Wiley College hosted its annual Alumni Day convocation Thursday, honoring those who have contributed mightily to the school.

The event, which is part of the school's Homecoming festivities, began at 2 p.m. in the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel.

"We honor, recognize and celebrate our alumni, many of whom are our largest donors," said Karen Helton, Wiley Office of Institutional Advancement vice president.

The event marked the first time that the Wiley College A Cappella Choir staged a concert for the alumni. "Today is a very special day," Ms. Helton added. "There's a lot of excitement in the air."

Toryn Fowler, senior and Student Government Association president, sang with the choir that day.

"Usually when all the alumni come in, they speak to us about how things use to be and how it is now," said Ms. Fowler. "We get a flash back of the old times."

A series of events have been planned for the Homecoming celebration slated to run until Nov. 8. The theme is "Achieving excellence through pride and performance."

Dr. Joseph Morale, Wiley's vice president for student affairs and enrollment services, said the college has been hosting the event for more than 100 years. He said about 2,600 are expected to participate in more than 20 activities.

The annual Homecoming Parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Line-up is at 9 a.m. in front of the Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center.

The parade will leave the Hodge Center and proceed left onto University Avenue to North Allen. The parade will then turn right on South Allen Boulevard and then turn right on West Houston Street. From West Houston Street, the floats will turn right onto South College Street and then continue onto South Carter Street. From South Carter Street, the parade will turn right onto Moore Street towards Wiley Avenue, make a quick left on Wiley Avenue and then a right onto University Avenue. From University Avenue, the parade will proceed back to the Hodge Center.

The popular President's Blues Concert returns at 9 p.m. Saturday. The annual event features Willie Clayton with opening acts Mamasita and Betty Lewis and the Executives. Tickets — $30 in advance or $35 at the door — are available at the Wiley College Business Office.

For a full schedule, log on to www.wileyc.edu or call 903-927-3201.