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Plans for a new academic complex excited alumni, students and faculty who gathered Friday to help launch a fundraising drive that, once complete, will allow ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to double the amount of campus space dedicated to the School of Communications.

As part of the Homecoming 2014 festivities, the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Black Alumni Network celebrated the accomplishments of black alumni, faculty and staff during a special celebration.

The awards are the highest accolades conferred by the Office of Alumni Engagement and have been presented annually to alumni and friends of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ since 1941.

Class members contributed more than $95,000 to the university in honor of the milestone.

NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams headlined the public kickoff of fundraising for ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s new communications facilities.

The School welcomes alumni back to campus with a reception and discussion of expansion plans.

Make plans to return to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ from Oct. 17-19 for Homecoming 2014, a weekend of events that include football, tailgating, alumni award ceremonies and service activities.

An Oct. 17 special event featuring remarks from President Leo M. Lambert and Dean Paul Parsons will be held outside the McEwen building, home of the School of Communications.

Five alumni with backgrounds in service will participate in a panel on Nov. 6 to connect with students interested in a year of service.