Homecoming & Alumni Week 2026: Unleashing Wildcat Spirit

Charlotte experienced a record-breaking 11 inches of snow that delayed a few Homecoming festivities, but nothing could freeze the Wildcat spirit. JWU Charlotte’s 2026 Homecoming & Alumni Week held February 4–11, brought together students, alumni, faculty and staff for a full week of celebration, connection and tradition.

From the fan favorite One Ton Sundae and an alumni/student organization tailgate to the cook-off competition, JWU sports team matchups, Sip & Paint with the Dean of Students, Midnight Breakfast and more, the week proved that even a snowstorm couldn’t put Homecoming on ice. The weeklong celebration rekindled friendships for alumni, gave students their moment to shine and brought the JWU community together in creative ways.

Throughout the week, student engagement did an incredible job with the help of student clubs and organizations coordinating events like the traditional One Ton Sundae event, where students packed the University Events Center to get their “bucket” filled to the brim with the favorite ice cream and toppings.

Another highlight of the week that was full to capacity was Sip & Paint led by Paint the Town's Brian Lewis. As a billboard artist, Lewis has painted it all and is now passing his knowledge of art to others helping the group paint vibrant and whimsical poppies in a field. The conversation was lively, the laughter contagious and Dean of Students Dena Warren was all in, happily joining the fun.

You Feta Believe It! This year’s Cook-Off challenged teams to bring the heat and the cheese with gorgonzola, queso fresco or ricotta as the required ingredient, giving students just two hours to create a standout dish that proved you feta believe the competition was fierce.

Karli Bischoff ’26 and Maggie Clotfelter ’26 created a delectable herb-crusted chicken dish with whipped ricotta cheese that wowed the judges and landed them first place. "We participated as a team last year, so we already knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses which really helped," stated Clotfelter. Antonio Brown ’29 and Eboni Barnett ’29 turned up the heat, earning second place with their bold chicken fajita quesadilla topped with zesty pickled jalapenos, served with flavorful Mexican red rice. "I really enjoyed the competition as it gave me a chance to be creative," shared Barnett.

After a full week of classes, activities and snowy fun, the momentum never slowed. Faculty and staff wrapped up the week by stepping behind the Caf counter, serving up tasty bites and plenty of smiles at the Midnight Breakfast.

“One of the best parts about the Midnight Breakfast? It wasn’t just the food. It was watching our students just be — laughing, belting out karaoke hits, enjoying each other’s company and getting to serve them breakfast in the middle of it all. That was a highlight I won’t forget,” shared one participating staff member.

That same spirit of connection and celebration continued throughout the rest of the weekend. Activities included a carnival like tailgate with upbeat music provided by Terrance Alston, AKA DJ TeeJay Suave, delicious food from a food truck, entertaining and interactive games like “Pie the SGA President” along with several club and org booths with lots of swag.

Following the tailgate, our JWU Women's Basketball team rivaled Regent University to take home a win of 102-45. During halftime, we met our JWU Homecoming Court crowned by JWU Charlotte alumni and last year’s homecoming court winner Khaleigh Durant ’25.

JWU Charlotte continued its tradition of a non-traditional Homecoming Court, recognizing the top two most-voted students with JWU themed titles vs. King or Queen. Students from all years could apply, and a panel of faculty and staff interviewed applicants to learn about their campus involvement and interest in the titles. The Homecoming 2026 Royalty Court nominees were selected, and students voted to choose the winners.

Homecoming court included:

First Year

• Mr. Gold - Ke’moni Thompson
• Miss Gold - Jaida Kimbrough

Second Year

• Miss Blue – Ny’ashia Bennett
• Miss Blue - Koyah Worthington

Third Year

• Miss Wildcat - Kelsie Wickham
• Miss Wildcat - Jada Carswell

Fourth Year

• Miss JWU - Nia Lyons
• Mr. JWU - Tyejay Oldham

Men’s Basketball dominated the court with a 99–69 victory, and the JWU Sapphire Cheer team made sure the stands were anything but quiet bringing the noise, the stomps and nonstop energy that echoed through the gym.

By the end of the celebrations, the snow was long gone, but the memories and laughter lingered. From ice cream buckets to Cook-Off creations, Midnight Breakfast smiles to halftime cheers, JWU Charlotte students, alumni, faculty and staff made every moment count. JWU Charlotte’s 2026 Homecoming & Alumni Week wasn’t just a week of events — it was a reminder of the energy, creativity and connections that make the JWU community so special.

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