, Ernie Barnes. Barnes has bequeathed artwork, books and papers to NCCU.

Then there will be a float-filled Saturday morning as the Homecoming Parade kicks off at 9 a.m., along Fayetteville Street to Lawson Street to the Mary Townes Science Complex on campus.

Everyone needs to get ready for some football. At the track field on Lawson Street, E-Town opens at 10:30 a.m. for the pre-game fan festival, featuring live entertainment, inflatable games, face painting, and VIP tents. The Sound Machine Marching Band will put on a short performance and NCCU’s
Eagles will meet and greet fans while getting pumped for the matchup against the Central State Marauders from Ohio. A game ticket assures entry into E-Town.

More than 2,600 people visited the new Homecoming Website in the first weekend since its launch. For more information on the festivities, go to <http://www.nccu.edu/homecoming> or call (919) 530-6363 (for alumni) or (919) 530-7099 (for general information).