SRU welcomes alumni and friends for annual Homecoming events, Oct. 20-22
Slippery Rock University’s 2023 Homecoming festivities take place Oct. 20-22.
Oct. 6, 2023
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's Homecoming weekend is Oct. 20-22, right in the middle of spooky season with Halloween approaching. That's why this year's theme is Haunted Homecoming, but the annual celebration is also a great time for alumni and friends of SRU to visit their old haunt.
"The SRU community has fun with different Homecoming activities and themes each year," said Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement. "What remains constant is our tradition of welcoming back alumni and friends and celebrating our University. It's a great time to show off our thriving campus and provide many opportunities for people to get together."
The Homecoming parade starts at 10 a.m., Oct. 21, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 108. Itwill then follow Main Street to Morrow Way and ends at the intersection of Morrow Way and Campus Drive. The parade will include SRU's marching band, the Marching Pride, as well as Homecoming royalty candidates and floats decorated by student organizations.
The Rock football team hosts California at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 1 p.m., Oct. 21. Parking lots open at 9 a.m. SRU's tailgating policy is available online. The Homecoming court will be introduced at a pep rally at 8 p.m., Oct. 20, on The Quad, with homecoming royalty announced at halftime of the game. Alumni from SRU's marching band are invited to join the Marching Pride on the field at halftime too.
The Rock Athletics website has a listing of all the SRU Homecoming sporting events, while the SRU Alumni Association website has information on all Homecoming alumni events. Note that registration is required for some Homecoming events. A list of Homecoming events for students can be found on CORE, SRU's online platform for student organizations and events.
Other alumni events include:
Alumni Employee Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m., Oct. 20, Russell Wright Alumni House. This Homecoming weekend kickoff event is for SRU alumni who are also University employees.
SRU Communication and Media Symposium, noon, Oct. 20, Smith Student Center, Room 321. SRU communication and media alumni will have an open symposium for students and guests to discuss their career journeys and current issues facing professionals.
SRU Communication and Media Hall of Fame Ceremony and Alumni Mixer, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Smith Student Center Theater. This event is hosted by SRU's Department of Strategic Communication and Media and honors SRU alumni and former students involved with University communication and media organizations while enrolled at SRU. The alumni mixer starts at 2:30 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets include admission and refreshments. This year's honorees include Bill Stafford, '00; Jennifer Izzo, '93; Dan Hatfield, '73 (Lifetime Achievement Award); Tyhira Monet Stovall, '14 (Young Alumni Award); Valerie Swarts, professor emeritus (Founders Award); and Undergraduate Excellence Award winners Jocelyn Kytchak, '23; and Jensen Troy, '23. Biographies and more information are available on the SRU Alumni Association website.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Mix and Mingle, 5-7 p.m., Oct. 20, Ski Lodge. Hostied by the SRU Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, this event offers alumni, friends, current students, faculty, and staff the chance to connect with each other. There will be light refreshments, trivia games and prizes.
Distinguished Alumni Dinner, 5 p.m., Oct. 20, Smith Student Center Ballroom. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the SRU Alumni Association, this event honors SRU alumni who have translated their SRU experience into distinguished personal and professional achievement, community service, or service or philanthropy to SRU. Honorees include Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Bill Hagmaier, '69, '74M; Mary Beth Jenkins, '93; Stacey Vaccaro, '99; Todd Vore, '90; and Past Presidents Service Award recipient Suzanne Fodor, '79, '85M. Biographies and more information are available on the SRU Alumni Association website.
Muffins and Mimosas, 8:30-9:45 a.m., Oct. 21, Russell Wright Alumni House. Alumni are invited to gather for a light breakfast prior to the Homecoming parade.
Men's Club Lacrosse Alumni Games, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 21, Old Thompson Field. The Men's Club Lacrosse Team hosts games for alumni ages 40 and older (9:30 a.m.) and for alumni under 40 with current players at 10:30 a.m.
Music Alumni Tailgate, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 21, outside of Swope Music Hall. Alumni from SRU's music programs are invited to meet current faculty and listen to musical selections from current students.
SRU Alumni Association Tailgate, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 21, Blase Scarnati Marching Band Field. Join fellow SRU alumni for a tailgate party before the football game. Advance registrants receive a commemorative pint glass.
DEIB Belonging Tent, Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 21, Tailgate Lot A (row closest to the stadium). Join the Office for DEIB for SRU's first Belonging Tent. This event provides a space for underrepresented alumni to reconnect and enjoy food, music and fun.
Black Alumni Network Mixer, 8 p.m., Oct. 21, Russell Wright Alumni House. Hosted by a group of Black SRU alumni, this is an opportunity to celebrate Homecoming weekend and network with fellow alumni.
Haunting of North Hall, 7 p.m., Oct. 22, North Hall (Zoom option also available upon registering). Hosted by the Green and White Society, retired SRU administrator Bob Watson, '70, tells the story about the ghosts that allegedly haunt North Hall.
More information about Homecoming is available on the Alumni Association website, or by contacting the Office of Alumni Engagement at 724.738.2018 or alumni@sru.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu