Lincoln University officials invite everyone to "Reignite the Spirit and Unleash the ROAR!" as past, present and future Blue Tigers and supporters this week celebrate homecoming in the school's 149th year in Jefferson City.
While many of the week's activities follow traditional scheduling and locations, construction of the new Lafayette Street-U.S. 50/63 interchange has forced a change in next Saturday's parade route.
It will start downtown, at the corner of High and Broadway streets, next to St. Peter Church, and head east on High Street to Monroe, where it will turn south for one block to East McCarty Street, then east an extra two blocks to Chestnut Street.
The route turns south on Chestnut and crosses over the Expressway, continuing south to Dunklin, then west to Lafayette Street, before heading south to its end by Soldier's Hall and the ROTC practice field.
Although more activities and choices fill the calendar at the end of the week, the celebration begins this afternoon with a Gospel program from 5-7 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium.
Performers are scheduled to include Tila Robinson and the Lincoln University Gospel Choir. Admission is free.
In some years, there also has been a Gospel program on the Sunday at the end of Homecoming Week, but this concert will be the only one this year.
The rest of this week's Homecoming activities (that are not invitation only) include:
• Alumni event tickets, pickup only, Memorial Hall, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Wednesday.
• Alumni event tickets, pickup and sales, Memorial Hall Conference Room, noon-6 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday.
MONDAY
• 11 a.m.-noon, student symposium, Scruggs University Center (SUC) Ballroom, featuring Jonathan Jackson talking about "Doing What You Love." Free.
• 7-10 p.m., SGA Skate Party at Skate Zone, 301 Flora Drive. Tickets, $3 per person.
TUESDAY
• 11 a.m.-noon, Student Symposium, SUC Ballroom, featuring TaShay Dennie talking about "The Re-Work." Free.
• 7-11 p.m., talent show, Mitchell Auditorium. Tickets, $1 per person.
WEDNESDAY
• 11 a.m.-noon, student symposium, SUC Ballroom, featuring Jamilah Mustafah, former Miss Delaware State University, talking about "Global Leadership." Free.
• 7-11 p.m., Glow in the Dark Laser Tag, Jason Gym. Free.
THURSDAY
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m., "Graffiti Wall" at Blue Tiger Cafe. Free.
• 10:30-11:30 a.m., SGA and Alumni Dialog, and swearing-in ceremony for new LU Alumni president, Rev. LaJoyce Lawton ('72), Page Library Room 100. Free.
• 1-3 p.m., AMASS & STEM event for STEM alumni and students. On the Quad. Free.
• 8 p.m., Official Alumni Hospitality Suite (all-inclusive food, drinks, dancing and DJs), Memorial Hall, $35. (Events include activities in the lounges - chess, spades, bid whist, checkers; photographs in the Hall of Fame Room; and the opportunity to video-record your Lincoln story, which will be archived in the Page Library.)
• 8-10 p.m., Mr. and Miss LU Coronation, Mitchell Auditorium. Free.
• 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Coronation Ball, SUC Ballroom. Free.
FRIDAY
• 8:30 a.m., Opening Ceremony and Wreath Laying, ROTC Honor Guard, Soldier's Memorial Plaza. Free.
• 10 a.m., Women's Resource Center ribbon cutting ceremony. Free.
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m., "Blue Tiger Fest," SUC Front Patio, includes prizes for whoever can stay longest on the mechanical bull. Free.
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Alumni Reunion Classes Luncheon, honoring Golden Anniversary Class of 1965 and classes of 1970, '75, '80, '85, '90, '95, 2000, '05 and '10. SUC Ballroom. $25 at the door.
• 4:30-6:15 p.m., Soul Food Dinner, SUC Cafeteria. $10.
• 5:30-8 p.m., Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony, SUC Ballroom, $30.
• 7 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha/Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter, Wine & Cheese fund raising event to benefit President's Residence Project and scholarships. 601 Jackson St. Cost: To Be Announced (must be at least 21).
• 7:30-9 p.m., Pep Rally and Fireworks, Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Fireworks display between 8:45-9 p.m. Free.
• 8 p.m., Official Alumni Hospitality Suite (all-inclusive food, drinks, DJ), Memorial Hall, $35. (Events include activities in the lounges - chess, spades, bid whist, checkers; photographs in the Hall of Fame Room; and the opportunity to video-record your Lincoln story, which will be archived in the Page Library.)
• 9 p.m., '60s Dance, Truman Hotel, $20.
• 9:30 p.m., Greek Step Show, Mitchell Auditorium (Doors open at 9 p.m.), $30 step show and party. $15 in advance, Step Show only.
• 11 p.m.-3 a.m., Panhellenic Council Homecoming Party, Jason Gymnasium. Cost: To Be Announced.
SATURDAY
• 8 a.m., Vendor Palooza, Lafayette Street at Jason Gymnasium.
• 9 a.m., Blue Tiger Ambush Tailgate and Day Party, LU Softball Field (north of the Leslie/Lafayette/Stadium roundabout). $10 includes all food, soda and beer. Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
• 9:30 a.m., Homecoming Parade starting at High and Broadway streets, Downtown, and ending at ROTC practice field, where bands and drill team competition will take place. Free.
• 2 p.m., Homecoming football game vs. Missouri S&T, Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Tickets: $10 for adults; $5, children 6 and over; $5 for non-Lincoln students (with valid student ID); Free for Lincoln students (with valid student ID).
• Immediately after game, Greek Serenade, Page Library Amphitheater (or Jason Gym if raining). Free.
• 7 p.m., Class of 1965 50th Anniversary Reunion Banquet, Capitol Plaza Hotel, $45.
• 8 p.m., Official Alumni Hospitality Suite (all-inclusive food, drinks, DJ), Memorial Hall, $35. (Events include activities in the lounges - chess, spades, bid whist, checkers; photographs in the Hall of Fame Room; and the opportunity to video-record your Lincoln story, which will be archived in the Page Library.)
• 9 p.m.-3 a.m., Homecoming Concert and Party, featuring DEJ Loaf and special Guest, DJ Envy of "The Breakfast Club," Jason Gym. $35 Advance Ticket (Lincoln students), $40 non-LU students. $40 Door Admission (Lincoln students), $55 Door Admission (non-LU students), $55 VIP Admission (Lincoln students), $60 VIP Admission (non-LU students).
• 9:30 p.m., Joe Torry and Friends Comedy Show, Mitchell Auditorium. $40 in advance, $45 at the door (proceeds benefit scholarships).
• 10:30 p.m., Official Joe Torry & Friends Comedy Show After Party, "Forbidden City," modeled from the movie "Sin City," SUC Ballroom. $35 (includes all-inclusive food and drinks).