SMSU Homecoming 2023 Set for Oct. 9-14

Published Friday, September 29, 2023

SMSU Homecoming 2023 "All Roads Lead Home"

ober 9-Saturday, October 14, 2023. This year, the theme is “All Roads Lead Home” to mark this annual tradition.

Weekend activities are the highlight and draw for many alumni and community members. A variety of events will be held on campus during the week leading up to Homecoming. On Wednesday, Oct. 11 SMSU will hold the 3rd Annual Mustangs Give: Day of Service sending students, faculty, and staff around the community to engage in a number of service projects. The week also includes entertainment, residence hall and office decorating, a karaoke competition, donut drop, and hypnotist to name a few and royalty coronation on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Center Lower Level.

The weekend festivities will kick-off on Friday, Oct. 13 with SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya presenting the State of the University Address at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Center Upper Level. The address is open to the public. Visitors can park in the A Lots. Parking permits are not required.

This year’s award recipients will be honored at the Alumni Awards Celebration in the Conference Center Upper Level on Friday, Oct. 13 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. The award celebration event includes heavy appetizers. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at www.SMSUAlumni.com.

The 2023 Alumni Achievement Award honorees include: Wayne Cook ‘74 of Redwood Falls, Minn., Dr. Mark Wallert ‘83 of LaPorte, Minn., and Bruce ‘89 and Linda Saugstad ‘90 of Marshall, Minn.

The Honorary Lifetime Membership Award recipient this year is Marshall Mayor Robert Byrnes. Rachel '13 and Maxx ‘13 Raths from Marshall are the 2023 GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award recipients.

This year, the special John and Kathy Paxton Alumni Service Award will be given to Jason Mortvedt ‘78 in recognition of his dedication and service to SMSU and the Alumni Association. Full features on all of the award recipients will be published this week.

The Planetarium will have a “Laser Rock” show, featuring the music of David Bowie, Queen, and more, starting at 8:00 p.m. The Planetarium is in Science and Math 108 on the SMSU campus. Seating in the Planetarium is limited to 60 people. The Chemistry Club will host their popular liquid nitrogen ice cream social after the planetarium show next to the Natural History Museum in the Science and Math building. After dark, the Student Alumni Association and Residence Life will host a bonfire in Central Field starting at 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday morning, the SMSU Veterans Club sponsors their annual 5K walk/run and 10K run. The run will begin at 8 a.m. from the Track and Field Complex on the north end of campus. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Special this year, the Ken Murphy of the SMSU Planetarium will host an Eclipse Viewing in the Quad, the courtyard between SC/FA/BA/PE. Viewing glasses will be provided.

The Homecoming parade will begin at 11 a.m., with the lineup starting at 10 a.m. The intersection of Lyon and Jewett Streets serves as the check-in for all parade participants. The parade will run its usual route, from Lyon St. to Main St. and ending at 5th St. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact Scott.Ewing@SMSU.edu as soon as possible.

The SMSU Planetarium will host a second laser light show at 1:00 p.m.

The Alumni Association is hosting milestone reunions at 1 p.m. in the Alumni Heritage Gallery, Student Center. The Class of 1973 will gather for their 50th reunion, Class of 1983 for their 40th, Class of 1993 for their 30th, Class of 1998 for their 25th, Class of 2003 for their 20th, and the Class of 2013 for their 10th reunion.

The Game Day Roundup: A Mustang Experience will return for Homecoming and will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the R/A Facility parking lot area. It will feature family games, food, and music. The Alumni Assocation will have a tent for tailgating at the Game Day Roundup.

The SMSU Football game vs. Northern State begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Schwan Regional Event Center. A short ceremony recognizing the Homecoming Royalty will be held prior to the kickoff.

After the game, alumni and friends are invited to stop by the Wooden Nickel for a social starting at 7:00 p.m.

The weekend concludes with the Residential Restaurant in the SMSU Student Center offering an Alumni Brunch from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

To inquire about any of the scheduled Homecoming events, email Alumni@SMSU.edu.

The full week of activities can be found at: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/homecoming-schedule.html