Events announced for 2012 Homecoming

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Alumni Association events scheduled on Oct. 5 include the Green and White Golf Classic, Champagne Bingo and the North End Homecoming Street Bash at The Branch. The Continuing Education department is also hosting the first annual Little Miss and Mister RiverHawk Pageant and the women's soccer team plays Nebraska-Kearney.

Alumni and friends can start the day with the Green and White Golf Classic presented by Liberty Mutual at 10 a.m. at Cherry Springs Golf Course. Entry fee is $75 per player for Alumni Association members and $90 for non-members. Cost includes green fee, cart rental, lunch, beverages and a gift bag. The event is open to NSU alumni, faculty, staff and the community.

One of the most popular events of recent homecomings, Champagne Bingo presented by Century 21 Wright Real Estate, is back. The lunch-hour event of dining, toasting and bingo is in the University Center Sen. Herb Rozell Ballroom from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. and features creative bingo games and prizes.

A new event added to the homecoming lineup is the Little Miss and Mister RiverHawk Pageant at the Center for the Performing Arts. Young people who are fans of NSU can compete for the crowns and sashes for each category. All participants receive a prize. The overall king and queen participate in the traditional halftime coronation ceremony. The pageant is sponsored by NSU Continuing Education and entry information is available by calling 918-444-4610.

Homecoming weekend is officially kicked off with the North End Homecoming Street Bash at The Branch, 505 N. Muskogee Ave. The street between Goingsnake and Spring will be blocked off to host this traditional street party. The party includes food, fun and music with a DJ spinning tunes to begin the evening. Live bands Critical Mass and Red Eye Gravy will also perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is no cover charge.

An additional evening event is at DeLoache Field at 7 p.m. when the NSU women's soccer team faces Nebraska-Kearney.

Gatherings, a parade and football comprise the final day of events on Oct. 6.

Game day begins with the Athletic Association Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the University Center Rozell Ballroom. Current and former athletes and their guests may attend. A topic of discussion will be NSU's first year of participation in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Admission to the breakfast is $10. For more information contact the Athletic Department at 918-444-3900 

Barnes & Noble's Discounts and Donuts is 9-11 a.m. at the RiverHawk Shoppe in the University Center. The new event is a chance to buy NSU gear for the day's festivities. Discounts will be offered on apparel and coffee and donuts will be served. The sale's proceeds benefit NSU Alumni Association outreach efforts.

Also from 9-11 a.m. is the Capitola "Cappi" Wadley Reading and Technology Center Open House on the third floor of Bagley Hall. NSU's newest facility supports literacy efforts for area families and enriches the educational experience of NSU's students. Donations of new or gently used children's books to include in the center's collection are welcome.

The Homecoming Parade, beginning at 11 a.m., marches from downtown Tahlequah to Doc Wadley Stadium. Floats entered by the community and students will promote their organizations, campus life and school spirit. The distinguished alumni honorees and homecoming royalty candidates will also participate.

After the parade, the Reunion Tailgate Party begins at noon in the north parking lot of Doc Wadley Stadium. Attendees can bring grills, lawn chairs and tables, beverages, snacks and grilling food to celebrate with friends before the start of the homecoming football game.

Also beginning at noon is the Alumni Association Life Member Luncheon and Half Century Club Recognition. The event is at NSU President Steve Turner's Residence in the back yard. The president and his wife Penny invite the Alumni Association's life members to an exclusive, casual gathering. Alumni from the Class of 1962 will also be honored. Space is limited and RSVP is required. Call the Office of AlumniServices at918-458-2143 for more information.

The Alumni Association board of directors Green and White Network Cook-Out begins at 12:30 p.m. Alumni are invited to the pre-game event under the green and white tent on the football practice field for free hot dogs, chips and cookies while supplies last. Sponsor is Sodexo.

The culmination of homecoming week is the 2 p.m. football game between NSU and Missouri Western. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students ages 4 through high school. NSU students, staff and faculty are admitted free with a validated NSU identification card.

For more information about NSU's homecoming "Oh, the Places You'll Go! From NSU" call the Office of AlumniServices at918-458-2143.