Alumni Day & Alumni Awards Celebration
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Coker University Alumni Day & Awards Celebration
A day set aside to celebrate ALL alumni, recognize our 50th Golden Circle Reunion Class, and bestow Alumni Awards to our most distinguished Cobras.
This year’s Alumni Day and Alumni Award Presentation will occur on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
50th Golden Circle Reunion
The Class of 1976 will be celebrating its 50th Golden Circle Reunion.
If your class is celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2026 and would like to host a reunion, please contact Jennifer Rhodes, Director of Alumni Engagement at alumni@coker.edu or 843-383-8384 to help plan your event.
Schedule of events
Friday, April 17, 2026
6:30 – 8 p.m. – Sip & Play – Alumni Bingo, Drengaelen House
We encourage alumni to enjoy an early dinner with fellow classmates, then join us for a pleasant and relaxed evening of cocktails, a classic game of bingo, light refreshments, and good company. This gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and ease into a weekend of celebration on campus.
If your class is interested in meeting as a group for dinner beforehand and would like recommendations for nearby, walkable, or group-friendly restaurants—or assistance with making reservations—the Alumni Office would be happy to help.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
9 – 9:45 a.m. – Registration & Welcome Reception, Stein Gallery in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center
*Group photo will be taken at 9:45 a.m.
10 – 11:15 a.m. – Morning Plenary and Presentation of the Alumni Awards, Watson Theatre in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center
- Come hear from leadership as they share updates on the institution and their overall progress, challenges, and strategic direction.
- State of the University – Dr. Natalie Harder, University President
- Academic Highlights and Updates – Dr. Susan Henderson, Provost
- Alumni Association Update – Kris Johnson ’01, Board President
- Recognition of the 50 year Golden Circle (Class of 1976)
- Presentation of the 2026 Alumni Awards
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Reunion Break-out Sessions in Davidson Hall
(Room assignments to be determined)
A photographer will rotate through each class for group photos.
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Optional workshops for those not celebrating a milestone reunion:
AI Made Easy: How It Can Help You Every Day
Presented by
Dr. Jim Wacker, Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Business
Dr. Dennis Burke, Clinical Assistant Professor of Business
Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? This interactive session introduces AI in a simple, approachable way and demonstrates how it can be used in everyday tasks such as writing, organizing information, planning, and problem-solving. We’ll also highlight how Coker faculty and students are using AI in the classroom and beyond. No technical background required—just curiosity and an interest in learning something new.
OR
Life Lessons We Didn’t Learn in College (But Wish We Had)
Moderator
Dr. Brianna Bunce Douglas ’01
Join fellow alumni for a moderated panel featuring honest reflections and practical insights gained through real-world experience after graduation. Panelists will share personal stories and discuss lessons learned related to careers, relationships, leadership, and navigating life—and how those insights continue to shape their lives.
12 – 12:20 p.m. Striker’s Farmer’s Market on the Davidson Hall Blacktop
Join us for the First Annual Striker’s Farmers Market hosted by the Office of Residence Life with support from Main Street Hartsville! Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, specialty foods and unique handcrafted items.
12:30 – 2 p.m. – Alumni Day Luncheon in the DeLoach Auxiliary Gym
1:20 – 1:40 p.m. – Then and Now: How Student Life Has Changed
Interactive Student-Alumni Conversation
Moderator
Adriana Beaty ’26
This interactive session brings together current students and alumni to explore how student life has evolved over the years and to highlight the traditions and experiences that continue to connect generations of Cobras.
2 – 3 p.m. – Campus Tour
(Tour will begin at DeLoach and end at the University Store)
Hotel Accommodation Information
Oak Manor Bed & Breakfast
314 E. Home Ave, Hartsville
(843) 917-4090
reservationsoakmanorinn@gmail.com
www.oakmanorinn.com
Hampton Inn & Suites
203 E. Carolina Ave, Hartsville
(843) 332-2128
Reservation Link
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
200 S. Fourth St, Hartsville
(843) 332-9898
Reservation Link
The Mantissa Hotel
130 E. Carolina Ave, Hartsville
(843) 917-0669
Reservation Link
Springhill Suites by Marriott
201 Front Street
Cheraw, SC 29520
Reservation Link
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Rhodes, Director of Alumni Engagement at (843) 383-8384 or jrhodes@coker.edu.
* Please check back for up-to-date information. Additional events and opportunities are still in the planning stages.