Morgan State University Newsroom Morgan State University
Homecoming Committee to Explore Alternate Options to Commemorate the Annual Event; MSU Foundation to Host Virtual Gala
BALTIMORE – Due to continued concerns surrounding the threat of the spread of COVID-19, Morgan State University (MSU) has announced its decision to cancel all university-sponsored, in-person Homecoming 2020 activities slated to take place during the week of October 11. The cancellation of in-person events extends to the homecoming concert, pep rally, parade, game day campus activities and MSU Foundation Gala, and a postponement of the rescheduled 2020 Spring Commencement, which was slated to take place during homecoming week. This decision coincides with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC’s) recent announcement regarding the suspension of all competitive sports for the fall semester, which includes the homecoming game against the South Carolina State University Bulldogs.
“In the best interest of the greater campus community, this year, the circumstances dictate that we must forgo our annual tradition of celebrating alma mater in-person during Morgan’s Homecoming Week,” said Morgan President David K. Wilson. “While this decision may be disappointing for the thousands of current students, alumni and friends that look forward to this opportunity to fellowship and engage in revelry each year, unfortunately, our current reality calls for a greater sense of responsibility on the part of the University. Based on the best guidance that we are receiving from health officials this is the safest and most prudent course of action to take.”
Since early June, Morgan has implemented strategic measures for reopening the campus and welcoming the return of students this fall semester, chief among them included maintaining a low-density population model for campus facilities and common areas. Decreasing the incidence of large gatherings on campus is paramount for promoting safe social distancing and reducing community spread—a challenging feat to achieve and enforce during a large-scale event such as homecoming, which historically attracts thousands to the Morgan campus and surrounding communities.
Committed to providing Morgan faithful with alternate means to celebrate homecoming and show Bear pride, President Wilson has tasked the University’s Homecoming Committee with reimagining homecoming week and delivering a refashioned experience that Morganites near and far can embrace. Already, the hugely popular and perennially sold out MSU Foundation’s Annual Homecoming Gala has transitioned to a virtual event due to health and safety concerns. As details about other homecoming events are solidified and confirmed, updates will be communicated to the campus community and Morgan alumni.
About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
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Larry Jones or Dell Jackson
443-885-3022
