Prepare to attend this year’s Southern Arkansas University Homecoming 2008 “Going for the Gold and the Blue” with a host of events from Monday, October 6, to Saturday, October 11.
The Distinguished Alumni Dinner, “A Red Carpet Affair,” which takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, October 10, in the Grand Hall of the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center, will include a red carpet entrance. Of course, the main guests of honor of the night will be the award recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni awards. These guests of honor include Cecil Yates who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. William C. Lindsey, this year’s Distinguished Golden Rider, Gaye Manning this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Stephen Weaver, who will be recognized as the Young Alumni recipient.
“We are going to be highlighting campus stars such as the current Mulerider Idol,” said Alumni Director Ceil Bridges. “It will be just like we are at the Grammy’s or Academy Awards. We really want to place a special emphasis on the Distinguished Alumni recipients. Lat year was extraordinary and we are going to make it better than last year. We have the recipe to do that.”
HOMECOMING AT A GLANCE
Homecoming begins with a 6:30 p.m. pep rally Monday October 6 at the Greek Theatre. 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. 7, the Student Activities Board will sponsor a drive in movie, “Hancock,” in the Reynolds Center parking lot.
Wonder Boy Burgers will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 in the Mall Area. The burger event will be hosted by Aramark and the SGA.
An invitation only SAU Foundation Honor Societies dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 9. in Grand Hall of the Reynolds Center.
The SGA will lead street painting from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 on the SAU Farm Road. There will also be a bonfire.
At 4:30 a.m., SAU students and faithful fans will gather together on Friday, Oct. 10 to appear on Channel 7 Daybreak at Reynolds Plaza.
The Rider Golf Tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at the Magnolia Country Club. The tournament will be a four person scramble and the registration fee is $75 per person. SAU Alumni President Mike Waters is coordinating the event. Call Waters at 901-2208 for more information on the tournament.
The Heartbeat will kickoff at noon on Friday, Oct. 10, in the Senior Walk Mall Area. The event is coordinated by the SGA.
The Foundation Board will have a meeting at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10 at the Reynolds Center. This is coordinated by SGA.
The Distinguished Alumni dinner, “A Red Carpet Affair,” will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Reynolds Center. The event is coordinated by the Alumni Association, SAU Homecoming Royalty and the President’s Ambassadors. Tickets are $17 and can be purchased by calling 235-4079.
A black alumni reception will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, in the Mulerider Center. Back by popular demand is the group “Chemistry,” which has a range that contains anything from gospel to classic Prince hits.
Of course the big day of the week will be Saturday, Oct. 11 with a host of activities planned.
At 8 a.m. on Oct. 11 in the Grand Hall of Reynolds, a Golden Rider Breakfast will be held to honor the class of 1958 that will be celebrating their 50th reunion.
At 10 a.m. the SAU parade begins and proceeds through campus. The parades will line up at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly of God Church parking lot. This event is coordinated by the SGA.
Also at 10 a.m., Homecoming banners will be displayed at Wilkins Stadium. This is coordinated by SGA.
At 10:30 a.m., floats will be on display at the Reynolds Parking Lot. This is coordinated by the SGA.
Mulegating will be in full force at noon at the Welcome Center. Food and fellowship is available through many organizations and children will enjoy the popular Children’s Corner, which includes inflatable bouncers, cotton candy, and a clown handing out balloons. Enjoy seeing old friends at the different alumni reunions.
1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, SAU Pep Rally, Welcome Center coordinated by the SAU Cheerleaders and the SAU Marching band. This event coordinated by the SAU Cheerleaders and the SAU Marching band.
The SAU Homecoming Queen and her court will be presented at 2 p.m. at Wilkins Stadium. The football game begins at 2:30 p.m. The Muleriders will face Arkansas Tech University. During halftime, banners and float winners of the Homecoming parade will be announced.
The Alumni baseball game will begin thirty minutes after the football game. This event is coordinated by SAU Baseball coach Allen Gum.
Following the game, the Greek Step Show begins at 7 p.m. at W.T. Watson Gym. This event coordinated by Assistant Dean of Multicultural Services Cledis Stuart.
•The SAU Foundation and the SAU Alumni Office donate 1,000 towards prizes to SAU Student Organizations during the homecoming week.
