College students sit around an outdoor amphitheater and cheer during a Homecoming event.

In Photos: Highlights of the whirlwind of Homecoming week

man with glasses standing in front of blue backgroundMilledge Austin3 min readFebruary 28, 2025

Homecoming is a time for alumni to return to what could be considered their home-away-from-home. It’s a time of celebration and remembering the past. It’s also a time for current students to take pride in their university and for the community around Augusta University to come out and support both groups.

The week leading up to Homecoming weekend at AU, which featured the theme “Forever Blue: No Stranger to Homecoming,” was packed full of events for alumni, community members, students, faculty and staff to enjoy together.

Kickoff Fireworks Show

The week began on Sunday, Feb. 16, with the annual Kickoff Fireworks Show. This was the first chance for those in attendance to meet the Homecoming Court and see colorful banners created by student organizations, all leading up to a fireworks finale over the Summerville Campus.

Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two college students, one man and one woman, hold up a banner they painted for homecoming. The banner features the words "HOCO '25 The Crew" and below that is a painting of a college mascot depicting a jaguar laying on a couch.
Two male college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two male college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two male college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Two female college students hold up a banner they painted for homecoming that includes scenes from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things adapted for Augusta University.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
College students sit around an outdoor amphitheater and cheer during a Homecoming event.
Seven college students perform a dance on the stage of an outdoor amphitheater.
College students sit around an outdoor amphitheater during a Homecoming event.
College students sit around an outdoor amphitheater and cheer during a Homecoming event.
College cheerleaders hype up a Homecoming crowd from the stage of an outdoor amphitheater.
College students use their cell phones to take photos of a large fireworks display on a college campus.
Several male college students stand around an outdoor amphitheater and cheer during a Homecoming event.
Fireworks burst above a college campus as college students stand around watching the show.
Fireworks burst above a college campus as college students stand around watching the show.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
Homecoming Hangout

The following afternoon, students gathered on the Health Sciences Campus for the Homecoming Hangout featuring camaraderie, food and fun activities. The fun continued Tuesday, Feb. 18, with the Candidate Cookout on the Summerville Campus, which allowed students a chance to meet and connect with the Homecoming Court candidates while enjoying a fun atmosphere.

Two college women dance during an outdoor tailgate on a college campus.
A college man wearing a sash that reads "2025 Mr. Augusta University" and a college woman wearing a sash that says "Homecoming Court" pose for a picture as a woman take a photo with her phone.
Two college women share a laugh during an outdoor event on a college campus.
A group of college women gather around a table and look at different designs for airbrush tattoos.
Four college women stand outside and pose for a photo during a part on a college campus.
A group of three college women and one college man sit around a table outside while enjoying a party on a college campus.
Two college women, one wearing a sash that reads "Homecoming Court" stand outside during a party on a college campus.
Six college students sit around a low table outside during an event on a college campus. They are playing a card game while enjoying some food.
Two college women pet two dogs.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
Jaguar Mania

One of the highlights of AU’s Homecoming week was Jaguar Mania, which took place on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Following the dance competition, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority took the top honors with Alpha Delta Pi Sorority finishing second and the Caribbean Student Association finishing third.

A large crowd fills a performing arts center and watches as a group performs a dance on stage.
A group of college men and women jump while performing a dance during a competition. They are on a stage in front of a large crowd in a performing arts center.
A large crowd of college students stand and cheer as their friends perform a dance on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A group of college women perform a dance in front of a large group of college students during a dance competition. They are performing on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A group of college men perform a break dance during a dance competition. They are on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A group of college women perform a dance in front of a large group of college students during a dance competition. They are performing on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A group of college women perform a dance in front of a large group of college students during a dance competition. They are performing on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A group of college women perform a dance in front of a large group of college students during a dance competition. They are performing on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A large crowd of college students stand and cheer and wave glowing sticks as their friends perform a dance on a stage in a large performing arts center.
A college woman smiles and lays on her back while pretending to play guitar using an inflatable guitar during a dance competition.
A group of women jump while performing a dance on a stage in front of a large crowd.
A large group of college women pose with a plaque after a dance competition. They are joined by three men and two women wearing sashes.
A large group of college women pose with a plaque after a dance competition. They are joined by a college man and a college woman wearing sashes.
A large group of college women pose with a plaque after a dance competition. They are joined by a college man and a college woman wearing sashes.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
Athletics Hall of Fame

On Friday, Feb. 21, Augusta University Athletics held the inaugural Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center in downtown Augusta. The event, filled with reflection and celebration, recognized a distinguished group of individuals and teams whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Jaguar Athletics.

Former AU president William A. Bloodworth Jr., PhD, and Marvin Vanover, a legendary coach, former athletics director and the first commissioner of the Peach Belt Conference were both honored posthumously. Also inducted in the first class were long-time athletics director Clint Bryant, former softball standout Kacee Camp-Morris, former men’s golfer and longtime benefactor Nick Evans and former men’s basketball player Tyrekus “AJ” Bowman. The 2010 and 2011 men’s golf teams, who captured back-to-back NCAA Division I national championships, were honored as teams of distinction.

Decorative plates to signify induction into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A man and a woman stand together in front of a banner for Augusta University. They are inside a large banquet room for a special ceremony.
A long table covered in photos of college student-athletes in action.
Five women dressed up for a gala stand in a large banquet hall.
A table with two NCAA national championship trophies surrounded by photos of men's golfers.
Three men stand together in front of a banner with logos for Augusta University.
Two pop banners featuring photos of student-athletes and college athletics administrators who were inducted into a hall of fame.
A banner with a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame stands next to another banner with two photos of a men's golf team.
Three people, two women and a man, stand in a large banquet room.
A man signs his autograph on a tennis shoe that was handed to him by two young boys.
A group of seven men who played basketball together pose for a photo inside a large banquet hall.
Four men stand with a woman inside a large banquet hall.
A large group of people pose for a photo around a man who was inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Two men in suits stand together and talk inside a crowded banquet hall.
A man stands at a podium and speaks to a large group of people in a banquet hall. There is a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame in front of the podium.
A woman stands at a podium on a stage and speaks to a large group inside a banquet hall.
Two women and men stand in front of a banner. The woman in the middle is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A man stands at a podium and speaks to a large group of people in a banquet hall. There is a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame in front of the podium.
Two men stand on a stage in front of a large group of people inside a banquet hall. One man is standing at a podium with a microphone and is indicating towards the other in a friendly manner.
Two men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man on the left is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A large banquet hall is filled with people sitting at tables for a ceremony. There is a man standing at a podium on a stage speaking to the group.
A man stands at a podium and speaks to a large group of people in a banquet hall. There is a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame in front of the podium.
Two men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man on the right is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Two men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man on the left is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A man stands at a podium and speaks to a large group of people in a banquet hall. There is a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame in front of the podium.
Three men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man in the middle is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Two men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man on the left is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A man stands at a podium and speaks to a large group of people in a banquet hall. There is a logo for the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame in front of the podium.
Two men pose for a photo in front of a backdrop. The man on the left is holding a commemorative award for being inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A large group of 1 people pose for a photo in a large banquet hall. Several of the people are holding commemorative plaques for having been inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A large group of 15 people pose for a photo in a large banquet hall. Several of the people are holding commemorative plaques for having been inducted into the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
Augusta Half Marathon/10K/5K

AU played host to the Augusta Half Marathon/10K/5K presented by Wier/Stewart to kick off Saturday’s numerous events. Over 950 runners participated across the three races, which began and finished on AU’s Summerville Campus on Walker Street next to the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.

A group of men run out to an early lead during a half marathon race.
A large group of men and women take part in a half marathon.
People running during a race.
A large group of people stand and wait for a race to start.
A group of people run to start a race. There is a large inflatable arch over the start line with the logo for the Augusta Sports Council on it.
Medals sit stacked on a table. They are in the shape of the state of Georgia with the letters "AUG" standing for Augusta in the middle of the state's outline.
A woman and her young daughter smile as they run towards the finish line of a 5K race.
A woman smiles and gives two thumbs up to a crowd cheering her on as she crosses the finish line of a race.
A man holds a banner up over his head in celebration of winning a half marathon.
A woman crosses the finish line of a race as two people hold a banner for her to break through signifying she has won her race.
A woman grabs a banner that is held in front of her to signify she has won a race.
A woman strikes a fun pose while holding up her participation medal after completing a half marathon race.
A woman holds up a medal after finishing a race while a friend takes a photo with her cell phone.
Photos by Michael Holahan/Augusta University.
Homecoming games

The “main event,” as they say, came during halftime of the men’s basketball game against the University of North Georgia. Leilani Watson, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in business administration, was announced as the Homecoming queen and Suhayb Nijim, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in cell and molecular biology with a minor in business, was announced as the Homecoming king.

They were joined by Rebeccaarmani Thomas, a second-year undergraduate business administration major with a double minor in French and psychology, and Carlton Collins, a second-year undergraduate biology major with a psychology minor, who were named Homecoming duchess and duke the night prior during the Homecoming Dance.

A college woman and man, each wearing a Homecoming crown and sash, walk arm-in-arm across a college basketball gym floor while being introduced to a large crowd.
Four college women and four college men stand in pairs on a basketball court during a special Homecoming ceremony at a university. All eight individuals are wearing crowns and sashes.
A college man and his mom celebrate him being named Homecoming king for his university while others clap.
A college man places a Homecoming crown on the head of another man who was just announced Homecoming king. They are standing at half court of a basketball court.
A college woman in a ballgown smiles and celebrates being named Homecoming queen for her university.
A college woman in a ballgown smiles and celebrates being named Homecoming queen for her university with another woman who was the previous year's Homecoming queen.
A group of college fraternity brothers and others in a large crowd celebrate.
Two college men and two college women, all wearing crowns and sashes, are joined by a man and a woman smiling at half court of a basketball gymnasium during a Homecoming ceremony.
Two college men and two college women, all wearing crowns and sashes, smiling in a basketball gymnasium.
Two college men and two college women, all wearing crowns and sashes, smiling in a basketball gymnasium.
Ten college students standing in pairs of a man and a woman stand at half court of a basketball arena and celebrate Homecoming at a university. All 10 people are wearing crowns and sashes.
Photos provided by Chris and Paula Toole/Augusta University Athletics

On the athletics side, the men’s tennis team defeated Francis Marion 5-2 to start the weekend for the Jags.

On Saturday, the women’s and men’s basketball teams both hosted the University of North Georgia for their Homecoming and Senior Day games. The women fell to No. 9 UNG 64-51, while the men were victorious 65-61.

The baseball team began the Peach Belt Conference portion of their schedule with a three-game series against the University of South Carolina Beaufort, taking two of three games, including an 11-5 win in the final game of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. The women’s tennis team also helped close out the weekend by defeating Brenau University 7-0 to close out the weekend.

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Written by
Milledge Austin

Milledge Austin is the manager of external communications for Communications and Marketing at Augusta University. Contact him to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at miaustin@augusta.edu.

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