Today@Sam Article

Get Totally Tubular With Homecoming 2021

Oct. 13, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Homecoming PosterBy: Mikah Boyd

Homecoming is back in full force, and it is set to be a totally tubular time here at SHSU. This year’s theme is SHSU: I Love the 80’s, which was the winning idea after a university poll went out last year. Brandon Cooper, the director for the Department of Student Activities, is excited for this theme and the nostalgia that comes with it.

“As a child of the 1980’s, I am absolutely in love with this year’s theme ‘I Love the 80’s,’” Cooper said. “That was such a special decade and truly a metamorphosis and segue into our current society. Being able to acknowledge that amazing time and connect this generation to that history is very special.”

This year, the Alumni Association and the Department of Student Activities have loaded the week of homecoming with fun-filled events for Bearkats and members of the community to enjoy. With so much tradition and excitement in store, Cooper wants everyone in the Bearkat community and beyond to take part in this SHSU tradition.

“I encourage all students, if they feel comfortable in doing so, to ‘step away’ from their normal routines, and connect and engage in the events and with the people,” Cooper said. “This has been a very challenging past 18-20 months and taking some time to celebrate this university and its constituents is vital to one’s mental health and to our heritage.”

Cooper also extends this encouragement to fellow SHSU alums. He hopes that alumni reconnect with the campus and show current students how their time here makes a positive impact on their future careers.

“SHSU is truly a special place and is always home to all Bearkats,” Cooper said. “We are so proud and love to see the directions and places that our family ends up, but we sure do enjoy when they are able to come home for a visit.”

The list of homecoming events is below. To see special events put on by other organizations during homecoming week, visit the events page.

9f2354b262d49956e09a0bf914dca4de335407d6Oct. 20 Sam Jam Carnival 7 p.m.

  • Enjoy free food, carnival rides and giveaways at Holleman Field with Student Activities. On this fun-filled night, Homecoming Court finalists will also be announced.

d4ac02fccb4cdb7b39bddff5557310fe77ac58f3Oct. 21 Homecoming Parade 6:15 p.m.

  • This SHSU tradition is making a comeback after being postponed last year. Get ready to be amazed by creative floats, classic cars and firetrucks parading down Sam Houston Ave.

715d06ea185f59c8f146043e8f347fda62a4410cOct. 22 Distinguished Alumni Gala 6 p.m.

  • Six Sam Houston State University alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities and alma mater will be recognized during this year’s homecoming festivities with the SHSU Distinguished Alumni awards, Outstanding Young Alumnus award, and Alumni Service awards at the 48th Annual Distinguished Alumni Gala.

8771d27db2b768f7809616672f644c50bab42a26Oct. 23 Alumni Coffee 9 a.m.

  • The SHSU Alumni Association invites all alumni to enjoy coffee with them at the John R. Ragsdale Alumni Center. This event will feature coffee, pastries, and live music, with Bearkat casual attire as the dress code. Those interested should respond by Oct. 18 at 936-294-1841 or hmm012@shsu.edu.

733ce053718635835c151c7d2497a7f9a48e0422Oct. 23 Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate 12 p.m.

  • Bearkat Alley is back and better than ever. The Alumni Association is throwing a traditional Homecoming Tailgate before the Bearkats take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. All Alumni Association members that are paid up on their dues will have free admission to the Alumni tent and a free lunch.

cd1af8ebbcc60646d5e3471af4e54eea49f3a2afOct. 23 Black Alumni & Friends Homecoming Reception 8 p.m.

SHSU Black Alumni and Friends Club is hosting their annual homecoming reception in the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom. Cocktail buffet and two drink tickets are provided with admission to the event. The program and awards presentation will begin at 9 p.m. and will feature the Dedré P. Jefferson Humanitarian Award and the newly renamed Frank Parker Trailblazer Award, named in honor of Mr. Parker’s years of service at SHSU as Vice President of Student Affairs.  

“I have been blessed to work at this university, and this honor is very humbling. I felt true gratitude when I heard about it,” Parker said. “The great thing about this job is the willingness SHSU has to implement ideas to help students. I could not have imagined working here for 40 years and seeing all the growth of this institution. It is an honor to know this award will be here for the next 40 and beyond.”

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