Lincoln University Homecoming schedule offers a little history, lots of variety

Tsehay Mengiste, left, and Akeeyla Goldsby dress a mannequin with the dress of a former Miss Lincoln in the library at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
Tsehay Mengiste, left, and Akeeyla Goldsby dress a mannequin with the dress of a former Miss Lincoln in the library at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

With the theme "There's No Place Like Homecoming!" Lincoln University is holding its 88th homecoming celebration this week.

LU's homecoming began in the 1924-25 academic year - and, with five exceptions during the Depression and World War II - has happened every year since then.

This year's event is happening earlier than ever, which organizers said may reduce the number of high school bands participating in the parade.

The game will be played at 2 p.m. Saturday, with Lincoln's Blue Tigers facing the Truman State University Bulldogs from Kirksville.

One feature of this year's pre-game activities is two historic exhibits opening Monday and running through the week at the Inman E. Page Library.

"The Royal Gallery" features gowns from women who once held the title of Miss Lincoln University as well as menswear from the kings who have been crowned Mr. Lincoln University.

The other exhibit features two busts created by LU alum Phil Jones, of Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Barack Obama.

Both exhibits will be on the library's main floor, during regular library hours.

Another piece of history is being displayed today from 1-5 p.m. - the President's Residence, 601 Jackson St., is part of the Historic City of Jefferson's Golden Hammer Award Homes Tour of homes that have been recognized for recent renovations.

HCJ has a charge for the complete tour, but those visiting only the President's Residence will need to have only a copy of the Homecoming schedule for admission.

As changes occur, the Homecoming schedule is updated on LU's website, at www.lincolnu.edu/web/homecoming/homecoming.

The listing below does not include those events that are only for invited guests.

LU 2017 HOMECOMING SCHEDULE:

SUNDAY

1-5 p.m. - Historic City of Jefferson's "Golden Hammer Award" tour of the LU President's Residence, 601 Jackson St. Free (with a copy of the Homecoming schedule).

5-9 p.m. - Gospel Concert, featuring James Fortune & Zacardi Cortez. Robert & Charlene Mitchell Auditorium. Free.

ALL WEEK LONG

8 a.m.-close, Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-close Saturday. Inman E. Page Library, main floor. Free. "The Royal Gallery" display of clothing worn by previous Miss and Mr. Lincoln University honorees, and busts of Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m-7 p.m. Friday - Pick-up for Alumni Homecoming event tickets. Memorial Hall.

MONDAY

11 a.m.-2 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's Novelty Photo Booth. Scruggs University Center (SUC). Free.

6-7 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's "Mocktail Hour." Scruggs University Center 2nd floor. Free.

7-10 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's "Fashion show & Shoe Expo." Scruggs University Center Ballroom. Free.

TUESDAY

11 a.m.-1 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's Student Symposium: "There's NO Place Like Home!" SUC Ballroom. Free.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. - AMASS & STEM Event, for alumni and STEM students. SUC Front Patio. Free.

7-10 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's "Comedy Show," with the performer still to be announced. SUC Ballroom. Free.

WEDNESDAY

11 a.m.-1 p.m. - The National Panhellenic Council's Day Party. SUC Back Patio (Ballroom if it rains). Free.

7-9 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's "Life-Sized Game Night." Football Practice Field (or Jason Gymnasium if it rains). Free.

THURSDAY

11 a.m.-Noon - The Student Government & Lincoln University Alumni Associations' "Student & Dialogue," in the Lloyd Gaines Ethnic Studies Room. Inman E. Page Library Room 317. Free.

1-4 p.m. - The Campus Activity Board's "Personalized Street Signs." SUC Blue Tiger Cafe. Free.

7-9 p.m. - The Mister and Miss LU Coronation: "African Royalty: A Testament of Black Excellence." Robert & Charlene Mitchell Auditorium. Free.

9:30-11:30 p.m. - The Mister & Miss LU Coronation Ball. SUC Ballroom. Free.

FRIDAY

8 a.m.-7 p.m. - Alumni Homecoming Event Tickets, Sales and Pick-up. Memorial Hall Conference Room.

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Vendor Palooza Part I. Chestnut Street at the Scruggs University Center. Free.

10:30-11 a.m. - Lincoln University ROTC Honor Guard's Opening Ceremony & Wreath Laying. Soldiers' Memorial Plaza. Free.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Alumni Reunion Classes' Luncheon, honoring the Classes of 1967, '72, '77, '82, '87, '92, '97, 2002,' 07 and '12. SUC Ballroom. Open to All Alumni. $25.

11:15-11:45 a.m. - The LU President's Office presents the "Naming" and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Linc wellness center and "Arris' Gymnasium." 1299 Lafayette St. Free. (But the reception is by invitation only).

1:30-2:30 p.m. - Alumni Dialogue with Interim President Mike Middleton. SUC Ballroom. Free. (Open to all alumni).

4:30-6:15 p.m. - Annual Soul Food Dinner. SUC Cafeteria. $10.

4:30 p.m.-Midnight - Vendor Palooza - Part 2. 800 block of Lafayette Street.

5:30-8 p.m. - LU Athletics Department's Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony. SUC Ballroom. $30.

6-9 p.m. - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter's "Wine and Cheese" Fund-raising Event, with proceeds to benefit the President's Residence Project and scholarships. Inman E. Page Library, Lower Level. $10 (Must be at least 21 years old.)

7-9 p.m. - Pep Rally and Fireworks. Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Free.

9 p.m.-until ? - The 1980s Alumni Official Alumni Hospitality Suite, with bottomless cups, hors d'oeuvres (served early). Entertainment by "DJ Epic." Memorial Hall. $25.

9 p.m.-until ? - The Classes of the 1960s' Dance. Windstone Entertainment & Event Center, 2425 Industrial Drive. $25.

9:30 p.m. - LU National Panhellenic Council (NPHC)'s Annual NPHC Homecoming STEP Show. Robert & Charlene Mitchell Auditorium.

Doors open 9 p.m.; Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Students, $20; General Admission, $30.

11 p.m.-2 a.m. - NPHC Homecoming Party. Jason Gymnasium. Students, $15; General Admission, $20.

SATURDAY

8 a.m.-Midnight - Vendor Palooza Part 3. 800 Block of Lafayette Street.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. - "Blue Tiger Ambush Tailgate and Day Party. LU Football Practice Field. Bring a lawn chair and cooler. $10; Free for students with ID card.

9:30 a.m. - Homecoming Parade 2017, starting downtown at corner of High and Broadway streets and ending on Lafayette Street by Soldiers Hall.

Immediately following the parade - Band and Drill Team Competition. Jason Gymnasium. Free.

2 p.m. - Homecoming Football Game: Truman State vs. LU. Dwight T. Reed Stadium. $15.

Immediately after the football game: "Greek Serenade." Dwight T. Reed Stadium (Jason Gymnasium if it rains). Free.

8 p.m.-3 a.m. - Homecoming Concert Party, featuring: Yo Gotti. Jason Gymnasium. Free for students with valid ID; General Admission, $60.

9 p.m.-until ? - "The Official Alumni Signature Event:" LU Alumni Association presents #MEMORABLE, featuring Derrty Entertainment's DJ Ajay.

Scruggs University Center - including bottomless adult and non-alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres (served early), AM Breakfast Bar (midnight-3 a.m.), game room (spades, dominoes, bid whist, pool). Best Value: Party-Breakfast Combo, $40 in Advance; $45 at the door. Party only, $25. Breakfast only, $25. (No students.)