Photo by Matt Hembree (C’20)
By Colton Williams and Alicia Wikner
Executive Staff
Almost 2,000 alumni traveled up the mountain for Homecoming this past weekend for three days full of reunions, concerts, presentations, sporting events, and general merriment. A breadth of Sewanee alumni attended the reunion, with classes from 1957 to 2012 returning to campus, along with a “Young Alumni Reunion” for classes 2013 to 2017.
The annual football game is always a major event on Homecoming weekend, although it didn’t turn out well for the Tigers, who lost 47-0 to Centre College. Prior to the game, there was a tailgate with live music near the McGriff Alumni House. Afterwards, alumni could partake in a post-game barbecue at the same location, featuring music from Men of Soul.
During halftime, the Homecoming court came onto the field for the announcement of Homecoming king and queen. Students on the court were nominated by Greek organizations, the Order of the Gown, and the Student Government Association. They then each submitted a video to a committee in lieu of a formal interview.
The committee selected Jonathan Brown (C’18) as Homecoming King with Brandon Iracks-Edelin (C’18) as runner-up. Ellie Clark (C’18) was named Homecoming Queen, followed by Hadley Montgomery (C’18) as runner-up.
Speaking on his title as Homecoming King, Brown commented, “It was first an honor to be nominated for something as prestigious as that. It is still somewhat surreal that I won and was crowned Homecoming King.”
He added, “Honestly, when my name was called, the first thing that came to my head were the people who had helped me get to that position. My posse, Ms. Barbara, Hagi, and my friends on campus. I am forever grateful to Phi Sigma Theta for the nomination and the opportunity to run, and I cannot even begin to thank my friends and Sewanee for giving me the courage and confidence to turn this seemingly impossible dream into a reality.”
Saturday night offered a mixer for alumni looking for love at the age of 30 and above at the Tiger Bay Pub, stating that there was “no pressure” involved and that there would be “foods and drinks available.”
The Order of the Gown formally introduced its “Gown Library” project during the weekend, aimed at people unable to afford a gown. It features a hand-me-down system with alumni willingly donating their gowns to students in need of one. Previously, family members would usually pass their gowns down, but now all alumni can participate and help continue the Sewanee tradition. The gowns will carry on the spirit of the school with their respective new bearers.
To read about changes to reunions and Homecoming, read Richard Pryor III’s article on page four of the paper or online.