Florida State University will celebrate Homecoming Week with this year’s theme “Linked by Legacy” from Monday, April 5, through Sunday, April 11.
The week of festivities will include alumni events, a reverse-style parade and the inaugural Spring Alumni Awards. The week will conclude with the Garnet & Gold 4 Miler, a scenic run through campus that finishes on the 50-yard line inside Doak Campbell Stadium.
TUESDAY, APRIL 6
FSU Then and Now, 12 p.m.
Join Sandra Varry, University and Heritage Archivist, for a webinar on the history of Florida State’s campus and its current trajectory. Varry also will discuss the history of FSU’s libraries. Registrants will have the opportunity to submit a question in advance of the event to be answered live. Registration is available at http://gonol.es/FSUThenAndNow.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7
TEDxFSU conference, 2 p.m.
Using the theme “Unmuted,” the event will feature speakers on the TEDxFSU stage in the FSU Alumni Center ballroom as well as remotely, performances from local artists, and opportunities to engage around ideas. TEDxFSU is committed to providing a safe conference for a limited in-person audience and a quality experience for those who join virtually. More information on speakers, tickets and access is available at https://www.tedxfsu.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 8
FSU Ring Ceremony
Senior students will be honored with a hybrid version of the traditional ceremony this year starting with a socially distanced pickup event from 2-5 p.m. at Westcott Plaza, where students will have an opportunity to celebrate while picking up their rings, including a photo opportunity, snacks and souvenir items. That evening, a ceremony will be streamed live for ring recipients to enjoy remotely.
FRIDAY, APRIL 9
Homecoming Parade, 2-3 p.m.
The annual Homecoming Parade organized by the Student Alumni Association will take place in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Staging Lot. This year’s parade will be a reverse parade, in which floats, parade entries and performers will remain stationary while spectators drive through the parade area in their vehicles to view the participants. This parade format will follow current COVID-19 guidelines and encourage social distancing. The parade will feature floats, entries and appearances from numerous campus and community organizations. The event will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/fsualumniassociation.
Spring Alumni Awards, 5:30 p.m.
The FSU Alumni Association will present the inaugural Spring Alumni Awards, honoring the recipients of the Grad Made Good award, Alumni Ambassador Award Scholars, and the Garnet & Gold Key’s Ross Oglesby honoree. This virtual event will recognize the accomplishments of notable alumni, faculty, and students who have secured their place in the history of Florida State University by pushing boundaries and redefining standards within their respective fields. To register for the event, visit https://gonol.es/spring-awards-2021.
Homecoming Live, 7 p.m.
The Annual Homecoming Live pep rally will be held in Doak Campbell Stadium and feature appearances by special FSU performers and a well-known comedian. The evening will culminate with the crowning of Florida State’s Homecoming Chief and Princess. Social distancing, mask requirements and other safety practices will be in effect. For additional information, visit https://homecoming.fsu.edu/events/hc-live.
SATURDAY, APRIL 10
FSU Football Spring Game, 5 p.m.
The FSU Football Spring Game will take place at Doak Campbell Stadium and will include two 12-minute periods. Stadium gates will open at 4 p.m. All seating in the stands will be general admission. All attendees must practice social distancing when seated, and masks are required at all times unless eating or drinking. For more information, visit http://gonol.es/SpringGame.
SUNDAY, APRIL 11
Garnet & Gold 4 Miler, 8 a.m.
The Inaugural Garnet & Gold 4 Miler race to “Finish on the 50” offers runners and walkers of all skill levels a four-mile course through FSU’s campus and finishes on the 50-yard line inside Doak Campbell Stadium. For participants unable to participate in person, the FSU Alumni Association is presenting a virtual option, which may be completed April 9-11. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe event for all in-person participants. The event is limited to the first 1,500 in-person runners and walkers and the first 1,500 virtual participants. Register at https://www.garnetandgoldfourmiler.com.
More events will be announced in the coming days as organizers complete planning for COVID-19 safety and event locations. For updates and registration, visit https://homecoming.fsu.edu and follow @FSUHomecoming on Twitter and @FSUHC on Facebook.