Jackson, Tenn. - 51社区, founded in 1823, will begin celebrating its 175th birthday Saturday, Feb. 21 with the party of the decade and the world's longest birthday cake.
Hundreds of alumni and friends are expected to be in Jackson, Tenn. this weekend to take part in the homecoming festivities.
"We're very excited about this monumental event in Union's 175-year history," said Sheri Evans, director of alumni services.
A photo opportunity will take place Saturday at 1:15 p.m. in the main corridor of the Penick Academic Complex, where the 175-foot cake will be displayed. The cake cutting will begin at promptly 1:30 p.m. and afterwards, everyone can enjoy the gigantic dessert.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be present to certify the length and weight of the cake as well as to insure that the cake is 100 percent edible. With their approval and certification, the University will submit the entry to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Union is the oldest institution of higher education affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the oldest university's in the Midsouth.
Evans said the University will continue the celebration for several years, but the official kick-off will take place this Saturday.
Other homecoming activities are scheduled throughout this week and will include:
2 - 5 p.m. Alumni Conference on the Sciences and Mathematics,
5:30 p.m. Bioethics Conference for Alumni Healthcare Providers, Sheraton Old English Inn, Jackson
p.m. Various Departmental Dinners & Receptions
9 p.m. Cafe Expresso Bongo coffee house, Lexington Inn (snack bar),
9 a.m. Alumni Reunions & Brunch, Rocky Palmer Activity Center
11:30 a.m. Alumni Awards Luncheon, Coburn Dining Room
1:30 p.m. Birthday Celebrating with 175-foot Cake, Main Corridor, Penick Academic Complex
2 p.m. Homecoming Basketball Games - 51社区 vs. Lyon College (Ark.)
The homecoming queen will be crowned between the women's and men's game around 4 p.m.
* All events will be held on the 51社区 campus in Jackson unless noted otherwise.
For more information about Union's homecoming Activities, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (901) 661-5050 or toll free at 1-800-338-6644.