Sam Houston State University rolls out the orange carpet for Homecoming week with a kickoff rally today in the mall area outside the Lowman Student Center (LSC).
“It’s like a big pep rally with cheerleaders, band members and football players getting students pumped up for a week of activities,” said Brandon Cooper, program coordinator for the department of student activities.
Many of the SHSU events are geared to alumni and students, but one of the most exciting events for the Huntsville community will be the parade on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. on Sam Houston Avenue.
Thursday night’s parade will feature many of the Huntsville community organizations. The Huntsville High School cheerleaders, the Junior Grenadier Guard dance club and county officials, to name a few, will be in the parade. Junction Jack, the mascot from the Houston Astros, will be making an appearance too.
Saturday is another big day for the SHSU campus and the Huntsville community. Bearkat Alley, the tailgate area outside Bowers Stadium, will host a giant, free tailgate party with free food and activities beginning at noon.
“We have three different bands that will be playing in the entertainment area of Bearkat Alley and lots of fun for the students and for families,” said Cooper.
At 2 p.m., the SHSU Bearkats will take on the Northwestern State Demons in football at Bowers Stadium. At halftime, the SHSU homecoming king and queen will be named.
Earlier in the week, the whole community is invited to the SamJam Carnival on Wednesday at Holleman field starting at 8 p.m.
“SamJam is a free event and we will have five large pieces of carnival equipment. Free cotton candy, popcorn and candied apples will be available too,” said Cooper.
Cooper said last year about 2,000 people attended SamJam.
Damian the Hypnotist, a regular to homecoming festivities and a favorite of students, will be in the LSC Ballroom Monday night at 7 p.m.
Star Studded Ceramics is Tuesday’s main event and begins at 11 a.m. at the LSC mall. Students will have a chance to make their own pottery at the event.
On Friday, the Class of 1957 will be honored in the LSC Ballroom at 11 a.m. at the Golden Circle Reunion sponsored by the president’s office.
Also on Friday at Huntsville Ten Cinema, current students will be treated to a special movie premiere.
“Students will get the chance to see a movie, for free, that hasn’t been open to the public yet,” said Cooper.
Students will need their Bearkat One card for entry and the movie starts at 1 p.m.
Friday night, the Distinguished Alumni Gala will take place in the LSC Ballroom. A reception starts at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner and program at 7 p.m. Honorees include Kemper Crabb, Melinda Estes, Roger Lawrence, Cecil Neely and distinguished young alumnus Peter Bell.
Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., alumni are invited for coffee at the Visitor and Alumni Center followed by the official dedication of the building as the John R. Ragsdale Visitor and Alumni Center at 10 a.m.
Austin Hall will be open to visitors for “Pre-Game with the President.” President Jim Gaertner will talk with visitors during this event.
To wrap up the week of events, the Second Annual Black Alumni & Friends Club Reception will start at 7 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.
For more information about any of the homecoming activities, visit the SHSU Homecoming Web site at www.shsu.edu/homecoming.
Local News
Homecoming events planned at SHSU
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