What’s happening around The Citadel in November and December

The calendars are filling up for The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina: Homecoming weekend celebrations…the Summerall Guards perform aboard the USS Yorktown for Veterans Day…Plus, a cybersecurity conference brings industry experts to The Citadel.

Here are the events you should know about for November and December.

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The Art of Revolution: A special lecture and exhibit experience at The Citadel

Monday, Nov. 2
6 p.m.
Class of 1969 Auditorium, Winifred B. Moore Jr. Art Gallery
Capers Hall, 1 Lee Ave.
Free, open to the public

From Bunker Hill to Trenton, many of the famous battles of the American Revolution were fought on land. However, unfolding on the waters surrounding the 13 original British colonies and beyond was a larger story of the rise of America’s first fleet.

Though far weaker than its adversary, this naval force inspired a lasting dream of possessing sea power to protect the nation’s freedom, including off the coast of South Carolina.

Acclaimed historians David Preston, Ph.D., and Roger Bailey, Ph.D., will tell these stories of naval heroism and heartbreak as depicted in the exhibit “America’s First Fleet: The Revolution at Sea” on view in the Moore Art Gallery.

On loan from the Navy Art Collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command, this exhibition celebrates the country’s 250th birthday by highlighting the far-reaching impact of America’s first naval forces.

Homecoming 2026 at The Citadel

Thursday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 8
Various times
The Citadel campus, 171 Moultrie St.
Many events are free and open to the public

The first weekend of November marks one of The Citadel’s biggest events on campus — Homecoming 2026 — hosted by The Citadel Alumni Association.

Alumni of all ages will return to their alma mater with a special celebration for the Class of 1976, who will be celebrating their 50th reunion. Homecoming festivities, which begin on Thursday, Nov. 5, include a football game versus Furman, a performance by the Summerall Guards, parades and more.

Learn more about one of the biggest events of the year at The Citadel.

Researcher known for work on antimicrobial resistance brings his expertise to The Citadel for special talk

Thursday, Nov. 5
6:30 p.m.
Class of 1969 Auditorium
Capers Hall, 1 Lee Ave.
Free, open to the public

When bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, infections that were once treatable can become much harder, and sometimes impossible, to cure. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant challenges facing modern medicine.

Robert Bonomo, M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized expert in infectious diseases, pharmacology and molecular biology, will discuss the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance and the science behind efforts to overcome it as part of the William H. Porter ’62 Lecture Series in Chemical Chemistry and Biochemistry.

His lecture will explore how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, how scientists are developing drugs to counter those defenses and address emerging threats, like multi-drug resistant bacteria in space environments.

He also will discuss the importance of translating laboratory discoveries into new treatments and the ongoing innovation required to address inhibitor-resistant strains.

Lecture and gallery reception to celebrate America’s first Naval forces

Monday, Nov. 9
5:30 p.m.
Class of 1969 Auditorium, Winifred B. Moore Jr. Art Gallery
Capers Hall, 1 Lee Ave.
Free, open to the public

This event begins with a lecture by Roger Bailey, Ph.D., historian and assistant history professor at The Citadel. His lecture will explore the battles and leaders depicted in “America’s First Fleet: The Revolution at Sea,” on loan from the Navy Art Collection.

All women who are members of organizations honoring colonial descent are invited, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, the Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Colonists, and the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

The event itself is free, but registration is required: www.revolutionaryart.eventbrite.com

A reception will follow to allow viewing of the artwork in the Moore Gallery as we celebrate the country’s 250th birthday by highlighting the far-reaching impact of America’s first naval forces.

For any questions, please contact Tiffany Reed Silverman, The Citadel’s Director of Fine Arts, at silvermant@citadel.edu or (843) 953-6918.

Summerall Guards on the USS Yorktown

Wednesday, Nov. 11
12 p.m.
USS Yorktown
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd.
Open to the public, tickets required

Summerall Guards preform on the US Yorktown.

The Citadel’s elite silent precision drill platoon will honor America’s veterans with a special performance aboard the USS Yorktown’s flight deck.

Consisting of 61 members, the Summerall Guards go through a rigorous physical training and initiation process, and are chosen for their physical stamina and drill proficiency.

Following the performance by the Summerall Guards, Patriots Point will host “Symphony of Service,” an afternoon of music and remembrance in partnership with the Friends of Fisher House Charleston, the Charleston Symphony and the Charleston Men’s Chorus. That event will take place starting at 2 p.m.

The performance is included with the cost of admission to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Normal parking rates apply.

2026 South Carolina Junior Academy of Science Fall Workshop

Saturday, Nov. 14
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St
Open to high school students and teachers, registration required

The South Carolina Junior Academy of Science will host a full day of engaging, STEM-focused activities for students at The Citadel.

The program opens with a presentation by David Edwards, Ph.D., head of The Citadel’s Department of Mathematics and Data Analytics and a professor in the department.

In his talk, “How Mathematics, Data, and AI Help Scientists Make Discoveries,” Edwards will explore how mathematics, data analytics and artificial intelligence help scientists identify patterns and uncover relationships in increasingly large and complex data sets. He also will highlight the important role human creativity and curiosity continue to play in scientific discovery.

The presentation will be followed by three one-hour interactive STEM sessions. Schools may also register one or two teams to participate in the Science Trivia Competition, which will be held during the final session of the day. 

The workshop, which is open to all high school students and teachers, is $25 per participant to attend.


Registration for the Fall Workshop and Science Trivia Competition is available here:
Fall Workshop Registration
Science Trivia Competition Registration

For any questions, please reach Mei Qin Chen at chenm@citadel.edu.

Applied Physics and Aerospace Science Experience

Saturday, Nov. 14
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Grimsley Hall, 3 Jenkins Ave.
Open to high school students, registration required

The Citadel Physics Department is hosting this hands-on event designed to introduce high school students to the exciting world of physics and aerospace science. Throughout the day, students will have the opportunity to design, build and test projects that bring core ideas in physics and aerospace science to life.

Past projects have included designing and testing your own airfoil in our wind tunnel, building an electronic system that levitates objects, and creating clouds in a bottle. The event is $35 and includes lunch, snacks and all the supplies needed to make these projects a reality.

To register, click here.

What did the Founders envision for democracy? The Citadel to host public lecture

Tuesday, Nov. 17
5:30pm-8pm
Atrium
Bastin Hall, 79 Hagood Ave
Free, open to the public

Two weeks after Election Day, a timely conversation connecting America’s past and present will unfold at The Citadel.

The BB&T Moral Foundations of Capitalism Speaker Series continues with Cameron Tilley, Ph.D., of the College of Charleston. His talk, “Not Without My Vote: Liberty at the Founding,” will explore the Founders’ views on democracy, individual liberty and limits on government power, and consider how well today’s institutions measure up to those ideals.

The event will be hosted by Russell Sobel, Ph.D., the BB&T Distinguished Professor of Economics and Entrepreneurship at The Citadel.

The speaker series brings leading voices to campus to examine the ideas, institutions and principles that shape free markets, individual liberty and American society. This conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding principles and their continued relevance in shaping its future.

The Citadel Fall Concert

Tuesday, Nov. 17
6 p.m.
Class of 1969 Auditorium
Capers Hall, 1 Lee Ave.
Free, open to the public

The sounds of military tradition, choral music and bluegrass will come together for The Citadel’s Fall Concert.

The concert will feature performances by The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, The Citadel Chorale and The Citadel Pioneers Bluegrass Band, showcasing the range of musical talent across the campus.

The performance offers an opportunity for the community to enjoy an evening of music and experience the diverse traditions that are part of life at The Citadel. The hour-long concert is free and open to the public.

Holiday Jazz at The Citadel

Wednesday, Dec. 2
6 p.m.
Class of 1969 Auditorium
Capers Hall, 1 Lee Ave.
Free, open to the public

Enjoy an evening of seasonal favorites performed by Citadel cadets at the annual Holiday Jazz Concert. The performance will feature festive music and offer an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season through the musical talents of the Corps of Cadets. The hour-long concert is free and open to the public.

South Carolina Summit on Cyber, AI and Intelligence Leadership

Thursday, Dec. 10-Friday, Dec. 11
Various times
Holliday Alumni Center, 69 Hagood Ave.
Open to the public, registration required

Leaders in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and intelligence will gather at The Citadel for a unique summit to identify gaps in South Carolina’s cyber ecosystem and develop recommendations to strengthen the state’s security, resilience and ability to attract and support emerging industries.

The South Carolina Summit on Cyber, AI and Intelligence Leadership is a first of its kind event at The Citadel, bringing together leaders from government, the military, industry and academia. The two-day summit will also focus on improving coordination among sectors to help position South Carolina for future economic growth.

For more information about the summit, click here.
To register for the conference, click here.