Stories from the Yard: Alumni Share What Makes Howard’s 101st Homecoming Unforgettable

A Howard homecoming is open to the public with some private events requiring tickets, emphasizing the university core value of community. Bison alums give back to their Howard community through participating as vendors to support their business, reconnect with old friends,  supporting their beloved university, networking opportunities and mentoring current students about their experience. 

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Cynthia Little, Kim Jones Williams and Alberta Coker all reflected on what it truly means to come back home for the university’s historical 101st homecoming. 

“It’s a whole experience. It is like coming home. It’s family.” Little stated. 

“It’s coming home, seeing friends, enjoying great times, experiences, reminiscing and just honoring the legacy that we all come from.” Jones Williams stated. 

“It means coming home to see all of my sorority sisters, Delta Sigma Theta Incorporate a public service sorority, ” Coker explained. 

“I’m celebrating my 35th anniversary, we pledged spring 1990 and there’s babies under us that’s actually celebrating their 25th, then we have big sisters that’s celebrating their 40th anniversary in Delta. So that’s what it means when I come home for homecoming, to see my illustrious sorority sisters.” 

“And we’re all line sisters by the way.” Little added. 

For many alumni, homecoming is far more than a fun weekend of activities. It’s a heartfelt reunion steeped in tradition, sisterhood, brotherhood and shared history. The sense of belonging that radiates through gatherings such as homecoming, that speaks to the powerful bonds formed on campus and the lasting connections that transcend generations. From laughter filled reunions to honoring milestones and legacies, homecoming becomes a living tribute to the community that shaped them. It’s a celebration not only of the past but of the enduring spirit that continues to bring everyone “home.” 

Barbara Speller Brown, class of 1981 and Darlene Townsend, class of 1982, who are both also members of Delta Sigma Theta, reminisce on some of their favorite memories from their student days and reconnection. 

“There are so many amazing memories that you can’t put into one,” Speller Brown exclaimed.

 “I lived in the quad, lived in Baldwin Hall. Then the old Benthune that got torn down, that is now CHN [College Hall North]. So there’s just so many wonderful memories.” 

Townsend agreed with Speller Brown and added a more personal response. “One of the most amazing things for me is coming back and getting with my sorority. Yeah, this is my line sister [Speller Brown], we’ve kept that connection since 1979. So coming back and seeing them and my big sisters, there’s nothing like it. It’s just like coming home to family. All great.” 

Howard’s legacy of excellence is reflected not only in its notable alumni like former Vice President Kamala Harris, Taraji P. Henson, Lance Gross, and the late Chadwick Boseman, but also in the way each generation of Bison returns to celebrate that shared heritage. Every class that enters Howard University is consistently reminded that they’re a part of a legacy of Black excellence. Doctors, politicians, architects, musicians, actors, film makers, journalists and more are made here at Howard and excel with greatness in the outside world. 

Being part of a university with a strong reputation enhances a student’s overall college experience. While the prestige of the university can bring additional pressure to perform well academically, perseverance and the support of an encouraging community can empower students to succeed, making it possible to graduate on time alongside their peers. 

When asked what it truly means to be a Howard alum Croker answered in a simple way. 

“It means Black. It means 1913 [Delta Sigma Theta]. It means the first of all first, it means 1876. What? What else can you say? HU!” 

“You know!” Little and Jones Williams answered.