Some alumni will fly. Others will drive. Many more will think fond thoughts, but be unable to come. But no matter the circumstances, each alum has a home waiting for them back in Chapel Hill.
Tar Heel alumni return to UNC for many reasons, from the sense of community to wanting to reconnect with friends.
“I’m currently at (the University of Virginia) post-undergrad, but Carolina traditions just run so deep,” said Emily Liebtag, a graduate from the class of?2007 attending her fifth year reunion this weekend.
“I feel like Carolina permeates my world. Whether it’s sporting events, other meetings, classes, it’s always the Carolina Way for me — you just feel like it permeates the rest of your life,” she said.
Homecoming is even a chance for alumni to instill UNC values and pride into their children.
“My dad would take me to alumni events at Carolina, and it was really cool for me as a child because I was so young and fascinated by everything and the school spirit,” said freshman Shelby Schulman.
Schulman said that she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and also become a Tar Heel.
“I was one of those little girls who dressed up in the little UNC cheerleader outfits — it means so much to me to be here now.”
Laura Sheppard, General Alumni Association coordinator of Homecoming and affinity reunions, said alumni love to learn about how things have changed since leaving UNC.