University of Mount Olive alum Erik Hawks, who was recently named the Carolina Country Music Association’s Male Artist of the Year Award, performs Saturday during homecoming weekend. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Carolina Sound, a dynamic and diverse a capella group, performs during the UMO homecoming celebration Saturday. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Landon Harward, from Garner, gets a little tighter grip on the rein as the mechanical bull makes a quick change in momentum Saturday. Harward attended UMO’s homecoming celebration with his parents, brother Austin and grandmother. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
This drawing is just one of many done by UMO students and currently on display inside the main room at the Teresa Pelt Grubbs Fine Arts Gallery inside Laughinghouse Hall on the UMO campus. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Local ceramic artisans Randy Wright, Frank Grubbs, Mary Ann Barwick and Hannah Wright - along with UMO students - display their art work in the main room of the Teresa Pelt Grubbs Fine Arts Gallery during this weekend’s homecoming celebration. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Local ceramic professional Randy Wright uses a torch to colorize a clay pot during a demonstration held inside Laughinghouse Hall during the 2024 UMO homecoming celebration weekend. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Erik Hawks went through his final sound check.
He walked off the stage, took off his hat and swiped the sweat from his brow. Seconds later, the award-winning country music performer and University of Mount Olive alum stepped back into the sunshine.
“Man, plaid shirts and a bright sun … not a good combination,” Hawks said. “It’s been 10 years since I’ve on this campus. Some things haven’t changed, while some things are new. It’s just great to be back.”
Hawks performed for about half an hour during the “Celebrating the Art and Soul of UMO” homecoming festivities held on a sun-splashed and cool Saturday.
The university’s theme reflected the rich culture and community spirit that has defined UMO as a “well-kept” secret among the nation’s top diverse educational institutions that include students from around the world.
Carolina Sound, a dynamic a cappella group of energetic singers, and the Free Spirit Alumni Choir performed. Luke Shamblin and Friends played toe-tapping, bluegrass music that echoed throughout the commons.
The highlight was the “Walk with Jesus Tour” that featured Christian artists Consumed by Fire and Caleb and John.
“Homecoming weekend is always a great time to reconnect and to remember the people and the place that is uniquely UMO,” said Dr. Edward H. Croom, president of UMO. “This year has been extra special as we open our campus to not only alumni, but to the larger community for a weekend of fun, food and fellowship.”
Fun in the sun
The Kid Zone stayed busy throughout the day.
Children and adults learned how to wrap a steer [horns attached to hay bale] and tested out their skills riding a mechanical bull.
Younger sibling Landon Harward shucked his shoes and looked back at his brother, Austin.
“I’m going to beat you,” he grinned.
Landon grabbed onto the rope as the mechanical bull slowly began to move around. Soon, the bull switched positions, which caught Landon a little off guard. Eventually, he tumbled onto the air mattress and walked off with a big smile on his face.
“It’s awesome,” said UMO alumna and Edenton resident Kristi Nixon, who is the grandmother of Landon and Austin. “We come to alumni weekend every year anyway, but it’s so great for the kids. We’re loving this.”
Nixon graduated in 1984.
Her son, Josh — the dad of Austin and Landon — completed his degree in 2008.
“I attended, but left to marry him,” laughed Josh’s wife, Kasey.
Art on display
UMO’s second annual Ceramics Show took place in Laughinghouse Hall.
The main exhibition room in the Teresa Pelt Grubbs Fine Arts Gallery displayed ceramic pieces created by local artisans and UMO students.
Framed artwork on every wall served as the background as students, accompanied by their parents and friends, proudly showed their work from the fall semester.
“I think it means a lot to the students to be able to see professional work in here with their work,” said Frank Grubbs, instructor of ceramic art at UMO. “The artists who have ceramics in here have complimented the students, which has enhanced the ceramics show as well.
“The art on the wall are by seniors who will graduate either in the winter or spring. For some seniors, this is their last show.”
Students with displayed wall pieces are Brianna Cruz, Victoria Morelli, Tiffani David, Jessica Ruiz-Castro, Victor Skinner, Gabriel Ekholm and Edwin Permin hung on the wall.
Artist demonstrations were done by Mary Ann Barwick, Hannah Wright, Frank Grubbs and Randy Wright.
You may reach Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
