Campus Homecoming tradition continues

  Thursday, October 6, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Although it has evolved and changed to fit the times, Homecoming is one of the oldest traditions on the PSU campus, with roots that can be traced to annual teachers’ meetings held on campus in the first decade after the university’s founding in 1903.

According to “Pittsburg State University: A Photographic History of the First 100 Years,” by Randy Roberts and Shannon Phillips, sororities and fraternities began hosting informal reunions during the 1920s.

By the 1930s, Homecoming had become associated with a football game and included a bonfire, pep rally and snake dance through downtown Pittsburg.

This year, the homecoming celebration kicked off on Monday, Oct. 3, with carnival rides, games and food for students at Carnie Smith Stadium. This year’s homecoming theme is “007 – License to win.”

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, students will conduct the annual Yell Like Hell pep rally in John Lance Arena, in which student groups compete in cheer and dance routines. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at this event.

On Friday, Oct. 7, the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations will host a public reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Wilkinson Alumni Center for the 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Holly Cranston, John Lair, and Father Michael Simone. At 6 p.m. that day, Alumni Relations will also host Taste of Pittsburg, a ticketed event, in the Plaster Center.

Homecoming Day, Saturday, Oct. 8, begins with the annual parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Pittsburg. At 11 a.m., GorillaFest opens in Gorilla Village just east of Carnie Smith Stadium. Kickoff for the football game with Fort Hays State University is at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit the Homecoming page on the PSU website at www.pittstate.edu/homecoming. For information about GorillaFest and alumni events, visit the Alumni and Constituent Relations page, www.pittstate.edu/alumni, or call 620-235-4725.