SAU to host homecoming on October 5
Southern Arkansas University is thrilled to welcome back our Mulerider alumni and friends for a week of fun and tradition.
With the theme, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” SAU invites alumni, students, and friends to come together for a week of festivities that embody the true spirit of family and tradition.
Homecoming at SAU has always been a special time when past and present collide in a sea of blue and gold. This year’s theme pays homage to the enduring connections forged on SAU’s campus, where friendships are lifelong and memories are made.
This year’s celebration includes a long list of time-honored traditions, including the Homecoming Kickoff Pep Rally, SGA Burgers in the Mall, the Drive-In Movie, the Great SAU Campout, SAU Giving Day, and more. On Saturday, October 5, SAU will crown the Homecoming king and queen at 2:00 p.m. before the Mulerider football game against Southern Nazarene University at Wilkins Stadium.
Monday | Sept. 30
Homecoming Kick-Off Pep Rally
6:00 p.m. – Grand Hall
Tuesday | Oct. 1
SGA’s Burgers in the Mall
11:00 a.m. – Mall Area
STUDENTS
Volleyball: SAU vs. UAM
6:00 p.m. – W.T. Watson Gym
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
RCB’s Light for the Fight
6:30 p.m. – Blanchard Hall
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
Wednesday | Oct. 2
SAB’s Movie Night “Twister”
8:00 p.m. – Reynolds Parking Lot
STUDENTS
Thursday | Oct. 3
Spirit Logs Due
12:00 p.m. – Reynolds Rotunda
STUDENTS
Spirit Banners Due
4:30 p.m. – Reynolds 201
STUDENTS
Great SAU Campout/Bonfire/Pep Rally
10:00 p.m. – Alumni Center
STUDENTS
Street Painting Party
11:00 p.m. – Farm Road
STUDENTS
Friday | Oct. 4
Voting for King and Queen Ends
12:00 p.m.
STUDENTS
Homecoming Heartbeat Begins
12:00 p.m. – Mall Area
STUDENTS
SAU Sports Hall of Fame Banquet
6:30 p.m. – Grand Hall
ALUMNI
Saturday | Oct. 5
The Benches at Berger Circle Dedication
10:00 a.m. – Mall Area
ALUMNI
Mulegating on the Ridge
11:00 a.m. – Alumni Center
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
Pep Rally
1:00 p.m. – Alumni Center
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
Homecoming Court Presentation
2:00 p.m. – Wilkins Stadium
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
Homecoming Greek Show
7:00 p.m. – W.T. Watson Gym
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
BSA Kickback
8:00 p.m. – Alumni Center
ALUMNI
Schedule of Events
Monday, September 30
Homecoming events begin at 6:00 p.m. with the Homecoming Kickoff Pep Rally in Grand Hall.
Tuesday, October 1
SGA is hosting Burgers in the Mall, where they cook burgers and hot dogs at 11:00 a.m.
The Rankin College of Business hosts Light for the Fight in support of Breast Cancer Awareness at 6:30 p.m. in front of Blanchard Hall. Sponsored each year by the Business Student Advisory Council (BSAC) in the College of Business, the ceremony honors all who have battled cancer.
Wednesday, October 2
Pack your popcorn and head to the Reynolds Parking lot at 8:00 p.m. for SAB’s Movie night “Twister.”
Thursday, October 3
SAU Giving Day begins! This year, for 1909 minutes in honor of SAU’s founding year, you will be able to demonstrate your Mulerider pride like never before leading into Homecoming 2024. For more information, please visit SAU Development.
The Great SAU Campout/Bonfire/Pep Rally begins at 10:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center.
Friday, October 4
At noon, the Homecoming Heartbeat begins in Reynolds Plaza and will continue until kickoff on Saturday.
Black Student Association Kickoff begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Connect with fellow alumni, enter giveaways, and receive your goodie bag to begin the weekend! Stick around to enjoy live music on the Pavilion for the Black Alumni Connection Homecoming Reception. To register, visit www.SAUAlumni.com.
The SAU Sports Hall of Fame Banquet takes place in Reynolds Center Grand Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 5
The Benches at Berger Circle dedication will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Mall area in honor of Eric “Berger” Engelberger, a dear friend and colleague whose presence brought joy to all who knew him. In celebration of Eric’s passion for the SAU community, SAU is proud to introduce The Benches at Berger Circle.
Mulegating is sponsored by Peoples Bank, Albemarle, and Bodcaw Bank, and begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Alumni Center. Attendees are invited to gather around the Alumni Center pavilion for the Homecoming Pep Rally at 1:00 p.m.
The Resident Assistant reunion will begin around noon outside of the Alumni Center. RA’s who served between 1981 and 2013 are invited to join for a special Mulegating party before and after the Homecoming game.
Fans are invited to walk across the Alumni Bridge from Mulegating to find their seats for the Homecoming football game at Wilkins Stadium. To purchase tickets for the game, go to www.MuleriderAthletics.com/tickets.
The Homecoming Coronation ceremony takes place at 2:00 p.m. on Rip Powell Field and is followed by the 2:30 p.m. Mulerider Homecoming football game against Southern Nazarene University.
A Greek Show will be performed at Watson Athletic Center starting at 7:00 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m., the Black Student Association Reunion continues at the Alumni Center. Enjoy food, line dancing, and special photo ops to celebrate this special weekend and build excitement for next year’s reunion.
SAU is excited to welcome back Mulerider alumni and friends for a fun, tradition-filled Homecoming week!
