‘Home Sweet Home:’ SRU’s homecoming weekend happens Oct. 21-23

Oct. 17, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Autumn. The time of year that brings about a certain crispness to the air, sprinkles pumpkin spice on just about everything and of course brings out the inner Rock pride and spirit in everyone. And what better way to let it all out than by taking part in one of the biggest parties of the year ­­- Slippery Rock University's Oct. 21-23 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend?

This year's celebration will include the annual parade through town, tailgating tents, fireworks, a pep rally, the naming of the homecoming king and queen, what's sure to be a fantastic football game and a dinner honoring the Class of 1966.

Other homecoming elements include an Archives Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 21, in Bailey Library, and the Radio Station Hall of Fame reception from 2-4 p.m., Oct. 21, at Weisenfluh Dining Hall.

"Homecoming is a theme of celebration in and of itself," said Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement. "We are super excited. It is a weekend for alumni to come back to campus, enjoy being here and enjoy being part of the University atmosphere."

To help alumni rotate between events without parking hassles, the University's Happy Bus transportation will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 22.

Homecoming events began Oct. 16 with "Paint the Town." Students brushed business windows on Main Street with colorful designs to welcome alumni home; and will continue through "Rock the ARC" from noon-9 p.m., Oct. 23. In between, more than 20 events will keep throngs of SRU faithful engaged.

A pep rally at 7 p.m., Oct. 21, at the Robert Aebersold Student Recreation Center will stir the excitement ahead of the big day, Oct. 22. The day's events kickoff with "Muffins and Mimosas for Reunion Alumni" at 8:30 a.m. at the Alumni House.

The homecoming parade begins at 10 a.m., Oct. 22, following along Main Street. This year's theme is "games."

SRU's band, the Marching Pride, student organizations, alumni groups and SRU President Cheryl Norton will participate. Distinguished Alumni - David Boucher, '80; Mark "Razz" Radziewicz, '85; Herb Hunt, '67, '72; and William O'Donnell, '78 - will serve as parade marshals.

A soccer double-header begins at noon as the SRU women's soccer team will take the field, before giving way to the men's soccer team at 2:30 p.m. Both games will be at Egli Field against Lock Haven.

The big contest of the day - Rock football versus Edinboro University - will kick off at 2 p.m. at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app. Thirty-four student are homecoming court candidates this year.

The Green and White Society will offer trivia and interactive games at the stadium prior to kickoff, while SRU's homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime.

Following the football game, a 5th quarter reunion alumni party will be offered from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Smith Student Center. Cost is $10 per person. Advance registration is requested but not required.

The Class of 1966 and Golden Grad Club members will gather for a dinner at 6 p.m. in the Alumni House, while the Slippery Rock Student Government Association will simultaneously host a leadership society reception at the Smith Student Center.

A homecoming dance hosted by the Black Action Society Homecoming Dance will round out the day's event at 10 p.m. event in the Smith Student Center.

The weekend will conclude with a performance by the Annie Moses Band at 2 p.m., Oct. 23 in the University Union. The performance is part of the 2016-17 Slippery Rock University Performing Arts Series. Tickets for the show are priced at $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (62 and older); $18 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students. Tickets can be ordered online at www.sru.edu/pas or by calling 724.738.2018.

"Nothing shines as a testament to our University pride like alumni getting together at homecoming," Bailey said. "I find that many alumni are blown away by the changes they see around campus, although they can still find that spot that is special to them."

For a complete list of all Homecoming and Reunion Weekend events, visit: https://www.rockalumnicafe.com/homecoming.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu