The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has planned a week of activities to celebrate
Homecoming 2013, including events for students, alumni and the community.
Student Activities Event Coordinator Stephanie London of Fort Smith is enthused about plans for the week.
“We’re excited about a fun-filled week of students and alumni showing their lion spirit,” she said.
Events include homecoming king and queen voting, a bonfire, a pep rally, tailgating, Lions and Lady Lions basketball games, an alumni concert and an alumni reunion dinner.
Alumni events require pre-registration, with a $25 individual fee or a $40 couple fee. UAFS students receive free admission to ball games with tickets available at the Box Office, online or at the door. The community is invited to the pep rally, bonfire, the homecoming parade and bridging ceremony. Game tickets for community members are available for purchase.
Dr. Marta Loyd, vice chancellor for university advancement at UAFS and executive director of the UAFS Foundation, said homecoming shows the energy and enthusiasm of current students, but is also an important week for alumni.
“Homecoming provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with students, reconnect with each other, learn what’s new at their alma mater, and have a little fun in the process,” she said.
Events include:
Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4 and 5:
Voting for homecoming king and queen will take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5 on the first floor of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center hallway.
Tuesday, Nov. 5:
7 p.m. -- Lady Lions vs. Missouri Southern University volleyball game, Stubblefield Center.
8:30 p.m. or following the volleyball game -- Yell Like Hell cheer competition at the Stubblefield Center.
Wednesday, Nov. 6:
11 a.m.-1 p.m. -- All Sports Pep Rally, hosted by the Campus Activities Board at the Reynolds Bell Tower.
Thursday, Nov. 7:
9 p.m. -- Homecoming Bonfire, east of Echols Building. Student organizations will also bring books they have collected as part of one of the homecoming competitions for the week. Books will benefit the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and the Lincoln Child Care Center.
Friday, Nov. 8:
3:30 p.m. -- Homecoming Hunt, hosted by Campus Recreation and Wellness, at Lion Pride Square. The scavenger hunt provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about UAFS.
7:30-9:30 p.m. -- Lady Lions Classic: UAFS vs. Harding University basketball game at the Stubblefield Center. The Lady Lions Classic is a two-day, four-team invitational. Free tickets are available for UAFS students.
8 p.m. -- Young Alumni Concert at UAFS at Second Street. The indie pop band Boom Kinetic will perform at 101 N. 2nd St. Registration is required.
Saturday, Nov. 9:
10 a.m. -- Once Upon a Homecoming Parade on Waldron Road. Students, alumni and members of the community are invited to enjoy the parade as either a participant or spectator.
10:30 a.m. or following the parade -- Graduate Bridging Ceremony at the bridge between the Intramural Park and the parking lot. All students who are graduating in the upcoming December or May commencements are honored at this ceremony. Each student receives a lapel pin when crossing the bridge and is welcomed to the alumni family by alumni, faculty and staff on the other side of the bridge.
11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. -- Homecoming Tailgate at the Intramural Park parking lot.
2 p.m. -- Lady Lions Classic: Lady Lions vs. West Texas A&M basketball game and crowning ceremony at the Stubblefield Center.
4 p.m. -- Lions vs. Central Baptist College basketball game and homecoming awards at the Stubblefield Center. Student organizations have competed during the week, with winners receiving recognition at the game.
7 p.m. -- Alumni Reunion Dinner and Cocktails in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. Registration is required.
For alumni information, call 479-788-7920 or visit www.uafsalumni.com/homecoming. Homecoming information is available from London at 479-788-7697 or emailstudentactivities@uafs.edu.