Elizabeth City, N.C. — More than 10,000 gathered last week to celebrate Viking pride at Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) 2024 homecoming. From an alumni coronation to a high-energy parade, ECSU’s homecoming was a reunion of proud ECSU Vikings who came together to paint the town blue.
Homecoming week for the ECSU community was a reminder that “There’s No Place Like Home.”
Kevin J. Wade—vice chancellor for student affairs and interim vice chancellor for university advancement—also served as the homecoming chair and gave his reflections.
“This year’s homecoming reminded us of the strong connections that make ECSU so special, honoring our legacy while embracing new traditions,” said Wade.
According to Wade, it is a team effort for an event of that magnitude to operate seamlessly.
“I give my heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our incredible co-chairs, Dr. Amber Lennon and Ms. Monica Miller, for their exceptional leadership and coordination, and to Ms. Monet Earle, our parade lead, for bringing us an event that the campus and community eagerly anticipates each year. Thank you also to Dr. Jenelle Simpson, student engagement consultant and ECSU Alumna ‘02, for her leadership in helping to enhance the student experience during homecoming,” Wade said.
The festivities began with an “Evening of Enchantment” Sunday, Oct. 20, as the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center became the setting for the crowning of ECSU’s new royals. Dressed in formal attire, students, alumni, and local guests cheered on the new campus leaders and joined in the “Royal Mixer” held at the ECSU Commuter Center and Bowling Alley.
The institution brought new ways to celebrate the “There’s No Place Like Home” theme each day. Monday’s “Yellow Brick Lanes” invited students to a “trap and paint” session at the bowling alley and Tuesday, the outdoor recreation field transformed into a “Wicked Witch’s Wonderland” carnival. The carnival included rides, games and a pop-up shop showcasing student and local vendors. Later, the “Welcome to The Liz” pregame brought students together and blended music with magic.
ECSU continued the Viking spirit with Wednesday’s “Red Flag Party,” a night of music and dancing in Williams Hall. Homecoming continued into Thursday’s Alumni Coronation and a community connections event with a special appearance from rhythm and blues (R&B) icon LeToya Luckett in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center later that evening. ECSU wrapped up the day with a midnight café at Bedell Dining Hall.
At Friday’s Scholarship Brunch, alums and students celebrated ECSU’s legacy and future and later packed The Quad for the Alumni Block Party, with live music by Sumthin 4 Tha People Band and DJ Prez.
The city aligned the streets to view Saturday’s grand parade from Westover Street to ECSU’s campus. Local talent, including the Northeastern High School (NHS) and Pasquotank County High School (PCHS) bands, were also a part of the Viking spirit.
Viking fans packed the bleachers at Roebuck Stadium to support the football team as they took on Lincoln (PA). While the ECSU football team fell short to Lincoln, Viking pride was on full display.
Class reunions represented at this year’s homecoming were ECSU’s class of 1984, 1994, 1999 and the class of 1974’s 50th Golden Anniversary.
From the social media posts of those who attended and the online comments combined, homecoming 2024 had no dull moments.
“I am grateful to Interim Chancellor Edmonds for the trust to lead with a creative vision, allowing us to bring innovation forward while keeping our Viking traditions alive. Together, we continue to build a vibrant future for ECSU. Vikings, get ready for Homecoming 2025.”
As the ECSU community restores the calm after a weeklong schedule of well-attended events, the institution has announced the date for next year’s homecoming—Nov. 8, 2025. With a fresh theme and events in store, ECSU invites Vikings far and wide to return and experience all the joy that homecoming brings.