Get ready to roar, Tiger Nation! Savannah State University (SSU), Georgia’s First Public HBCU, rolls out the orange and blue carpet for its annual week-long Homecoming. Affectionately known as “The S.H.O.W.” (Savannah Homecoming on the Water), this year’s celebration is set for October 19-25.
The 2025 festivities mark the inaugural Homecoming for SSU’s new President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, who took the helm of the university on April 1. Homecoming at SSU is long-standing tradition and a celebration of pride, legacy and Tiger spirit.
The week brings together thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and community members. The celebration kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 19 with a stirring performance at a Tiny Desk Gospel Concert. Other signature events include the Coronation of Mister and Miss Savannah State University and the Homecoming Alumni Connection on Oct. 23; the Alumni Kickback and Yard Fest on Oct. 24; and the Homecoming Parade in downtown Savannah on Oct. 25. The celebration culminates with a tailgate party and a highly anticipated homecoming football game against Morehouse College on Saturday, October 25, followed by a fireworks display to close out the week.
“Homecoming is far more than a football game and a celebration,” said SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “It is the annual reunion of the Savannah State University family. It is when the entire community, our students, faculty and staff, and thousands of cherished alumni, reconnect to affirm the powerful legacy of Georgia’s oldest public HBCU. Homecoming fuels our spirit, strengthens our unity, and reminds every member of the family about the incredible bond we share. This is my first Homecoming at SSU and I’m incredibly excited that I will be a part of it. I look forward to the festivities and engaging with alumni, supporters, faculty, staff and students.
The main Homecoming events include:
• Monday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m., Gospel Tiny Desk Concert, King Frazier Student Center
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m., Pep Rally and Homecoming Concert, Tiger Arena
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 a.m., Bill Davis Memorial Golf Outing, Savannah Country Club
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. HBCU Career Connection Panel with Terrence J., Student Union
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 12-5 p.m., WHCJ 50th Anniversary Open House, Hodge Hall
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. SSU Day at City Hall, Savannah City Hall
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m., College of Education Literacy Lab Renaming, Payne Hall
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m., Savannah State University National Alumni Association (SSUNAA) Coronation, Howard Jordan Building
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., the Coronation of Mister and Miss SSU, Tiger Arena
• Friday, Oct. 24, 8 – 11 a.m. NROTC Alumni Coffee/Donut Social and Speaker Panel, McGlockton Building
• Friday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m., SSUNAA Homecoming Memorial Service, Hill Hall
• Friday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m., Alumni Class Reunion Breakfast celebrating 5s and 0s, King Frazier Ballroom
• Friday, Oct. 24, 12 p.m., Yard Fest, Campus Parade, Alumni Fish Fry and Alumni Stroll-Off, Felix J. Alexis Circle
• Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m., Greek Step Show, Tiger Arena
• Saturday, Oct. 25, Oct. 25, 9 a.m., Homecoming Parade, Downtown Savannah
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m., Tailgate Experience, Theodore A. Wright Stadium
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m., SSU Tigers vs. Morehouse College Homecoming Game, Theodore A. Wright Stadium
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Fireworks Show, Practice Field
For additional information, visit savannahstate.edu/homecoming.
