6 unforgettable moments from Homecoming 2018
Between the parties, the big game and the parade, Homecoming 2018 at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) had its share of big moments. As we close the book on this year’s event, WSSU News presents six must-see moments.
6. Painting the city red
The City of Winston-Salem also was celebrating Homecoming. For the first time since they opened in January, the Twin City Arches – a gateway into the city above U.S. 52 and Research Parkway – were lit in Ram red for the entire week.
5. Alumni Depart to Serve
Although the numbers are still coming in, it’s clear alumni weren't just on campus to party: They came to give back. A big example of this is the Golden Rams Class of 1968, which presented a check to the WSSU Foundation for $143,000, and the class of 1964, which topped them with a gift of gave $196,000.
4. Ram love from one of the NBA's biggest stars
NBA superstar Chris Paul, a native of Winston-Salem whose parents are WSSU alumni, celebrated Homecoming Saturday on the West Coast. Paul arrived at the Staples Center for the much-anticipated regular-season home-opener for new Laker Lebron James in a red sweater with black WSSU lettering.
A photo of Paul first showed up Saturday on the NBA’s official Twitter. On Monday, Paul shared the photo to his 8.1 million followers on Instagram along a Ram emoji, #Tre4 and #HBCULove.
3. Dedication of Covington Hall
Immediately following the Founder’s Day Convocation, WSSU’s newest residence hall was officially dedicated at a ceremony attended by Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson, and Anthony and Jeff Covington, the sons of the late H. Douglas Covington, WSSU chancellor from 1977-84. During the ceremony a new sign was unveiled above the $24 million living/learning community for freshmen.
2. Drum major moves
To kick off Homecoming, Muhammed Clemons, head drum major for the Red Sea of Sound, showed WXII-TV anchor DaVonte McKeith some of his moves during an in-studio appearance. Clemons and the other drum majors continued to make news later in the week with an article on 1A article of the Winston-Salem Journal.
1. A royal proposal
When the most honored queen in WSSU history got engaged, she had thousands of Ramily there to cheer and watch the moment live. Kyle Brown '16, the 2015-16 WSSU Student Government Association president, surprised Dontia Barrett '16, the 2015-16 Miss WSSU, during halftime of the Homecoming game. Orlando Mitchell, assistant director of student activities, and Chancellor Robinson were in on the surprise. Barrett said, “Yes.”
