Homecoming Pride in Albany
The most highly anticipated week in Albany, Georgia is almost here – Homecoming weekend at Albany State University! Since opening its doors in 1903, this historic institution has had generations of students call it home. What some schools may just see as game day, Albany calls it a week-long celebration with current students and alumni alike. This year’s homecoming theme is “Reigniting the Flame,” reflecting a return to tradition and a bold step forward. Albany State University welcomes all alumni from Albany State University and Darton State College as well as students, their families and friends.
The History of Albany State University
Albany State University was founded in 1903 by Joseph Winthrop Holley to provide religion and education to the area. Back then, the school was called Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute. In 1917, the state of Georgia began providing financial support, giving the school a 2-year status and being renamed as Georgia Normal and Agricultural College. Once joining the University System of Georgia in 1942, the school was granted a 4-year status and was renamed as what we now lovingly call Albany State University. Another college in the area opened its doors in 1996 as Albany Junior College. After growing exponentially with students and faculty, it was renamed Darton College. In 2015, there was a consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College, merging the two into the university we’ve all come to know and love.
Food, Fun and Thrilling Events
Starting on October 12, the fun begins with a schedule packed full of exciting events for students and alumni. On October 17, before the game day, the festivities kick off with Albany State National Alumni Association 4th Homecoming 5K: Exercise for Excellence, a time for alumni to get together to enjoy a rejuvenating run/walk. Afterwards, for all of the golf enthusiasts visiting, the National Alumni Association Annual Golf Tournament will take place at Flint River Golf Course for some high spirited competition. Also taking place in the afternoon is a Homecoming Convocation and a Vendor Fair for some community engagement. Later in the day, the National Alumni Association Homecoming Luncheon and National Alumni Association Fish Fry, perfect for fueling up for the Greek Stomp Down in the evening. It’ll be a day packed full of reconnecting and high-energy fun.
Go Rams, Go Blue, Go Gold
On game day, you can catch the beloved Homecoming Parade from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., taking place at Pine Avenue, Downtown Albany. It’s an annual tradition that students, families, and alumni alike can come together to raise community spirits! It’ll be a sea of blue and gold colors, cheering on the Golden Rams. The Golden Rams represent strength, aggressiveness and the heritage of Albany State University, which perfectly showcases the spirit of homecoming weekend in Albany! After getting the energy going and good vibes flowing, the Homecoming Football Game, ASU vs Tuskegee University, begins at 1:00 p.m. at the ASU Coliseum, for an afternoon of high-spirited competition.