BSC's Homecoming begins on October 5, with a 10 a.m. dedication of Hatter Hall, the BSC Alumni House, at the eastern entrance to the College. The public is invited to join BSC Alumni Association leadership and members, students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other alumni in a ceremony to celebrate the renovation and restoration of Hatter Hall, the former BSC "President's Home."

Shortly thereafter, at noon on October 5, the Founders' Day Luncheon in the Harris- Jefferson Student Center welcomes BSC grads as they return to their alma mater. BSC alumnus Wellington Swindall, a highly successful businessman and philanthropist, will deliver the Founders' Day address. Later that afternoon (3:30 p.m.), the BSC baseball team will play an exhibition game at Bowen Field. There is no admission charge to the game and the public is encouraged to attend.

The annual Homecoming parade begins at 6 p.m., with the parade participants, along with student organization floats, assembling at North Street and beginning their caravan to campus. "The Student Government Association, sponsor of this year's Homecoming program, is very hopeful that BSC students and staff, along with alumni and the community at large, will attend and enjoy the events in this year's celebration," noted Kathy Epperly, BSC's Interim Vice President for Student Affairs.

Throughout Homecoming week, the paintings of internationally renowned area artist Jerry Cajko will be displayed in the Hebert Gallery/Harris-Jefferson Student Center. Cajko's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in the United States, Japan, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Switzerland, and Germany.

On Monday, October 7, the multitalented "Travelin' Max" will be featured during a program beginning at noon in the Harris-Jefferson Student Center. The magician/entertainer is an acclaimed performer at college campuses throughout the East. Tuesday, October 8, is "School Spirit Day," with judges awarding prizes to individuals, offices, and organizations.

The "Campus Carnival and Picnic" will begin at 10 a.m., October 9, with a wide range of games and contests. The annual picnic begins at 11:30 a.m. Both activities will be held in the courtyard in front of the Student Center. On October 10 at 7 p.m., a talent contest sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, will be held in the Basic Science Auditorium.

The culminating events of this year's celebration take place October 11, with the Homecoming Coronation (7 p.m. in the Basic Science Auditorium) followed by the Homecoming Dance (9 a.m. at the Bluefield Ramada Inn.

"All events are open to the public, free of charge," Epperly observed. "Students and staff have invested a tremendous amount of energy in organizing this year's Homecoming. It's a major event in campus life and enriches the students' experiences here, while providing graduates an opportunity to come back to their alma mater."

Additional information regarding this year's BSC Homecoming can be obtained by calling (304) 327-4187.

September 16, 2002