[087] Students, alumni await many MTSU homecoming events

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — With a 1990s “Fresh Raiders of the ’Boro” theme, the 2017 MTSU Homecoming will offer plenty of festivities for students, alumni and Blue Raider supporters.

Alumni Relations has events Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7. Main events include the Golden Raiders Reunion, recognition of Distinguished Alumni and more. For additional information about scheduled events, visit www.mtalumni.com.

The Student Government Association’s homecoming staff plans a full week of activities from a “Skate Back to the ‘90s” event starting at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, in the Campus Recreation Center all the way through the 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, Homecoming Game between Middle Tennessee and visiting Florida International in Floyd Stadium.

Homecoming is a way for students, alumni and friends of the university to celebrate the decades of traditions — food, fun and fellowship at various activities — leading to the game. “The Fresh Raiders of the ’Boro” theme is a takeoff from the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” television sitcom from 1990-96.

“All are welcomed to celebrate MTSU homecoming with many activities dotted throughout the week,” Alumni Relations assistant director Rhonda King said. “It’s the best weekend for all ages to be on campus. Whether you graduated five months ago, are celebrating your Golden Raider year or want to relive your college days as a 1990s grad, there is something for you.”

Alex Lineberry, homecoming director for the SGA, said he’s “excited for everyone to come out to all of these events, especially our kickoff — ‘Skate Back to the ’90s,’” he said.

Featured alumni events include:

• Golden Raiders Reunion and Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 1967 — 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in the Sam Ingram Building MT Center (RSVP to 615-898-2922).

• Distinguished Alumni awards reception — 4 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. RSVP to alumni@mtsu.edu.

In addition to the skate event and homecoming game, featured student and alumni combined events include:

• Chili Cook-Off — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Floyd Stadium.

• Homecoming Games — 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Floyd Stadium.

• MJ’s Give Back Night — 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, MJ’s Sports Bar and Grill Pool Hall, 1253 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro.

• NPHC Yard Party — 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, Student Union Commons.

• Circle of SGA Presidents’ Ceremony and Reception — 5 p.m. Oct. 5, Student Union Commons.

• NPHC Step Show — 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in Murphy Center.

• Mixer on Main Parade-Watching Party — 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, Presidents Lawn.

• Homecoming Parade — 10 a.m. Oct. 7, East Main Street, from Maney Avenue to Baird Lane, turning left and going toward campus.

• Homecoming Tailgate Lunch — 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7, Mixer on Main/President’s Lawn.

Other activities include the annual Concrete Industry Management Skeet Shoot; Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology 50^th anniversary celebration and clinic grand opening; and an MTSU baseball alumni tailgate.

The College of Basic and Applied Sciences is expected to have a number of alumni speak to classes during the week of Oct. 2-6.

The 2017-18 Distinguished Alumnus is Eddie Gossage, who has enjoyed an extensive career in the motor sports industry since 1980.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award honoree is Tierra McMahon. She has an expansive background in foreign policy and environmental and economic issues.

The True Blue Citations of Distinction recipients include: Paula Thomas (Achievement in Education/current or retired MTSU faculty), an MTSU accounting professor; Chris Whaley (Achievement in Education outside of MTSU), the president of Roane State Community College; Whitney Dix (Service to University), who works for a major airline; and the late Doug Young (Service to Community), a noted local businessman and civic leader.

Including the annual paint the residence halls/office doors blue competition, other student, alumni and departmental activities — plus tailgating — will lead up to the game.

To find parking and event and building locations, a printable campus map is available at http://tinyurl.com/MTSUParkingMap.

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Media welcomed. Note: Media credential needed for Oct. 6 NPHC Step Show and from athletic communications for Oct. 7 Middle Tennessee-Florida International football game.