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6 unforgettable moments from Homecoming 2018

Between the parties, the big game and the parade, Homecoming 2018 at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) had its share of big moments. As we close the book on this year’s event, WSSU News presents  six must-see moments. 

6. Painting the city red 

The City of Winston-Salem also was celebrating Homecoming. For the first time since they opened in January, the Twin City Arches – a gateway into the city above U.S. 52 and Research Parkway – were lit in Ram red for the entire week.

arches with the campus in the background.
In celebration of Homecoming, the Twin City Arches are lit up in red.
5. Alumni Depart to Serve

Although the numbers are still coming in, it’s clear alumni weren't just on campus to party: They came to give back. A big example of this is the Golden Rams Class of 1968, which presented a check to the WSSU Foundation for $143,000, and the class of 1964, which topped them with a gift of gave $196,000.

2 photos of check presentations
Check presentations from the class of 1968 (top) and the class of 1964. 
4. Ram love from one of the NBA's biggest stars

NBA superstar Chris Paul, a native of Winston-Salem whose parents are WSSU alumni, celebrated Homecoming Saturday on the West Coast. Paul arrived at the Staples Center for the much-anticipated regular-season home-opener for new Laker Lebron James in a red sweater with black WSSU lettering.

A photo of Paul first showed up Saturday on the NBA’s official Twitter. On Monday, Paul shared the photo to his 8.1 million followers on Instagram along a Ram emoji, #Tre4 and #HBCULove.

Chris Paul in hallway with cameras around him
Winston-Salem native Chris Paul wears a WSSU sweater as he enters the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo @CPS Instagram) 
3. Dedication of Covington Hall

Immediately following the Founder’s Day Convocation, WSSU’s newest residence hall was officially dedicated at a ceremony attended by Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson, and Anthony and Jeff Covington, the sons of the late H. Douglas Covington, WSSU chancellor from 1977-84. During the ceremony a new sign was unveiled above the $24 million living/learning community for freshmen.

MORE: First look at H. Douglas Covington Hall  

H. Douglas Covington Hall sign is unveiled on side of building
The H. Douglas Covington Hall sign is unveiled during the dedication ceremony on Oct. 19. 
2. Drum major moves

To kick off Homecoming, Muhammed Clemons, head drum major for the Red Sea of Sound, showed WXII-TV anchor DaVonte McKeith some of his moves during an in-studio appearance. Clemons and the other drum majors continued to make news later in the week with an article on 1A article of the Winston-Salem Journal.

WSSU drum major and WXII anchor stand in studio with large screen
Muhammed Clemons, head drum major for the Red Sea of Sound, shows WXII anchor DaVonte McKeith some moves during an appearance in the studio on Oct. 15. (WXII12.com)
1. A royal proposal

When the most honored queen in WSSU history got engaged, she had thousands of Ramily there to cheer and watch the moment live. Kyle Brown '16, the 2015-16 WSSU Student Government Association president, surprised Dontia Barrett '16, the 2015-16 Miss WSSU, during halftime of the Homecoming game. Orlando Mitchell, assistant director of student activities, and Chancellor Robinson were in on the surprise. Barrett said, “Yes.”

MORE: Photo gallery of the halftime proposal

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