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Homecoming 2011 Promises To Be ‘Far Out’
Sept. 22, 2011
SHSU Media Contact: Sara Thompson
Sam Houston State University will re-visit the era of tie-dye and rock ‘n' roll on Oct. 10 as it begins its 2011 Homecoming celebration “Peace, Love, and Bearkats.”
University President Dana Gibson and the SHSU athletics teams will help kick off homecoming week on Monday (Oct. 10) with a rally at noon in the Bearkat Plaza.
The homecoming kick-off rally will include SHSU cheerleaders, the Orange Pride dance team and Sammy the Bearkat to help spread the “Bearkat spirit,” along with the introduction of the 2011 Homecoming King and Queen nominees.
“With so many great events planned for Homecoming 2011, this year’s Kick-Off Rally will definitely help build the excitement,” said Brandon Cooper, Associate Director for student activities.
Throughout the week, SHSU departments can join in on the festivities with the annual office-decorating contest. Entries will be judged on Oct. 11 based on creativity. The winning office will receive a plaque to display for an entire year and coffee and bagels compliments of Einstein Bros. Bagel.
An entry form is available online at http://www.shsu.edu/homecoming/contest.html. The registration deadline is Oct. 7.
On Wednesday (Oct. 12), Student Activities will host the annual “Sam Jam Carnival” at 7 p.m. in the Holleman Field Parking Lot. Numerous rides and attractions, including a giant Ferris wheel and free food, will be on hand for all to enjoy. The highlight of the night will be the announcement of the finalist for the Homecoming King and Queen.
The Bearkat spirit will spread down Sam Houston Avenue on Thursday (Oct. 13) during the annual homecoming parade. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m.
“With several thousand viewers and participants each year, it is such a great opportunity for the university to celebrate and connect with the local community," said Cooper.
Those who want to participate in the parade can obtain a registration form online at http://www.shsu.edu/homecoming/parade.html or in the Student Activities office, in LSC Suite 328. The registration deadline is Oct. 12.
On Friday (Oct. 14), SHSU will celebrate alumni with the Golden Circle Reunion, for those who have been graduated for at least 50 years, at 11 a.m. in the LSC Ballroom. That evening, SHSU’s seven “Distinguished Alumni” will be recognized during the annual gala at 6 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.
The 2011 honorees include Walter Anderson, James Carey, James Ferris, James Gaertner, Fredrick Pirkle, and Allen Shamblin.
Game-day activities will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday when Bearkat graduates are invited to an Alumni Coffee with Gibson at the John R. Ragsdale Visitor and Alumni Center.
That afternoon, football fans can head to Bowers Stadium to show their school spirit during the tailgate party at Bearkat Alley, at the north end of Bowers Stadium, beginning at noon. Free food and giveaways will be available on behalf of numerous organizations and student groups.
The tailgate party will be followed by the SHSU football game versus Nicholls State at 2 p.m.
After the game, SHSU’s annual Black Alumni Reception will be held in the LSC Ballroom from 8-11 p.m.
“Homecoming is such an amazing time of year for the university,” said Cooper. “We get the opportunity to unite former students with current students, which ends in a better understanding and appreciation of our university.”
“During the week, students are able to learn the university’s rich history and what amazing accomplishments our Alumni have achieved,” he said. “And our alumni get to feel the current ‘pulse’ of the university, and see what students are currently accomplishing."
For more information on any of the homecoming activities, visit http://www.shsu.edu/homecoming/.
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