The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes tradition as "the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction." At a University celebrating its 150th year anniversary in 2018-2019, tradition sounds exactly like St. Cloud State's goal for its reimagined Homecoming 2018!
As part of the Homecoming executive committee, I have had a front-row seat to the efforts being made to restore a college tradition that we know is important to our alumni, current students, and community-at-large. After more than two years of discussion and planning, we are excited for Homecoming week and have worked to provide a little "something" for everyone. As an added benefit, President Robbyn Wacker's inauguration will open the week on Monday, October 15 and everyone is invited!
The SCSU Men's and Women's Basketball Showcase will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Halenbeck Hall on Monday, Oct. 15. Fans will get a chance to check out the 2018-19 men's and women's basketball teams at this free event with contests and scrimmages by both teams.
The official Homecoming Kick-off is slated for Wednesday, October 17 at 12:00 p.m. on Atwood Mall. Students will be welcomed by University leaders, spirit squads, and the men's and women's hockey teams at a celebration featuring a pep rally, Ferris wheel ride, games, free food and prizes. Events continue through the evening with Blizzard Shack, a student activities main stay on campus. Tickets are also available that night for the opening of KVSC's sixth season of Granite City Radio Theatre at Pioneer Place in downtown St. Cloud.
On Thursday, St. Cloud State celebrates its President's Club Sesquicentennial Gala in the Atwood Ballroom. In addition to honoring the 2018 Visionary Award Recipient, Alumni Association Awards winners will also be recognized, including the Huskies own Head Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach Jeff Hegle. Comedian Dave Coulier (of Full House) will entertain students in Ritsche Auditorium that same night.
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SCSU soccer's Hannah MarionFriday features a number of events both on and off-campus starting with women's soccer at 1:00 p.m. in Husky Stadium as they take on the University of Sioux Falls. The SCSU women's cross country team will host the annual Bob Waxlax Invitational at nearby Wapicada G.C. in Sauk Rapids. The women's race will begin at 4:30 p.m. and admission is free for all race spectators.
At 6:00 p.m. on Friday, students and community members can warm up with the Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally featuring our football and soccer teams on the south side of campus near the Beaver Island Trail. They can then walk to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center for our men's hockey's opening regular season game against Northern Michigan at 7:07. And don't forget the St. Cloud Downtown Art Crawl beginning at 5:00 p.m. along historic St. Germain Street. Artists, businesses, and eateries, as well as a student/faculty exhibition in the lobby of the Paramount Theatre, provide plenty to see and do.
Guests coming in for Saturday morning can get their blood pumping with the Homecoming 5k sponsored by SCSU Campus Recreation. Rumor has it President Wacker will have her running shoes on. On-site registration opens at 8:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. run from the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.
Post-run, join alumni, families, and friends, as well as all varsity athletics alumni at the Homecoming Fan Fest in Husky Pay Lot just south of Husky Stadium from 11:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. Food and beverages, including a beer garden, are available for purchase.
Kick-off for Huskies Football is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., and we'll close out the hockey series against Northern Michigan that night at 6:07 p.m. Finally, head downtown beginning at 4:00 p.m. for the final street concert of the Fifth Avenue Live series. Food and drinks available on site.
On Sunday, finish your weekend with Huskies soccer as they take on Southwest Minnesota State University at 1:00 p.m.
Homecoming provides a reason to return to a place that provided the lessons, memories, and experiences that launched us into our professional, personal, and civic lives. It is a time to reconnect with old friends and mentors and relive the stories that make us laugh and remind us from whence we came. It is an opportunity to see the University anew and learn how St. Cloud State continues to shape lives and make a difference. And it is a time to have fun as we celebrate all things red and black. With additional alumni reunions, Red & Black Admission Days, and Family Weekend all scheduled for October 17-21, we welcome all to Homecoming 2018. See you there!
Go Huskies! Heather Weems
Director of Athletics
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All-Varsity Athlete Alumni Gathering:
St. Cloud State's Alumni Association is partnering with Huskies Athletics to host an All-Varsity Athlete Alumni Gathering on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., prior to the Huskies Football "Red Out" game against Upper Iowa. SCSU Athlete Alumni and their families are invited to return to campus, reunite with former teammates, coaches and friends, and display your Husky Pride! For more details please visit: https://huskiesconnect.stcloudstate.edu/event/2427839
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All-Varsity Athlete Alumni Gathering:
