Winthrop Black Alumni Presents  ·  Homecoming 2026

Rock Hill
State of Mind

The Alumni Experience

Friday, November 13, 2026

Rock Hill / Fort Mill, South Carolina

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Winthrop Black Alumni Presents ✦  Rock Hill State of Mind ✦  The Alumni Experience ✦  November 13, 2026 ✦  Black Alumni Scholarship Fund ✦  Celebration · Connection · Impact ✦  Winthrop Black Alumni Presents ✦  Rock Hill State of Mind ✦  The Alumni Experience ✦  November 13, 2026 ✦  Black Alumni Scholarship Fund ✦  Celebration · Connection · Impact ✦ 

The Vision

Where We Are.
Together.

Over time, Homecoming has evolved — alumni gathering in smaller pockets, spread across the weekend. One experience that continues to resonate across generations is the tailgate, because it feels authentic, community-driven, and rooted in genuine connection.

This event is inspired by that same feeling. A centralized space where alumni can come together in an environment that feels elevated and celebratory — aligned with where we are in our lives today — while holding onto the authenticity that makes Homecoming special.

Rather than a traditional seated gala, the vision is a party with a purpose: an upscale social experience that prioritizes connection, music, and joy, with a brief and meaningful recognition moment woven into the evening.

"An experience rooted in authenticity, celebration, and impact — bringing alumni together in a way that feels genuine, inclusive, and sustainable."
The Mission  ·  Black Alumni Scholarship Fund

The Experience

What to Expect

01

Open Bar

A fully hosted open bar with curated cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic offerings — all evening long.

02

DJ & Dancing

Live DJ set with music curated to move you. This is a celebration — expect energy that keeps the floor alive all night.

03

Curated Appetizers

Elevated passed bites and stationed hors d’oeuvres thoughtfully selected to complement the evening.

04

Alumni Connection

A room full of Winthrop alumni across generations — reconnecting, storytelling, and celebrating together.

05

Recognition Moment

A brief, meaningful program honoring alumni impact and reinvesting in the next generation of Winthrop students.

06

Scholarship Impact

Every ticket directly supports the next generation of Winthrop University students.

Attire

Black-Tie Formal

  • Black tuxedo or formal suit
  • Floor-length gown or formal dress
  • Formal separates welcome
  • Classic black tie accessories

Color Palette

Come in Your Finest

  • All formal colors welcome
  • Classic black is always elegant
  • Bold colors encouraged
  • Winthrop garnet & gold honored
✦   This is an elevated evening. Dress in a way that reflects where you are — accomplished, distinguished, and worth celebrating.

Dress Code

Come as the
Alumni You Are

This is a black-tie formal event — an occasion designed to honor your excellence and celebrate the community you represent. We want you to feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully dressed.

The dress code reflects the spirit of the evening: elevated, joyful, and unapologetically you. Wear what makes you feel your best. The only requirement is that you bring that energy.

The Purpose

Every Ticket is an Investment in Black Excellence

Your presence makes a direct impact. Proceeds from this event will fund two student scholarships, while also strengthening Black alumni programming and future initiatives. A small percentage of funds supports our fiscal sponsor to ensure proper stewardship and distribution.

Secure Your Ticket

Purchase Tickets

This event is limited to 250 guests. We encourage early purchase to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind evening.

Early Bird

$TBD

Limited time offer

  • Early bird pricing
  • General admission entry
  • Open bar all evening
  • Curated appetizers
  • DJ & dancing
  • Recognition program
Reserve Spot

General Admission

$TBD

Per person

  • General admission entry
  • Open bar all evening
  • Curated appetizers
  • DJ & dancing
  • Recognition program
Reserve Spot

Sponsorship Package

$TBD

Includes reserved seating

  • Reserved seating
  • All general inclusions
  • Open bar all evening
  • Curated appetizers
  • DJ & dancing
Inquire

All other seating is lounge-style and first come, first served throughout the space.

Ticket pricing coming soon. Join the interest list to be notified the moment tickets go on sale.
Questions? Contact us at info@rockhillstateofmind.com

Our Partners

Sponsors & Partners

This event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who believe in the power of Black alumni community and the importance of student scholarship.

Platinum

$5,000

  • Presenting sponsor recognition
  • Speaking opportunity
  • 8 event tickets
  • Logo on all marketing
  • Program recognition

Gold

$2,500

  • 5 event tickets
  • Logo on promo materials
  • Step-and-repeat logo
  • Verbal recognition

Silver

$1,000

  • 4 event tickets
  • Logo on program
  • Logo on marketing

Bronze

$500

  • 2 event tickets
  • Name in event program

Friend

$200

  • Name listed on website
Platinum Partner — $5,000
Presenting SponsorSpot Available
Presenting SponsorSpot Available
Gold Partner — $2,500
Gold PartnerSpot Available
Gold PartnerSpot Available
Gold PartnerSpot Available
Silver Partner — $1,000
Silver PartnerSpot Available
Silver PartnerSpot Available
Silver PartnerSpot Available
Silver PartnerSpot Available
Bronze Partner — $500
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Bronze PartnerSpot Available
Friend of the Scholarship — $200
AvailableSpot Available
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Experience Sponsorships

In-Kind Opportunities

Brand your presence with an experience. Your name, on the moment everyone remembers.

Bar Experience Sponsor
Put your brand at the center of the night’s social energy — signage and recognition at the bar.
Photo Booth Sponsor
Your brand printed on every photo. “Photo Experience sponsored by [Brand].”
Décor & Balloon Installation
Sponsor the visual centerpiece of the evening and receive prominent recognition throughout.
Step & Repeat Sponsor
Logo placement on the backdrop where every red-carpet moment is captured.
DJ & Entertainment Sponsor
Sponsor the heartbeat of the night. Recognition on all entertainment-related materials.
Custom Opportunity
Have a unique idea? Let’s build something together that fits your brand’s story and our guests.

Ready to partner with us? Let’s talk about the opportunity that fits your brand.

Sponsorship Inquiries