Pacer Alumni, Fans Invited to Homecoming 2019 Events

Aiken, SC (01/31/2019) — The University of South Carolina Aiken invites alumni and Pacer fans throughout the area to its annual homecoming festivities the week of Feb. 4, which culminate with a double-header basketball game in the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Feb. 9, followed by the city's Mardi Gras celebration on Newberry Street.

"Homecoming is one of those annual events that is always special," said Randy Duckett, director of alumni relations.

"Seeing alumni being able to reconnect with one another, with the university and enjoying watching the Pacers compete on the court and fields around campus is always a blast."

Most of the week's activities are open to the public, not just to current and former students and alumni.

"We hope our alumni, friends, and all supporters of the university, will come to homecoming festivities and games on February 9," said Tammy Davis Ruth, who is a member of the USC Aiken Alumni Executive Board.

A full list of events can be found at: https://www.usca.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/events-schedule.dot

"In addition to several events happening throughout the week and on Saturday morning, we are recognizing several groups of alumni during the games, one of those being players and a coach of the 1968-69 men's basketball team who are celebrating their 50th anniversary," Duckett said.

"Others will be recognized as well, and we hope to have a great crowd to support the Pacers on Saturday afternoon. The women's game begins at 1:30, and the men's game follows immediately afterward."

Another group excited about a special milestone is the USC Aiken Communication Department.

"I am hoping that as many communication alumni as possible will join us in the Pickens-Salley House before the homecoming games as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the communication degree," said Ruth, a Class of '04 communication alum.

The third annual Homecoming Pacer Bridge Walk will take place at 12:45 p.m., just before the women's game starts. Dr. Mark Hollingsworth, dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences will lead the procession while playing the bagpipes. He composed a special piece just for the bridge walk.

After both games, the Pacer community is invited to head downtown for Mardi Gras, cohosted by USC Aiken and the Aiken Downtown Development Association.

Before Saturday's basketball games, several events are taking place throughout the week, including:

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., Etherredge Center (free and open to the public)

Chancellor's Signature Speaker Series Speaker: Uttam Dhillon, Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration

Dhillon's presentation, "Drug Enforcement Agency Programs Targeted at Reducing U.S. Opioid Epidemics," will provide insight on the current opioid epidemic plaguing the nation. He will include information on what actions DEA is taking and what each citizen can do in their communities and homes to prevent, mitigate and eradicate the harmful effects.

For more information, go to: http://usca.meritpages.com/news/usc-aiken-s-signature-speaker-to-discuss-opioid-epidemic/7108

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m., Etherredge Center (free and open to the public)

Steinway Piano Arrival

The community is invited to wear their Pacer colors and spirit gear and join the campus to celebrate the arrival of the pianos which will replace all existing pianos. After the pianos are unloaded, participants will hear a student play one of the university's new Steinway pianos and learn interesting Steinway facts from Lisa Turner Maddox of Turner's Keyboards.

Saturday, Feb, 9, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Admissions Open House for prospective students and their families

Registration required: https://www.usca.edu/admissions/visit/schedule-a-tour.dot

Saturday, Feb, 9, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., USC AIken Convocation Center VIP Room

Drop-In for Former Athletes

Registration required: https://www.usca.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/rsvp.dot

Saturday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Pickens-Salley House

Communication Department Reunion

For all communication alumni and faculty members

Registration required: https://www.usca.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/rsvp.dot

A full list of USC Aiken Homecoming 2019 events can be found at: https://www.usca.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/events-schedule.dot

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