Entertainment

The entertainment at homecoming events has varied widely over the years, determined by the interest of students and the student budget allocated for talent. Sometimes event programming called for a home-grown approach, such as the softball and basketball games of the early days that pitted students against faculty. The student-faculty basketball game in 1983 featured a halftime show with administrators performing a synchronized drill with briefcases and students running a gauntlet of flying tennis balls while dressed in regalia. Other homecoming entertainment over the years included car smashes, carnivals, and even throwing pies at President John Lott Brown for charity, pictured here.

Homecoming is also known for thought-provoking speakers and comedians, such as journalist Helen Thomas, comedian and activist Dick Gregory, comedian Paul Rodriguez and Watergate and political spark plug G. Gordon Liddy. Musical acts have included Tommy James and the Shondells, singer and “Solid Gold” host Marilyn McCoo, Jimmy Buffett, Kool and the Gang, and Wiz Khalifa.