SRU celebrating 2021 Homecoming with cosmic array of events
Slippery Rock University’s 2021 Homecoming theme is “Out of This World,” with a variety of events planned Oct. 13-17.
Oct. 12, 2021
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The theme for Slippery Rock University's 2021 Homecoming is outer space, with a slogan calling the weeklong event "Out of This World." Compared to last year, when the theme was about putting the "home" in Homecoming with virtual events only as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's experience will be more about "coming" out into the world, or at least on campus.
"We're excited to have everyone back on campus and we invite people to celebrate everything we love about SRU," said Jayne Piskorik, assistant director for fraternity and sorority life and student organizations in SRU's Office for Student Engagement and Leadership. "We encourage students, staff, faculty and alumni to get involved, whether that's attending the parade, cheering on our sports teams, voting for Homecoming Royalty or just experiencing some of what The Rock has to offer."
Returning from last year are traditional activities such as the Paint the Town, Campus Window Wars and Spirit Board Painting, where fraternities, sororities, student organizations and students living in residence halls spread SRU spirit at safe distances with paintings and signs. But also, after a one-year hiatus, varsity athletics are back as campus is operating at full capacity, therefore allowing for more Homecoming activities.
PISKORIK
The following are SRU Homecoming events (with links to each event's page on CORE, SRU's online platform for student activities and organizations):
Silent Disco Glow Party, 8-10 p.m., Oct. 13, Smith Student Center Ballroom: The Black Action Society and the Homecoming Steering Committee host a night filled with music, mocktails, glow mini golf and a glow photo booth.
Launching Into Homecoming, noon to 2 p.m., Oct. 14, on The Quad: The University Program Board hosts an event where students can play laser tag, tie dye shirts, dunk a Homecoming Royalty candidate into a dunk tank, enjoy Dippin' Dots ice cream, create sand art, listen to a live band and receive several giveaway items.
Stride for Pride, 12:30 p.m., Oct. 14: The Pride Center and the Office for Inclusive Excellence will lead a march starting from outside the SSC to celebrate Pride History Month for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
The Meteor Mile, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 14: UPB will host a one-mile, space-themed running/walking race that will include neon paint, novelty items, snacks and music.
SRU volleyball match vs. Edinboro, 7 p.m., Oct. 15, Morrow Field House.
Homecoming Pep Rally, 8 p.m., Oct. 15, on The Quad, during which the SRU sports and dance teams, as well as the Homecoming Royalty candidates, will be recognized.
Fireworks Watch Party and Movie on the Lawn, 9 p.m., Oct. 15, on The Quad. The movie is "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m., Oct. 16, on Main Street in Slippery Rock.
"Rock the Block" Tailgate Festival, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 16, outside Mihalik-Thompson Stadium: UPB will host a street festival before SRU's football game with food, games and free SRU swag.
SRU men's soccer match vs. Seton Hill, noon, Oct. 16, James Egli Field.
SRU football game vs. IUP, 1 p.m., Oct. 16, Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, with the Homecoming Royalty and parade winners announced at halftime. (SRU students can vote for Homecoming Royalty on CORE through noon, Oct. 15.)
SRU volleyball match vs. Gannon, 1 p.m., Oct. 16, Morrow Field House.
Polish The Rock, noon, Oct. 17, around campus and downtown Slippery Rock: Help clean up the community following Homecoming weekend.
More information about Homecoming events is available on CORE or contacting SRU's Office for Student Engagement and Leadership at 724.738.2092 or leadership@sru.edu.
Alumni Homecoming events are also listed on the SRU Alumni Association website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu