SMU Homecoming 2011 Celebrates Community and Centennial

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU celebrates its Centennial Homecoming Nov. 3-6 with milestones and memories.

In addition to the Mustangs’ football game against Tulane, a highlight of the Homecoming festivities will be the annual parade on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. To celebrate the role that Dallas leaders played in establishing SMU in 1911, the parade will feature Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings as grand marshal. WFAA-TV anchor Shelly Slater will serve as parade emcee.

This year the parade, which also will include Peruna IX and the Mustang Band, will feature a new parade-watching zone on Hillcrest with seating, an announcer and entertainment before the parade. Special outreach is being made to SMU neighbors to join the festivities, which will include a family fun area on the Boulevard.

Pigskin Revue will mark its 77th anniversary with a reception, dinner and talent show held in the newly renovated Mack Ballroom on Friday, Nov. 4, in the Umphrey Lee Center on campus.

Another Homecoming highpoint will be the launch of the commemorative book SMU: Unbridled Vision, featuring more than 200 new photos of the Hilltop.

“As we celebrate the 100th year of our founding, it’s a pleasure to show our appreciation to the city of Dallas for competing to be the site of SMU in 1911 and for providing a supportive community through the years. SMU and Dallas have grown and prospered together, and we value that partnership,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “That’s why it’s especially gratifying to honor Mayor Rawlings as grand marshal and to add a special parade viewing area and activity section for families on the Boulevard.”

Pigskin Revue

On Friday, Nov. 4, SMU’s oldest tradition will celebrate its 77th edition. The Pigskin Revue features SMU students in music, dance and comedy acts and the Mustang Band playing new music as well as old favorites from past Revues. Tickets cost $10 for show admittance only and $40 for dinner and show. Students will receive complimentary admission to the show with a student identification card. The revue begins with a reception at 6 p.m. on the Umphrey Lee second floor patio, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and talent show at 8 p.m. in the Mack Ballroom.

“Red, Blue and You” Former Student Leader Brunch On The Boulevard

The Division of Student Affairs, The Union (formerly known as Class Councils) and Vice President for Student Affairs Lori White invite all former student leaders to attend the Red, Blue and You Brunch, Saturday, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at the flagpole.

Homecoming Parade

The SMU Homecoming Parade begins at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, and features Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings as the Parade Marshal, WFAA news anchor Shelly Slater as the emcee, the Mustang Band, local high school bands, and floats built by SMU students. The parade begins at the intersection of Hillcrest and University Avenues, heads south on Hillcrest, and then enters the SMU campus on Bishop Boulevard. The route will travel north on Bishop Boulevard and follow the loop. Map: http://smu.edu/alumni/homecoming/images/ParadeMap.gif

Tailgating on the Boulevard

Immediately following the parade, tailgating on Bishop Boulevard kicks off with barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs. An alumni homecoming tent will be located at the flagpole with food sponsored by Park Cities Hilton. Admission is $5 per person, children 6 and under are free. Various schools and University organizations will also host tailgating events.

Family Fun On The Boulevard

The community is invited to join the festivities with Family Fun On The Boulevard from noon -2p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Family Fun will feature Peruna’s Playground and Mustang Market. Peruna’s Playground will have bounce houses, face painting and more. Mustang Market will serve game day favorites including Banditos fajita tacos and Barley House sliders for $1. Admission is free to the public.

Homecoming Football Game

The Mustangs take on the Tulane Green Wave at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Ford Stadium. The crowning of the Homecoming king and queen takes place at halftime. Call 214-SMU-GAME or visit smumustangs.com for tickets.

Reunion Gatherings

Reunion gatherings are planned for the classes of ’66, ’71,  ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01 and ’06. The Reunion Weekend kickoff celebration will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, at the new interactive Centennial Hall inside Hughes-Trigg Student Center. Call SMU Reunion Programs at 800-766-4371 for more information.

Commemorative Centennial Book

SMU has published its first book of campus images in 25 years as part of the Second Century Celebration. The 160-page book, SMU: Unbridled Vision, features more than 200 new color photographs, combined with selected historic images, showing the beauty and vitality of the campus experience. SMU’s Second Century Celebration extends from 2011, the 100th anniversary of the University’s founding, to 2015, the centennial of its opening. A book publication event will be held at the SMU Barnes and Noble Bookstore from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 4.

Students Helping Students Giving Challenge

This week, The Union is a hosting its annual Homecoming Challenge with the purpose of increasing student giving by fostering an atmosphere of friendly competition between SMU’s undergraduate communities. The goal of the Challenge is for each organization participating in Homecoming to have the highest percentage of his or her respective organization make a gift to SMU. 

Individuals can give by visiting the Union’s website at www.smu.edu/theunion or find The Union members at tables at float building. The organization with the highest percentage of members who give to SMU will receive a matching gift for the total amount they’ve raised up to $1,000.  The check will be presented to the winning organization on November 5 at 12:30 p.m. at the Red, Blue and You tent, on the Boulevard.

For information, contact Stephanie Brown, Union President, at stephanieb@smu.edu or Austin Prentice, Student Body President, at aprentice@smu.edu.

For more information about homecoming, call 214-768-2586 or visit http://smu.edu/alumni/homecoming .

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