SRU hosting 2024 Homecoming events, Oct. 11-12
Slippery Rock University’s 2024 Homecoming festivities take place Oct. 11-12 with a Las Vegas theme this year.
Sept. 25, 2024
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Inspired by the entertainment capital of the world, Slippery Rock University will become Rock Vegas for its Homecoming weekend, Oct. 11-12. SRU will host a variety of entertaining activities with a Las Vegas theme for alumni and friends and the entire campus community.
"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. 12, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 108. It will 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 Gannon at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 1 p.m., Oct. 12. Parking lots open at 9 a.m. SRU's tailgating policy is available online. The Homecoming court will be introduced at a pep rally from noon to 2 p.m., Oct. 10, on The Quad, with homecoming royalty announced at halftime. 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.
Because SRU's fall break occurs during the Monday and Tuesday before Homecoming, the Homecoming royalty voting will start on CORE Oct. 1.The annual Paint The Town activity, where student organizations and groups paint the windows of local businesses and other locations, will occur from Oct. 1-4.
Other alumni events include:
Rock Alumni Trivia Night, 8-9 p.m., online.
Pep Rally, noon to 2 p.m., The Quad.
Alumni Employee Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m., Oct. 11, 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. 11, 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. 11, Smith Student Center Theater. Hosted by SRU's Department of Strategic Communication and Media, this event 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 T.J. Hess, '97; Choike Thompson, '08; Niki Campbell, '96 (Lifetime Achievement Award); Katie Shope, '24 (Undergraduate Excellence Award) and retired SRU administrator Bob Watson, '70 (Founders Award). Biographies and more information are available on the SRU Alumni Association website.
Distinguished Alumni Dinner, 5 p.m., Oct. 11, 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 philanthropy to SRU. Honorees include Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Eric Conley, '90; Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor, '93; and John Sabo, '01; as well as Past President's Service Award Winner Mike Ross, '77. Biographies and more information are available on the SRU Alumni Association website.
Muffins and Mimosas, 8:30-9:45 a.m., Oct. 12, Russell Wright Alumni House. Alumni are invited to gather for a light breakfast prior to the Homecoming parade.
Music Alumni Tailgate, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 12, 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.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Tent,11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 12, Mihalik-Thompson Stadium Parking Lot A. Hosted by the SRU Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, this event provides a space for unrepresented alumni to reconnect and enjoy food, music and fun. All are welcome to attend.
SRU Alumni Association Tailgate, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 12, Blase Scarnati Marching Band Field. Join fellow SRU alumni for a tailgate party before the football game. Advance registrants can purchase a commemorative pint glass.
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