UWA Homecoming festivities start this week
LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama has announced the schedule for its annual Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 8.
Homecoming activities begin Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the annual Serendipity talent show. Students will compete for prize money and bragging rights in four categories, and this year’s Homecoming Queen, a closely guarded secret, will also be announced at the show. Serendipity begins at 7 p.m. at McConnell Field across from Bibb Graves Auditorium. Linkin’ Bridge, finalists in this year’s “America’s Got Talent” on NBC, will serve as emcees for the event.
On Thursday, Oct. 6, Coach Brett Gilliland, the Tiger football team, the Scarlet Band from Tiger Land, UWA cheerleaders and LUie will be on hand for the Homecoming bonfire, pep rally and fireworks show at 8 p.m. at the Intramural Complex. Following the pep rally, the Office of Student Activities will host a DJ party.
The annual UWA alumni party, sponsored by the National Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Relations, is one of the most anticipated events of the year for the UWA family. The party begins Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at the courtyard of Bell Conference Center on campus. Always a great time for friends, food and fun, this year’s party will feature live entertainment by Farmer’s Daughter. Admission to the party is included with NAA membership. Alumni may also renew their NAA membership at the door.
During the alumni party, the UWA Campus School will host Parents’ Night Out for children age three and older from 6-10 p.m. The cost for a family is $25 for one child, and $15 per additional child, which includes pizza and drinks. Children must be potty trained to attend. To register, contact Kim Smith at 205-652-3832 or ksmith@uwa.edu.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, Homecoming festivities continue at 10 a.m. with a brunch and alumni awards hosted by the NAA and Alumni Relations in Tutwiler Conference Room at Lyon Hall. Each college will present its Alumni Achievement and Emerging Leader Awards, and former Tiger greats will be inducted into the UWA Athletic Hall of Fame, while the NAA presents other prestigious awards.
Colleges and divisions will host alumni for lunches and tailgate fun across campus beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Spirited festivities continue at 1 p.m. when UWA students and organizations, special guests, and marching bands from across the state wind through downtown Livingston for the annual Homecoming parade.
The family-friendly Homecoming Festival and Tailgate begins at 2 p.m. on the Campus School lawn with inflatable moonwalks and games led by UWA student-athletes. Other highlights include face painting and other prizes. All activities are free.
In addition, former players and friends of former LU football coach Frank North will gather in his honor for a tailgate party.
West Alabama and Delta State kick off at 4 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. Pre-game festivities feature the Scarlet Band from Tiger Land show and the newest Athletic Hall of Famers serving as honorary team captains. In addition, the homecoming court will be presented at halftime, and the new queen will be crowned.
Following the football game, festivities wrap up with a concert on the lawn of Gilbert Hall featuring Jessica Meuse, a season 13 finalist of “American Idol.” The concert begins at 8 p.m. and is open to all. Lawn chairs or blankets for seating is encouraged.
For more information about UWA’s 2016 homecoming events, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 205-652-3852.