Student Events on Tap for NSU Homecoming Week

By NSU Staff Writer Dustin Woods

Homecoming week features a full slate of events for Northeastern State University students both past and present. Beginning Monday, Oct. 19 Tahlequah will be alive with events, concerts and gatherings for university alumni and current students.

I think Homecoming is the most exciting time on NSU's campus and thinking I had a little part in that is very rewarding., said Rachel Lynn, Student Homecoming Committee Marketing Chair.

Kicking off student activities on Monday will be Paint the Town Green, a contest where student organizations decorate shop front windows along Muskogee Avenue to match the years Homecoming theme. These window paintings will be judged later in the evening during the Street Party, which will be located on Muskogee Avenue between Goingsnake and Morgan streets from 6 to 8 p.m.

Street PartyThe Street Party will feature music, games, food vendors and the annual Northeastern State Student Government Association Chili Cook-off.

The Northeastern Activities Board will host an open-mic night Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. where Northeastern students will display their talents in the NSU Jazz Lab.

Elections for Homecoming court will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. in the University Center Lobby, and candidates will be campaigning outside of the UC during these times. Also on Wednesday, NAB will host a concert in the UC circle drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a corresponding pre-float ice cream float party.

A new addition to the weeks activities will be a Shack-a-thon held Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Gazebo behind Seminary Hall. Participating organizations will build shacks and reside in them during the event to increase awareness of homelessness and raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

Campaigning and voting for Homecoming court will continue Thursday, Oct. 22 at the UC from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a dedication ceremony of the new NSU Playhouse mural, Ascending to be conducted by NSU professor Lance Hunter at 3:30 p.m.

A new addition has also been made to the Friday, Oct. 23 bonfire and pep rally event taking place on Beta Field from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This year we've added a Hawk-dog eating contest to the activities at the bonfire, Lynn said. Hotdogs, music and a special appearance by the NSU RiverHawks will accompany the lighting of the bonfire.

The NSU Homecoming parade will take to Muskogee Avenue Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature floats designed around this years Homecoming theme, Growing Into Our Second Century.
A Tailgating party will begin at Noon at Doc Wadley Stadium and will feature grilled offerings from student organizations and the NSU Best Dance Crew competition.

The week will conclude as the NSU RiverHawks take the field against Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Doc Wadley stadium at 3 p.m.

The theme is encouraging NSU faculty and staff to look forward to the future, Lynn said. As our society grows into the future, we like to think that NSU students will have a significant impact on our world.

10/14/2009

Published: 2009-10-14 00:00:00