Hundreds of former University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks are flocking to the Shore to take part in the Homecoming 2011 events carved out for the weeklong celebration, Feb. 20-27. Many are open to the public. For the Hawks, homecoming is centered around basketball. Game time is 2 p.m. for women’s basketball and 4 p.m. for men’s basketball against Howard University. Doors open at noon with a $20 general admission entrance fee. The parade begins at 11 a.m Returning to the homecoming lineup is the President’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. Justine Willis Toms, radio talk-show hostess and author of “Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World” will serve as the keynote speaker for the Feb. 25 event beginning at 8 a.m. in the Student Services Center ballroom. Hosted by UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, the breakfast also features entertainment by the Rev. Mishael Miller, a music ministry vocalist from Baltimore. Tickets are $40 each or $350 for a table of 10. “The student body is generating a buzz about the upcoming Homecoming Concert featuring R&B and hip-hop recording artists Rick Ross, Jeremih, Dondria and the TCB Band,” said James Lunnermon, director of Student Activities at UMES. “The Homecoming Step Show and the Late Night Comedy Show are also always popular.” B-Phlat, Big Shawn and Lil Duval are the guest comedians for the comedy show. The Homecoming Concert rocks the Hytche Athletic Center on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for students and $35 for nonstudents. Tickets for the Late Night Comedy Show on Feb. 26 at 9 p.m. in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts are $10 for general admission. Greek-lettered organizations will showcase their talent in the art of stepping on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Hytche Athletic Center. General admission tickets are $10.
By Luke Lawal Jr.
