Join alumni, students, families, and friends to celebrate all we love about the College of Charleston during Homecoming, November 15-17. This festive weekend combines Fall Alumni Weekend with Family Weekend and will feature spirited athletic contests, lively reunions, nostalgic tours, and more. Don’t miss out on the chance to reconnect with friends and faculty, make new memories, and show your Cougar pride. Check out the complete schedule of events below and secure your tickets now to establish this as an annual CofC tradition!

PARKING: Pay-as-you-enter $5 parking will be available in the George Garage next to CVS, 34 St. Philip Street, on Friday, Nov. 15, for cars entering for the Men’s Basketball game and on Saturday, Nov. 16, for cars entering from 9 am to 8 pm.

Monday, Nov. 11:

3:30-5 pm
Veterans & Military Student Open House, Hosted by CofC Veteran and Military Student Services
Harry M. Lightsey Center, 160 Calhoun Street

Tour the Veteran and Active Military Student Hub and meet our Veteran Peer Advisors and the Student Veteran Association Leadership. Learn more about the services provided to and through this remarkable community of over 250 students. RSVP by emailing Lauren Bullard at bullardl@cofc.edu.


6-7:30 pm
Polarization in America, Hosted by the Department of Communication and the Civility Initiative
Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street

Join New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie—a noted voice on race and politics in America—for Q&A with Mike Lee, Director of the Civility Initiative. This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Click here to register.

Wednesday, Nov. 13:

4:30-5:15 pm
Homecoming Parade, Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
George Street and around the block

What is homecoming without a parade? Exactly! Join us for a mid-week celebration with our Homecoming Parade! The Homecoming Parade will feature our athletics teams, our mascot, Clyde the Cougar, student organizations, and other members of the College of Charleston community! The parade kicks off near the heart of campus at the intersection of George Street and Glebe Street, traveling around the block spreading maroon pride along the way and concluding back on George Street. The parade celebrates tradition, community, and maroon pride, and it’s sure to be a highlight of the day!


5:30-8:30 pm
Homecoming Carnival, Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
Cistern Yard

Homecoming Carnival is an event you will not want to miss! There will be food, novelties, music, and giveaways! Get there early to snag a t-shirt giveaway for the first 500 students. Meet the Office of Student Involvement at Cistern Yard and George Street at 5:30 pm. Bring your Cougar ID to all events!


7:30 pm
Dracula, by Kate Hamill
Simons Center Black Box Theatre

This new adaptation of Dracula from Kate Hamill turns Bram Stoker’s original into a feminist revenge fantasy. Both terrifying and riotous, Hamill’s signature style and postmodern wit upends this familiar tale of Victorian vampires and drives a stake through the heart of toxic masculinity. Runtime: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. Recommended for audiences aged 14+. Click here to purchase tickets.

Performances: November 13-20, 2024
Wednesday, 11/13 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, 11/14 – 7:30 pm
Friday, 11/15 – 9 pm (special late night performance)
Saturday, 11/16 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 11/17 – 2 pm
Sunday, 11/17 – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, 11/19 – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 11/20 – 7:30 pm

Thursday, Nov. 14:

7 pm
Step Show, Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street

Come experience the energy and tradition of the Divine Nine! Join the College of Charleston National Pan-Hellenic Council for an exciting showcase of the Divine Nine’s talents on Thursday, November 14, at 7 pm at Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street. Don’t miss this celebration of culture, unity, and skill. Get your tickets in advance: https://cofc.evenue.net/events/NPHC

Friday, Nov. 15:

8:30-10 am
Black Alumni Council: Behind the Scenes at the International African American Museum
14 Wharfside Street
Tickets: $65 per person. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door. Must be 18 years and older to participate.

Join us for the Black Alumni Council Breakfast at the International African American Museum (IAAM). The museum serves as a beacon of history, education, and inspiration. Attendees will meet Bernard Powers, PhD, College of Charleston Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston. Dr. Powers has been a force behind the IAAM since its inception and now sits on its Board of Directors. He will share his profound insights and knowledge, making this an event not to be missed; the discussion topic will be “The Journey To and Through the International African American Museum”. Following the presentation, attendees may tour the IAAM at their leisure. Tickets are limited to the first 25 guests, so be sure to secure your spot today for a morning of networking, learning, and community.


11 am-12 pm
Speed Networking with Business Alumni
Tate Gallery/202

Current CofC students are invited to celebrate Homecoming with a free Speed Networking event featuring successful CofC alumni on Friday, Nov. 15, 11 am-12 noon, in the Tate Gallery/202. Not only will you make amazing new contacts for your network, we’ll even provide lunch afterwards! Sign up here while spots are still available: cofc-alumni.info/speednetworkingHOCO24


1 pm
CofC Volleyball vs. Northeastern (free, no ticket required)
TD Arena

Volleyball alumni and all Cougar fans are invited to our Volleyball 50th Anniversary Celebration weekend. Cheer on our amazing Volleyball alumni for their contributions to the program! We will be giving away special Volleyball 50th Anniversary lapel pins for the first 100 fans in attendance.


1-3 pm
Founding Footsteps: A Tour of the President’s House
6 Glebe Street, Driveway Gate Entrance
Six 20-minute tours available: 1 pm, 1:20 pm, 1:40 pm, 2 pm, 2:20 pm, and 2:40 pm
Tickets: $10 per person; children ages 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Campus Preservation Fund. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door.

Discover the rich history and elegance of the oldest building on the College of Charleston campus! Experience a 20-minute guided tour of this handsome Georgian mansion, which was the site of the College’s first classes and served as the home of the College’s first president, Bishop Robert Smith, over 200 years ago. Today, it continues to serve the College as the President’s House, surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden.


2-4 pm
Timeless Traditions: A Tour of CofC’s Special Collections
Addlestone Library, Rivers Green Entrance
Four 30-minute tours available: 2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tickets: $10 per person; children ages 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Dean of the Libraries Excellence Fund. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door.

Step into the storied past of the College with a boutique pop-up exhibit drawn from Special Collections, a treasure trove of priceless items spanning centuries and continents. Special Collections safeguards materials rarely found outside flagship museums and Ivy League libraries, and this is our chance to view items usually kept secure in the vault: a 1613 King James Bible, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, Audubon’s exquisite Birds of America and much more. Alumni will find a special resonance through yearbooks and CofC memorabilia. With presentations by Special Collections’ faculty archivists, Timeless Traditions also tells the story of the College—from its founding to its current position as a preeminent institution of higher learning.


4-6 pm
Tailgate and Pep Rally
George Street & Cistern Yard
Free, no registration required—bring family and friends!

Join us for an exhilarating Tailgate and Pep Rally before our Cougars take on the Florida Atlantic Owls in Men’s Basketball. Experience the electrifying energy of our cheerleaders, the Cougarettes dance team, the Chucktown Sound Pep Band, and our beloved mascot, Clyde, as they ignite the crowd with high-energy performances and contagious enthusiasm. Enjoy complimentary popcorn, chips, and sodas while mingling with fellow alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and fans. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the Cougar community, united in school spirit, and get excited for the big game!


7 pm
CofC vs. Florida Atlantic University Men’s Basketball Game
TD Arena
Tickets required

Visit SeatGeek, the Official Secondary Ticket Marketplace of Charleston Athletics. There are also Watch Parties, including at Liberty Dining Hall (meal swipe or pay as you enter) and Meeting at Market Sports Pub at The Charleston Place (email renee.khoury@charlestonplace.com for reservations). Go Cougars!

7-10 pm
Watch Party for CofC Men’s Basketball Game, Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
Liberty Fresh Food Co.

Saturday, Nov. 16:

9-11:30 am
Parents Leadership Society
By invitation only. Please contact Jenny Fowler Peck at fowlerj@cofc.edu for more information on joining the Parents Leadership Society.


9-11 am
Honors College Alumni Breakfast Reception
Blacklock House, second floor
Tickets: $10 per person. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit the Honors College Dean’s Excellence Fund.

Celebrate Homecoming 2024 with the Honors College! Connect with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate Honors alumni award recipients Derrick Williams ’99, Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award; Canyon Barry ’16, Alumnus of the Year Award; and Maggie Panetta ’17, Young Alumni Award. All Honors alumni are welcome. Click here to register.


9-11 am
Political Science Coffee and Croissants
Room 218, J.C. Long Building, 9 Liberty Street

Political Science alumni are cordially invited to join Department Chair Hollis France and distinguished faculty members—including Guoli Lui, Lynne Ford, Claire Curtis, Claire Wofford, Jordan Ragusa, and Karyn Amira—and current students for a morning of coffee, croissants, and conversation in celebration of CofC Homecoming! Reconnect with favorite professors, reminisce with classmates, and share your experience and advice with students currently majoring in political science. RSVP by November 8 here: https://bit.ly/CofCPoliSciCC24


10 am-12 pm
Business and Brunch, Hosted by the School of Business
5 Liberty Street

Join us for Business and Brunch, the CofC School of Business’ signature Homecoming event! Reconnect with fellow alumni and esteemed faculty while expanding your network in a relaxed, yet engaging atmosphere. Enjoy meaningful conversations with peers and industry leaders, and don’t miss a special State of the School update from Dean Schwager, highlighting exciting new initiatives and the future of the School of Business. Whether reminiscing about old times or looking to make fresh connections, this event is the perfect blend of business, community, and celebration! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/CofCBusBrunchHoco24


11 am-1 pm
Family Fun Picnic, Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs
Rivers Green

Homecoming 2024 is here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our families! Grab your family (and those you call “family”) for a fun time with food, live music, activities, and free takeaways! This event is a chance to connect and celebrate all things College of Charleston! Sport your maroon and white gear, bring the whole family, and let’s make this Homecoming one to remember! No RSVP is required to attend this event.


11 am-1 pm
School of Education Homecoming Reunion, Hosted by the School of Education
9 College Way

School of Education alumni and their families are invited to a fun-filled gathering with a mimosa bar, delicious bites, and a chance to reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, and friends. Plus, we’re hosting a raffle for CofC basketball tickets and College swag—don’t miss out on your shot to win! RSVP for this event is required. Reserve your place by filling out this form: cofc-alumni.info/CofCSOEHoco24

1 pm
CofC Volleyball vs. Northeastern (free, no ticket required)
TD Arena

Join us to celebrate our Cougar Volleyball Seniors Day as we honor the impact our senior players have made to the program. All former players and fans are invited to attend and continue our Volleyball 50th Anniversary Celebration!


1-3 pm
I Got Myself a Yard, Hosted by the College of Charleston Civility Initiative
Rita 101 (enter from College Way)
Tickets: $25 per person; current CofC students, $5 (must show Cougar Card upon entry) Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association’s programs and services for the College.

View the new feature-length documentary about the life of CofC alumnus and South Carolina State Representative Jermaine Johnson ’08, from basketball to the halls of political power. The film will be introduced by Dr. Michael Lee, Director of CofC’s Civility Initiative. After the film, Dr. Lee will moderate Q&A with Rep. Johnson and the film’s Director, Adam Bailey. Your ticket includes event entry and a wide variety of delicious movie snacks and sodas. View the trailer here


2-4 pm
Timeless Traditions: A Tour of CofC’s Special Collections
Addlestone Library, Rivers Green Entrance
Four 30-minute tours available: 2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm, and 3:30 pm
Tickets: $10 per person; children ages 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Dean of the Libraries Excellence Fund. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door.

Step into the storied past of the College with a boutique pop-up exhibit drawn from Special Collections, a treasure trove of priceless items spanning centuries and continents. Special Collections safeguards materials rarely found outside flagship museums and Ivy League libraries, and this is our chance to view items usually kept secure in the vault: a 1613 King James Bible, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, Audubon’s exquisite Birds of America and much more. Alumni will find a special resonance through yearbooks and CofC memorabilia. With presentations by Special Collections’ faculty archivists, Timeless Traditions also tells the story of the College—from its founding to its current position as a preeminent institution of higher learning.


2-4 pm
Yes, And – Not Just for Improv Anymore – , Hosted by the School of the Arts
Simons Center Recital Hall and Lobby, 54 St. Philip Street

Alumni ( School of the Arts alumni in particular) are invited to have midafternoon refreshments with SOTA’s new Dean, Jayme Klinger Host, explore the renovated Simons Center, and join long-time Theatre faculty member Professor Todd McNerney in a participatory workshop/master class exploring improvisational techniques and their application outside of the theatrical walls. More specifically, how the central tenets of improv can be used to help navigate the challenges of work, play, and life.


2-4pm
SOTA-POP, Hosted by the School of the Arts
Simons Center Lobby, 54 St. Philip Street

Join us as we celebrate our alumni and student artisans, crafters, and live music from the School of the Arts alumni and students. Be sure to follow us on social media @cofcsota for details of artists being featured.


6-7 pm
Celebrating Excellence: The CofC 2024 Alumni Awards Ceremony
Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street
Tickets: $15 per person. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association’s programs and services for the College.

Please join us to celebrate eight distinguished alumni whose outstanding achievements reflect honor upon our alma mater. This year’s ceremony will be particularly special, marking the first time the Alumni Awards will be presented in the College’s beautifully restored Sottile Theatre. H. Biemann Othersen Jr. ’50 will receive the Alumni Award of Honor; Cheryll Novak Woods-Flowers ’81 will receive the Karen Burroughs Jones ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award; Canyon Barry ’16 will receive the Alumnus of the Year award; Maggie Panetta ’17 will receive the Young Alumni Award; Otis Robinson ’90 will receive the Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year award; Jonathan Cook ’88 and Joel Cook ’88 will jointly receive the Outstanding Service Award in Medicine; and Derrick Williams ’99 will receive the Honors College Distinguished Alumni Award. Their stories of dedication and success are sure to leave you feeling prouder than ever of the College of Charleston.


7-10 pm
Cistern on the Half Shell: Homecoming Oyster Roast & Class Reunions
Cistern Yard
Tickets: $100 ages 21 and older; $50 ages 10-20; Free for children ages 9 and younger. Advance registration only—tickets will not be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association’s programs and services for the College.

For our Homecoming grand finale, indulge in delicious oysters, whole hog barbecue, chili, hot dogs, and all the fixings under the oaks in the heart of campus! Guests ages 21 or older may savor an open bar featuring regional flavors, premium liquors, local beers, and fine wines—but don’t worry, there will be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available as well. Whiskey Run band will set the mood with their tight four-part harmonies, infectious lyrics, and catchy choruses as we enjoy the College’s beautiful holiday lights with fantastic live music. Cheer on student performances from Pep Supper, the Step Show, and more. Reunions for the Class of ’74, the Class of ’84, and the Class of ’99 will be held in historic Randolph Hall, providing a perfect setting to reminisce. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate, reconnect, and create new memories with old friends!

Sunday, Nov. 17:

9-11 am
Farewell Coffee and Krispy Kreme Donuts (free, no registration required)
Rivers Green


Order your commemorative CofC Homecoming 2024 T-shirt!
Our limited-edition long-sleeve Bella+Canvas T-shirt is perfect for showing your Cougar pride, featuring the classic Block C on the front, a vintage CofC cheer from the 1920s on the back, and the GPS coordinates for Cistern Yard on the sleeve—this is a must-have! Order by October 14 to guarantee your size (XS-3X) for pickup during Homecoming Weekend. Only $20! Grab yours now: bit.ly/CofCHomecoming24Tix

Purchasers may pick up their t-shirt(s) at the Alumni Welcome Center at Towell Library from 10 am-4 pm on Thursday, Nov. 14, or 10 am-6 pm on Friday, Nov. 15. Any shirts that are not picked up by then will be mailed the following week.