Homecoming

1822-2022: Celebrating 200 Years
AthensForever.org
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1822 – 2022: Celebrating 200 Years
Homecoming & Bicentennial Celebration

Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate a momentous occasion, one that few institutions of higher learning (and none in the State of Alabama) have reached — our bicentennial!

The “Athens Forever” Bicentennial Celebration will consist of a week-long series of activities coinciding with Homecoming and Summer Commencement. We encourage you to save the dates for the celebratory events; ticket information, if required, is noted below, and space may be limited.

Athens State + Trash Pandas Baseball

Join us for a Trash Pandas game at Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama! Athens State is proud to sponsor this game against the Birmingham Barons as a special way to kick off our Bicentennial Celebration! This family-friendly event will include a fireworks show after the game. A limited number of Athens State Group Tickets are available.

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"A Service of Gratitude"

Join us for a special service at Athens First United Methodist Church as we celebrate the institution’s history and the obstacles it has overcome. All are welcome to join this special event that will commemorate Athens State’s beginnings as a Methodist institution; no registration or sign-up is required.

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Athens State Community Band Bicentennial Concert

The Athens State University Community Band, a collaboration of musicians from the local community and the campus community, will perform in McCandless Hall for this special bicentennial concert. This event is FREE and open to the public! Registration is required due to limited seating.

Register Here

Movie Night, Featuring Disney's "Encanto"

As part of Athens State University’s week-long Bicentennial Celebration, a FREE movie night will be held on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:00 pm. This event is open to the public. Registration is required due to limited seating. Bring the whole family and join us!

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Campus Field Day

Join us for a campus-wide FIELD DAY, featuring kickball, cornhole, and pickleball competitions! All faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate.

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Concert on the Square

Join us in Downtown Athens for “Concert on the Square,” a special commemoration of Athens State University’s bicentennial, with special concerts by Iron Horse and Collin Raye! This concert, which will be held on the Courthouse Square, is FREE and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and join us!

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Homecoming Celebration

You're invited to join us at the "Athens Forever" Homecoming celebration! Afternoon events will include student presentations and faculty emeritus "Legacy Lectures," followed by an evening dinner!

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Summer Commencement

Homecoming weekend continues as we honor the Athens College Class of 1972, who will be celebrating the 50th year of their commencement, alongside our current summer graduates. They will cross the stage in full regalia to receive special recognition prior to the awarding of diplomas for the Class of 2022.

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  • Saturday, July 30, 2022

    Summer 2022 Graduation

    Event Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Venue: Carter Gymnasium

Swag & Apparel

From shirts, caps, and mugs to keychains, coasters, and keepsakes, we have Athens State and Athens Forever merchandise available!

"Athens Forever" Coffee Table Books Now Available!

The "Athens Forever" Bicentennial Coffee Table Book is a pictorial narrative of Athens State's 200 years of history. Order your copy now!

Traveling from out of town?

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Athens has offered a discounted rate for this special event! Use this link to begin your booking.

The Oracle Yearbook

Photo Galleries of Past Homecoming Celebrations