'Homecoming Heroes' Theme Creates Excitement, Sept. 28-Oct. 3

JONESBORO – Homecoming Week at Arkansas State University begins Monday, Sept. 28, with a schedule full of activities for students, alumni, and friends.

Following this year's theme of "Homecoming Heroes," special events include:

• Unity Park ribbon-cutting ceremony and re-dedication at the new site, east of the International English Studies and north of Aggie Road, Saturday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 a.m.
• Alumni Association and university officials will recognize the Distinguished Alumni of 2015: John Bobango of Memphis, Ron Miller of Jonesboro and the late Ed Way. 
• Class of 1965 Golden Anniversary Reunion, Friday, Oct. 2, at Cooper Alumni Center; and
• "Downtown by the Decades," gatherings Oct. 2 at downtown restaurants for 40-year (Godsey's Grill), 30-year (Sully's), 20-year (Brickhouse) and 10-year (Skinny J's) anniversary classes, coordinated by the Alumni Association.

"With our fan base, outstanding players, and our Homecoming spirit, we are guaranteed a great time," says Erin Wadley of Sherwood, a senior political science major and president of the Student Activities Board.  "We look forward to seeing new and old alumni alike, cheering on A-State. Here's to Homecoming - Go Red Wolves!"

The week culminates Saturday, Oct. 3, with game day, reunions and tailgating hosted by various colleges, alumni chapters, and other Red Wolf fans.  The all-alumni tailgate party, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Cooper Alumni Center, precedes the Homecoming royalty introduction, starting at 5:30 p.m., including coronation of the King and Queen.

"I am so excited about Homecoming Week," added Elizabeth White of Pine Bluff, also a senior political science major and homecoming director for the Student Activities Board.  "Our theme, 'Homecoming Heroes,' has gone over really well with the student body. Because everyone loves the theme, people are becoming more involved and I love it!"

After the A-State Choir and choir alumni sing the National Anthem, the Red Wolves will take on the Vandals of Idaho, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. in Centennial Bank Stadium.

The Distinguished Alumni halftime recognition will be the most recent in a program that began in 1984.

Other highlights on the week's calendar:

Monday, Sept. 28: Step Show, Homecoming Heroes costume contest and Homecoming Court announcement, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Admission is free.

Tuesday, Sept. 29: Bubble Ball Soccer Tournament and DJ King Vick outside the Red WOLF Center, starting at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30: "Howl for a Cause," Student Activity Center, noon. Also, Volunteer A-State is opening the new A-State Food Pantry with an open house, 3-5 p.m., 2907 E. Johnson Ave.  Anyone may drop off canned goods at the pantry, adjacent to the Student Activity Center, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1: Bonfire and "Yell Like Hell" spirit competition, University Loop and Honors Ave., 7 p.m. SAB welcomes DJ King Vick; food trucks onsite for students with IDs.  Organizations will show their #packpride as they compete in the annual spirit competition.

Friday, Oct. 2: Wear Red Friday: organizations will have spirit boards displayed throughout the weekend and the winners will be announced during the game.

The College of Education and Behavioral Science will recognize its 2015 Outstanding Alumni at 5 p.m. in the Reng Student Union, and the Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter will have its "Black & Red Gala" at the Pavilion, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3: The College of Business alumni breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Convocation Center, the Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter will have its scholarship award luncheon at noon in the Student Union, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions recognizes its outstanding alumni at 2 p.m.

After the game, the Strong-Turner chapter will host its "Night of Elegance" party at 10 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

Game tickets are available through the Central Box Office at (870) 972-2781 or online at AState.edu/tickets.

For more details about the week's activities, visit the Homecoming website, AState.edu/Homecoming, or contact Alumni Relations at (870) 972-2586 or alumni@astate.edu, or the Student Activities Board at (870) 972-2055 or sab@smail.astate.edu.

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