By Laurie D. Willis
Livingstone College News Service

SALISBURY – Homecoming activities have been going on at Livingstone College all week.

Today at 11 a.m., Alumni Convocation will be held in Varick Auditorium. And tonight, the coronation of Miss and Mister Livingstone College, Ashley Williams and Dionte Forney, will be held at 7 p.m. inside Varick.

On Saturday, the homecoming parade begins at 9 a.m. at Soldiers Memorial A.M.E Zion Church. Livingstone College National Alumni Association President Delores Johnson will serve as Grand Marshal, and 2015 World Series softball champions Rowan Little League will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals.

Saturday afternoon, the Blue Bears will compete against the Fayetteville State University Broncos at 1:30 p.m. inside Alumni Memorial Stadium, and after the game, several other activities are scheduled for students and alumni.

But one of the best events of the week won’t occur until Sunday, when Livingstone holds its Second Annual Homecoming Gospel Brunch.

“The Homecoming Gospel Brunch is a good way to round out a week of fun-filled activities,” said Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. “It’s also a good way to showcase the students in our School of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts, housed in the former Holiday Inn hotel. Last year was the first time we held the Gospel Brunch, and attendees said they really enjoyed it. We’re expecting this year’s event to be even better.”

The Homecoming Gospel Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children 11 and under.

Musical entertainment will be provided by local artist Virginia Rush and her husband Melvin Rush, II. Virginia Rush, who started singing at age 2 and directing choirs at age 7, has received national acclaim. She hails from a musical family in which all seven of her siblings sing and play instruments.

A diva who can sing gospel, jazz, country and other genres, Virginia Rush has performed with Grammy award-winning artists Al Green, John P. Kee and The Clark Sisters, as well as with Jodeci and other noted performers.

Melvin Rush also comes from a musical family and has been playing the keyboards for more than 30 years. The couple met in 1996 and have been performing together since.

An assortment of foods will be served at the Gospel Brunch, including mini cinnamon rolls, muffins, omelets, waffles, sausage, bacon, turkey strips, grits with preserves, home-fried potatoes, orange glazed chicken, prime rib, crab cakes, barbeque shrimp, ham with pineapple glaze, antipasto, cabbage and collard greens, tossed salad, potato salad, rolls, assorted fruits and cheeses, ice cream with pineapple glaze and an assortment of mini desserts.

“There aren’t many places where you can be treated to a spread of food this good and top-notch entertainment for only $25,” said Dr. Vivian Ray, director of the School of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts. “The students, professors and I are working tirelessly to ensure this year’s Gospel Brunch is a rousing success, and we hope people from Salisbury, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and other nearby cities will join Livingstone alumni, faculty, students and staff for a wonderful, reasonably priced affair.”