The restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic canceled North Greenville University's (NGU) in-person commencement ceremony in May. The Class of 2020 never envisioned their college or graduate work ending without pomp and circumstance. The Class members were given an opportunity to pick-up their regalia and diploma at a Drive-Thru Pick-Up event and given three options to participate in a future commencement ceremony.
On Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. in Melvin & Dollie Younts Stadium, members of the Class of 2020 will have their first opportunity to experience a college commencement. The Office of Student Service has planned a special service of recognition as part of a carefully orchestrated homecoming weekend.
The keynote, the original May Commencement speaker, will be André Kennebrew, senior principal program lead for the Leadership Development Program at Chick-fil-A, Inc. Kennebrew is known most for two things: his unique ability to recruit top talent for Chick-fil-A and his strategic development of that young talent.
Since 2006, he has been at Chick-fil-A, including serving as the Principle Program Lead with their Leadership Development Program, focusing on the selection of FranchiseOperators and Support Center staff. He has conducted over 7,500 interviews during this time. Previously, he worked at Wells Fargo as a Vice-President in the retail banking division over the entire Atlanta market and Kroger in their management leadership development program.
A highly sought-after mentor for millennials and GenZ generations, he serves as an advisor to many non-profits in Georgia. He serves as a board member of Walk thru the Bible Ministries, Point University, and—along with NGU President Fant—Impact 360 Institute.
Kennebrew holds degrees from Luther Rice Seminary and Davidson College, a three-year starter and letterman in football. He and his wife Donna have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children, Holden and Kristen.
Members of the Class of 2020 unable to attend the homecoming ceremony will have two more options to participate: December 2020 graduation or Spring 2021 commencement.
Other homecoming activities scheduled for students, alumni, and the community include:
Monday, October 12
Opening Ceremony/Volleyball Tournament
Front of Todd Dining Hall
8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14
NGU Got Talent
Turner Chapel
8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 15
1892 Trivia Night
Todd Dining Hall
8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16
Auxilio Homecoming Luncheon
Hayes Ministry Center – Paul E. Moore Hall
11:30 a.m.
Please join us as we welcome back alumnae, including our special guests: former North Greenville Homecoming Queens.
To register: web: www.ngu.edu/auxilio-luncheon, email: Kayla Morgan at
Scavenger Hunt
Meet in Office of Campus Ministries & Student Engagement
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Athletic Alumni Golf Duel
Shot-gun start at 2:30 p.m.
Cherokee Valley Golf Course & Club
The captain's choice tournament is a par-three layout with prizes up for grabs at all 18-holes. The tournament cost is $40 for a single player and $160 for a full team of four. Learn more at www.nguathletics.com.
Local Family Outreach
Clubs and Organizations will collect items to provide a Thanksgiving meal for families with children attending Tigerville Elementary School. There is a severe need for these families in our community. Without our help, many families will not enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
Saturday, October 17
Commencement
Melvin & Dollie Younts Stadium
10 a.m.
Alumni Awards & Half-Century Reunion Luncheon
Hayes Ministry Center – Paul E. Moore Hall
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
At this special event, the class of 1970 will be honored and inducted into the university Half-Century Club, and the 2020 Alumni Award winners will be recognized. This will be a special time of networking, memories, and a special message from President Fant. The cost is $15.00 per person. Register online.
Homecoming Celebration 2020
Melvin & Dollie Younts Football Stadium
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a music program by the NGU Marching Band, the Homecoming Court's announcement, and the 2020 Homecoming Queen's crowning, a Punt, Pass, and Kick competition for students, a flag football game between students and faculty/staff, and a movie. A firework show will cap the evening.
More information about Homecoming weekend is available at ngu.edu/homecoming, or contact Sullivan at