Prepare to get the red carpet treatment as Southern Arkansas University celebrates Homecoming 2007, “Lights, Camera, Action,” from Oct. 15 through Oct. 20.
Alumni Director Ceil Bridges said although all activities are going to be fun, she is particularly excited about this year’s Distinguished Alumni Dinner which will include students dressed in character costumes and performing songs from Broadway shows such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Lion King” and “Mary Poppins.”
“In terms of the dinner, this is going to be better than anything we’ve had because we are doing it as a dinner theatre,” Bridges said. “The live entertainment is just going to be wonderful,” she said.
Another difference in this homecoming and those of the past is that this year’s festivities will include the naming of a homecoming king and queen and a court of five men and five women. In the past the homecoming court has been comprised of only women.
Those nominated must also now go through an interview process, have a 3.0 grade point average, have at least 60 college hours and not have a disciplinary record.
J Courson, associate dean of students, said the process still allows students to choose who they want to represent them, but puts parameters in place to ensure those on the court are good representatives of SAU.
“Our goal was to make it more of an honor than a popularity contest,” Courson said. “We want the student to exemplify SAU and to be a representative of the University and what we stand for throughout the year.”
HOMECOMING AT A GLANCE
Homecoming begins with a 7 p.m. pep rally Monday Oct.15 at the Greek Theatre followed by a bonfire. These events, which include the announcement of the homecoming king and queen, are coordinated by the Student Government Association.
At 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.16, the Student Activities Board will sponsor a drive-in movie, “Hairspray,” in the Reynolds Center parking lot.
Bison burgers will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the Mall Area. The burger event will be hosted by Aramark and the SGA. Students may enjoy getting a caricature of themselves 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day by Steve Gibson, character cartoonist. This event is hosted by the Student Activities Board.
The SGA will lead street painting 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18 on the SAU farm road.
The Rider Golf Tournament will begin at 8 a.m., Friday Oct. 19, at the Magnolia Country Club. This event is coordinated by Mike Waters, Monty Harrington and Debbie Arnold.
The Heartbeat will kickoff at noon on Friday, Oct. 19 in the Senior Walk Mall Area. The event is coordinated by the SGA.
The Distinguished Alumni Dinner will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19 in the Grand Hall of the Reynolds Center. This dinner will recognize recipients of the Distinguished Golden Rider Award, Ron Richards ’57 and Rodney Whalen ’56, Distinguished Alumni Award, Ed Choate ’75, ’77 and Bill Stringfellow ’60 and Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Jordan Babineaux ’04. The event is coordinated by the Alumni Association, SAU Homecoming Royalty and the President’s Ambassadors.
Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 for children 12 and under.
A black alumni reception will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday Oct. 19 in the Mulerider Activities Center. The event is being led by Cledis Stuart.
The big day of the week will be Saturday, Oct. 20 with a host of activities planned.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a Golden Rider Breakfast honoring the 1957 graduates in the Reynolds Center. The Lifetime Achievement Recipient, Harold Jameson ’54, will be recognized. The event is coordinated by the Alumni Office and President’s Ambassadors.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, the Honor Wall ceremony will be held in the Foundation Hall of the Reynolds Center.
Also at 10 a.m., the SAU parade begins and proceeds through the campus. Floats will be on display in the Reynolds Center parking lot beginning at 10:30 a.m. Banners will also be displayed at Wilkins Stadium at 10 a.m.
Mulegating will be in full force on the lawn of the Welcome Center at 11 a.m. Children will enjoy face painting, funnel cakes and goody bags.
The homecoming court will be presented at 2 p.m. at Wilkins Stadium. The football game begins at 2:30 p.m. The Muleriders will face Harding University.
During halftime of the game, the winners of the banners and float contests will be announced along with the Mulerider Spirit award winners and the Homecoming Champion.
An alumni baseball game begins at 7 p.m. at baseball field. The game is coordinated by Allen Gum.
The Greek Step Show will begin at 6 p.m. also at the W.T. Watson Gym. The show is coordinated by Cledis Stuart.
