“Panthers: Wild with Pride” is the theme for Virginia Union University’s 2017 homecoming festivities that begin Wednesday, Oct. 25. The five-day event promises something for everyone, including a Motown costume party, Chicago-style step dancing and a salute to the university’s “Golden Class of 1967.”

Other activities include a golf tournament, a “Life After Graduation” speaker series, the Mr. & Miss VUU Coronation and the homecoming football game when the VUU Panthers take on Elizabeth City State University Vikings.

“Homecoming is a time of celebration that allows us to enjoy great football while reconnecting with old friends,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president of VUU. “It’s also a time to reflect and recommit to Virginia Union University.”

Dr. Lucas, who became VUU’s 13th president and chief executive officer on Sept. 1, also believes that homecoming is a time for alumni and others to observe the progress that the university continues to make in majors and programs such as physics and engineering.

“Our commitment to fostering success in the ‘real world’ is steadfast,” he said.

One example of VUU graduates who are thriving in the real world is Necole Parker Green, who will deliver the university’s “Life After Graduation” message Wednesday, Oct. 25, at noon in the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center. Mrs. Green, a 1983 VUU graduate, is the CEO of the Elocen Group, one of the nation’s premiere program and project management firms that is now a multimillion business.

Homecoming kicks off with a 9 a.m. tee time Wednesday, Oct. 25 with the President’s Cup Golf Tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Course in Glen Allen, followed at 4 p.m. with “Panther Pipelines: Discovery Day,” which highlights VUU undergraduate students’ scholarly works. The program will be at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center. At 6 p.m. the Homecoming Yard Fest Residence Life Step Show takes place on the Belgian Lawn.

The Mr. & Miss VUU Coronation will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center. The VUU National Alumni Association After Work Social and Networking Event will be from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, and Friends and Fun Karaoke Night is scheduled from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Sweet Teas Southern Cuisine.

The Carol S. McCall Awards and Business Breakfast kicks off from 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center, followed by an Old Skool Basketball Game at Barco Stevens Gym from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. An alumni reception with Dr. Lucas will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the President’s House on Graham and Brook roads.

Later in the evening, a Classes in Reunion Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center, followed by a Greek Step Show and Gym Jam (VUU Students Only with ID) in Barco Stevens Gym at 8 p.m. The VUU Alumni “Tonight We Dance” starts at 7 p.m at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, and the VUUNAA/Panther Productions “Panther’s All Black Soirée” is from 10 p.m. to midnight at Club Infusion, 1401 Roseneath Road.

The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology will host a Homecoming Chapel Service in the Allix B. James Chapel at Coburn Hall at 8:30 a.m. Saturday Oct. 28, followed by the VUUNAA Fitness Fusion at 9 a.m. in the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center.

At 1 p.m. VUU’s homecoming game pits the Panthers against Elizabeth City State Vikings at Hovey Field.

Saturday ends with a VUUNAA Motown Costume Party “Recapture the Memory” — A Motown Tribute Show & Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Hilton Richmond Downtown.

Alumni weekend concludes Sunday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. with Virginia Union University Day at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Service, 1902 Rosewood Ave .

Details, including information about tickets prices, are available by calling (804) 257-5600, or at www.vuu.edu/homecoming.