Come home to SMU
In a few weeks, floats will be constructed, old friends will return and SMU will celebrate Homecoming 2002. And this year, Student Foundation is providing plenty of events to fill the weekend calendar.
The weekend, which will run Oct. 16-20, will commemorate the recent death of Robert H. Dedman Sr. and the anniversary of Sept. 11. The Homecoming Committee hopes the week will serve as an opportunity for the entire campus to come together to remember its past and look forward to the future.
This year’s theme, “All-American SMU,” was chosen by the Student Foundation Homecoming Committee. With the current state of the country and its citizens, the theme stems from the idea of getting as many people as possible to participate in this year’s event.
“The [Homecoming] committee is working incredibly hard to get everyone on campus involved, from first years to faculty and staff. I hope everyone will join them in this effort and come out to the events,” says this year’s Homecoming adviser, Amber Mathews.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 will mark the week’s kickoff on the steps of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. The event was moved from Ford Stadium to encourage more diverse participation from groups on campus, Kraus said.
Look for performances by the SMU band, cheerleaders and pom squad, along with speeches from guests such as coach Phil Bennett.
Homecoming king and queen nominees will also be announced at the kickoff, but to the great relief of several ears, there will not be any karaoke this year.
Students will be able to vote for candidates online at www.smu.edu/elections/. Voting will be open for 24 hours on Oct. 16 and 17. On Thursday, a barbecue will take place at the flagpole. Music and food for all faculty, staff, alumni, guests and students will be provided.
The goal of this casual get-together is to promote unity and school spirit, says to the committee.
The Hughes-Trigg Commons area will host the “Spirit Teaser” event Friday. Homecoming candidates announced at Wednesday’s kickoff will perform short skits to promote the week’s festivities. The committee will also provide free popcorn and drinks.
Set your alarm, because Saturday morning’s Homecoming Parade starts early. Alumni and campus organizations will be featured in the parade scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The products of long hours and truckloads of tissue paper will be on display as groups from all over SMU parade their floats down Hillcrest Avenue. Floats will be judged and a winner announced during halftime at the football game against Louisiana Tech at 2 p.m.
If the week’s activities haven’t exhausted your spirit, come to McFarlin Auditorium on Sunday night for a special concert. Cary Pierce will open for Cowboy Mouth at the show sponsored by Program Council. While Cary Pierce is described as alternative music by Program Council’s Special Events Chair, Anishta Bhagat, Cowboy Mouth is considered to be more southern rock.
