Caption: Pi Beta Phi members Katherine Lewis and Alex Geisman cheer on their decorated float during the 2013 Southern Miss Homecoming parade in downtown Hattiesburg. – Susan Broadbridge/Printz
The University of Southern Mississippi community prepares for a week-long Homecoming celebration with this year’s theme “All That Glitters is Gold.”
“The Student Government Association is very excited about this year’s Homecoming theme ‘All That Glitters is Gold,’” said Kayla Patak, Homecoming committee member. “Homecoming is the peak of school spirit on the Southern Miss campus. I hope that our theme embodies this spirit and helps raise Southern Miss to the top.”
The high point of the week will be the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and the presentation of her court, as well as Mr. and Miss Southern Miss as the Golden Eagles take on Conference USA rival the Marshall University Thundering Herd Nov. 8.
Jamie Jones, a junior paralegal studies major, said Homecoming week is the epitome of school spirit and unity.
“My favorite part about this week is how the entire school comes together and supports our athletics and the spirit we have for Southern Miss,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to this year’s homecoming parade and of course the Southern Miss
football game.”
The week will begin with the Homecoming Kickoff Party in the South End Zone of The Rock Monday at 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, teams are preparing to “Bring It On: Eagle Style” during the dance competition at Reed-Green Coliseum at 7 p.m.
Wednesday will be a Day of Service with a campus cleanup and profit shares. The time and locations are to be announced.
The men’s basketball game will also face off against Mississippi College Thursday at 7 p.m.
On Friday, the Homecoming Golf Tournament will take place at the Hattiesburg Country Club at 8:30 a.m.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. According to the Southern Miss website, the $150 cost will cover golf, tee prize, beverages, lunch and much more with all proceeds going toward the Pierce Legacy Scholarship Endowment for children and grandchildren of alumni. For more information contact Dane Reiter at [email protected] or 601.266.4856.
The Football Friday Luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trent Lott National Center. Contact the Department of Athletics to join head football coach Todd Monken for the pre-game luncheon.
The traditional Fountain Sit will take place at 1 p.m. in Shoemaker Square fountain where students will compete to see who can withstand the water the longest.
Seven alumni will be inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at 6:30 p.m. during a banquet and induction ceremony. Contact Rene’ Trigg at 601.266.5013 for tickets or information.
That night, Friday Night at the Fountain will feature Fides at 7 p.m. on Centennial Green after a pep rally featuring the court, football team, Seymour, cheerleaders and Dixie Darlings.
Saturday, the USM Athletic Training Club will host the 19th Annual Homecoming 5K Eagle Run on Pride Field at 8:30 a.m. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Students with an ID can receive $5 off the $20 race fee.
The Homecoming parade will begin at 11 a.m. and travel through campus starting at Midtown Market parking lot and ending at 4th Street.
The Lady Eagles basketball team will play West Florida at noon.
The Gulf Park campus will celebrate with Tailgate Under the Oaks at 3 p.m. on the Gulf Park Campus South Lawn with games and more.
Eagle Walk will begin at 4 p.m. at The Rock. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band will perform a fifth quarter concert following the game.
“My favorite tradition would be seeing everybody dress up in their gold on Go Gold Friday and the game at The Rock on Saturday,” said Quentin Welborn, a sophomore political science major. “It’s great to be able to surround (yourself) with classmates, alumni and future students while tailgating and watching the crowning every year at halftime.”
For more information visit www.usm.edu/homecoming.
