TSU’s 2017 Homecoming has “stellar group” of honorees and grand marshals

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is planning a spectacular 2017 Homecoming that includes a “stellar group” of honorees, grand marshals and star power.

TSU’s Homecoming is slated for Oct. 8-14, culminating with the big football matchup between the Tigers and in state rival Austin Peay State University at Nissan Stadium. This year's Homecoming theme is: “The Road to Greatness Begins with Excellence.”

In keeping with that theme, the university has selected honorees and grand marshals that exude the excellence TSU strives for. They include Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, who will receive a Special Presidential Recognition. Dr. Humphries, TSU’s fourth president, served from 1974-1985.

Other honorees are: Dr. Sterlin Adams, retired, professor and special assistant to Dr. Humphries; Dr. Evelyn P. Fancher, retired, director of libraries; Dr. Raymond Richardson, retired, professor and chair of physics, mathematics and computer science; and William “Bill” Thomas, former head football coach and athletic director.

The grand marshals for the popular Homecoming parade are: Georgette “Gigi” Peek Dixon, senior vice president and director of national partnerships, government and community relations, Wells Fargo; Alfred Gordon, vice president of operations for Frito-Lay North America; State Senator Thelma Harper, 19th District, Tennessee General Assembly; and Roosevelt “Bud” Reese, CEO, CMI Foundation.

“We have a stellar group of very accomplished individuals with proven track records of successes in their respective career fields,” said Homecoming Chairman Grant Winrow. “I think their selfless commitment of service and helping others is the commonality they all share.”

Besides the game and parade, another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming is the Annual Scholarship Gala, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Music City Center. This year, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry will serve as honorary chairperson. Nationally syndicated radio show host, actor and comedian, Rickey Smiley, will be the gala’s master of ceremony. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships are used to provide financial assistance to students. The goal is to raise one million.

Other key Homecoming events include: Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest and Gospel Explosion, Oct. 8; Coronation of Mr. and Miss TSU, Oct. 11; Ralph Boston Golf Tournament and Homecoming Concert, Oct. 12; Greek Step Show and Charles Campbell Fish Fry, Oct. 13; and Homecoming Parade and Showcase of Bands, Oct. 14.

The parade will be from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Blvd.

“We have a team of very capable and committed individuals from the university, as well as some external members from the community, who are working to raise the bar and promise to make this Homecoming one to remember for years to come,” Winrow said.

For more information about Homecoming 2017, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming/documents/HomecomingSchedule.pdf.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
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About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 25 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.