SMU Homecoming 2014 celebrates pride and tradition

By Ariel Monticure
SMU News

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU celebrates the “Year of the Faculty” during Homecoming, Nov. 13-16, honoring the contributions of the University’s esteemed faculty members as teachers and researchers. The Homecoming parade theme, “Dynamic Duos: Better Together,” salutes powerful partnerships, including SMU’s relationship with Dallas and the pairing of SMU students and faculty.

Saturday’s events begin with actor Brian Baumgartner leading the traditional Homecoming parade, and tailgating on The Boulevard, followed by the traditional football game at Ford Stadium.

HOMECOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
SMU’s Historic Main Quad
The annual DAA event will celebrate Mary Brinegar ’69, Frank M. Dunlevy ’71, John F. Harper ’68, and Emerging Leader recipient Alexandra Dillard Lucie ’05. The evening includes a seated dinner and ceremony. Purchase tickets online at smu.edu/DAA or call 1-800-766- ALUM.

SMU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games
6 p.m. Women’s Basketball
8:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (SOLD OUT)
Moody Coliseum
Friday, Nov. 14
The SMU Men’s and Women’s Basketball seasons will begin on Friday, Nov. 14. SMU Men’s game vs. Lamar is sold out, but tickets are still available for the SMU Women’s game vs. Northern Colorado. For tickets visit smumustangs.com.

Pigskin Revue
8:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14
McFarlin Auditorium
The 81st edition of Pigskin Revue features SMU students in music, dance and comedy acts, with the Mustang Band playing new music as well as old favorites from past revues. Admission is free with an SMU ID or $15 without an SMU ID. A post-show reception will be held for band alumni and donors. For more information contact the band office at 214-SMU-BAND.

Tailgating on the Boulevard
3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Bishop Boulevard
Tailgating on Bishop Boulevard will begin with great food and fun activities. The Mustang Club Tent, with catering provided by Mi Cocina, will be located at the southeast corner of Bishop and Binkley on Mustang Alley. Adult admission is $10 per person in advance and $15 cash at the tent on game day. Children 8 and under are admitted for free. Other fun spots on the Boulevard include food trucks, Reunion Village and tents for Red, Blue and You alumni student leaders, SMU schools and other SMU groups.

Homecoming Parade
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Begins at SMU Boulevard and Bush Avenue
The parade will feature iconic duos such as Batman and Robin; Mickey and Minnie; and Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Baumgartner, known for his iconic role as Kevin Malone in the TV series The Office, will serve as grand marshal. The new route featuring student floats, bands and entertainment will begin at SMU Boulevard and Bush Avenue. (Parade Map)

Homecoming Football Game
7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Catch the spirit and tradition of Homecoming game day as the cheerleaders and Mustang Band lead fans from The Boulevard into Ford Stadium. Halftime will include a performance by the Mustang Band, a check presentation from the SMU reunion classes and crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. Visit smumustangs.com for tickets. 

All-University Worship
11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16
Perkins Chapel
Join the SMU community at this inspirational service in Perkins Chapel and remember classmates who are no longer with us.

Women’s Basketball Game
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16
Moody Coliseum
SMU will then host WNIT runner-up UTEP. The Mustangs enter the 2014-15 season with one of the youngest teams in program history with just four returning letter-winners and five freshmen. Visit smumustangs.com for tickets.

Centennial Lighting
Throughout the Weekend
This year’s Homecoming features a new tradition of ceremonial lighting that will extend across campus each evening throughout the weekend. Homecoming 2014 will also mark the debut of the illuminated SMU Mustang featured on SMU’s East Campus Expressway Tower.

SMU Museum Open Houses
Throughout the Weekend
Explore world-class art, presidential artifacts, interactive exhibits and library treasures at SMU’s Bridwell Library, Centennial Hall, DeGolyer Library, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Heritage Hall and the Meadows Museum. All visits are complimentary during Homecoming except for the Bush Presidential Library and Museum. For tickets to the Bush Library and Museum, visit georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu.

Reunion Gatherings
Throughout the Weekend
Reunion events are planned for the classes of ‘69 ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ‘99 ’04 and ’09. The Reunion Weekend kickoff celebration will begin on Friday, Nov. 14. Visit smu.edu/reunions for more information.

SMU Homecoming includes events for all ages. For the full schedule visit: smu.edu/homecoming.