Homecoming: A Colorful Tradition at Pittsburg State

For most of Pittsburg State University’s history, homecoming has been one of the most beloved campus traditions. The hint of fall in the air, leaves turning color, bright chrysanthemums, a parade through downtown and football are all a part of college life that every American understands.

This year, PSU will celebrate homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 27. Preceding the big day, students will participate in a week of events designed to build excitement for homecoming. Student groups accumulate points through their participation in the week’s events, leading to a sweepstakes award on Saturday.

Activities begin on Monday, Oct. 22 with Gorilla Games at 4 p.m. on the Oval. Gorilla Games is a spoof of the ancient Olympic Games. Also that day is the beginning of the Yard Art competition, also on the Oval.

At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, the King and Queen presentations will take place in the Overman Student Center. The presentations are the final step in determining the finalists who will be presented to the students for their vote on Wednesday.

At noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24, students will gather for a convocation in Carnie Smith Stadium. At the convocation, students will cast their ballots for King and Queen from the slate of finalists.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, student groups will vie for points in the spirited Yell-Like-Hell competition, which takes place in Carnie Smith Stadium. Students have been practicing for weeks on routines that combine dance, gymnastics, school spirit and humor.

On Friday, the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations will host the annual Crimson and Gold Dinner in the Overman Student Center. A reception for the winners of this year’s Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award will be held at 5 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6 p.m. In addition to the alumni award winners, others recognized at the dinner will be the Homecoming Court and the Automotive Technology Reunion attendees. Reservations are required. For information, call the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations at 620-235-4758 or visit their Web site at http://www.pittstate.edu/alum/

Homecoming Day – Saturday, Oct. 27, begins with the parade in downtown Pittsburg at 9 a.m. Marching bands, floats, king and queen cars and a wide variety of novelty entries will all be part of the area’s biggest parade.

At 10:30 that morning, the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations will sponsor a number of guided tours for returning alumni and others in the community. A campus walking tour will begin at the Wilkinson Alumni Center at Ford and Joplin streets. There will also be tours of the new Tyler Research Center just south of the Bicknell Sports Complex, the Veterans Memorial at Rouse and Ford streets and the Kansas Technology Center at 909 E. Ford. Tours will begin every 30 minutes with the last tour beginning at 12:30 p.m.

At 11 a.m., GorillaFest, the free communitywide tailgate party, will begin in Gorilla Village just east of Carnie Smith Stadium. Music in the Gazebo will be provided by the band Winter Circle. Food vendors will offer a variety of tailgate foods ranging from burgers and hot dogs to pizza and Southeast Kansas barbecue, and Pitt State clothing and memorabilia is available from the Gorilla Bookstore and the TECA student booth. Free games for kids, face painting and Gorilla tattoos will be provided by students in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. The highlight of GorillaFest is a pep rally led by the Pride of the Plains Marching Band and the PSU Spirit Squad.

From 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations will host a tailgate party in Gorilla Village featuring Southeast Kansas fried chicken. RSVP required. For more information, call 620-235-4758.
Kickoff for the game between the Gorillas and the Fort Hays State Tigers is at 2 p.m.

For information about Homecoming activities, call the Office of Public Relations at 620-235-4122.

---Pitt State---