Andrew Johnson - Contributing Writer

Homecoming is always a special time of year for both current and past students. For alumni, it seems to be even more special since it allows them time to see old friends and reflect on their time at Morehouse.

Some very prominent alumni sat down with The Maroon Tiger to reflect on their homecoming experiences.

Henry Thompson '66 is the president of the Washington, D.C., Morehouse Alumni Association and has been actively involved in the Morehouse community for years.

Mark Hill '75 is the president of the Baltimore Morehouse Alumni Association and is a good friend of President Robert Franklin and Dean Alvin Darden.

These two Morehouse men make it a priority to come to Homecoming every year. When asked about their homecoming experiences, this is what they had to say:

Did the approaching of Homecoming excite you when you were in school?

HT: “Absolutely! It was an exciting time of the year. Everyone looked forward to it.”

MH: “It most certainly did. It gave me the opportunity to meet alumnus who would come back.”

Does it excite you now?

HT: “Absolutely! I have only missed three since I graduated.”

MH: “More so than when I was in school. It's exciting to come back.”

What has changed about Homecoming from when you were in school and in recent years?

HT: “More parties and much more student involvement in the process. Students plan all of the events. It’s a much bigger event than it was.”

MH: “It has been bigger in recent years. We didn’t have the 'tent' or the 'tailgate'.”

What celebrities did you always want to appear during the homecoming festivities?

HT: “Really didn’t make me any difference.”

MH: “I had no desire to see any celebrities. I was more interested in the battle of the bands and the homecoming queens.”

Is Homecoming really the highlight of the year?

HT: “One of the highlights. The others being Founders Day and Graduation.”

MH: “Not really. The highlight of the year is Founders Day.”

What was your most memorable Homecoming moment?

HT: "(laughs) I really don’t have a good answer. The most recent was when they brought in the queens from all of the Homecoming years. From the 1930’s to the 2000’s they brought in every queen. It was an amazing moment. Nothing can top that the first time it was done.”

MH: “I don’t think I have one. They were all exciting. I remember Dean Brazeal bringing me in after one. (laughs) But Homecoming was memorable every year.”

Published: October 15, 2008 11:25 AM