Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
While walking through the residence halls at SCSU, the rocket ship, constellation, and outer space decorations are all telltale signs that it’s about time for Homecoming 2013.
Adisa John, junior social work major at SCSU, said she encourages students to attend the homecoming festivities because it provides them with another way to meet new people around campus while exposing them to the diversity that makes up the school’s community.
Marcus D’Iorio, senior history major and member of the homecoming committee at SCSU, said he came up with the theme of “Out of this World,” for this year’s homecoming events.
He also said he enjoys seeing the campus come together for all of the week’s festivities to show Southern’s school spirit.
“Everyone should attend homecoming. It’s a way for students to relieve stress before midterms,” said D’Iorio. “It’s also a way to make sure students are having a good time and getting involved on campus, which is such a great thing.”
D’Iorio also said this year more than just the theme of homecoming has changed, but the organization of the tailgating event before the Owls football game at 1 p.m., against Stonehill College, will be different as well. According to D’Iorio, Owls Family Day falls on the same day as the Owls Homecoming game so family members can attend the tailgate and game as well, for only $10.
“This year we are actually bringing in outside vendors with food trucks for everyone to enjoy at the tailgate [party].The tailgating party and game is free for students,” said D’Iorio. “They [anyone who pays or attends] will receive two tickets for meals and a drink ticket, it lets them go to any truck they want to go to” said D’Iorio.
Other events scheduled for Homecoming week include the annual pep rally held in the Moore Fieldhouse on Thursday Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
According to the school’s website, the pep rally will be followed by the annual Homecoming dance party in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom and will be open/free for SCSU students, entry stops at 11 p.m.
“The pep rally would have to be my favorite Homecoming event,” said Randall Sapp, senior business management major at SCSU. “This year should be better than last year, it just seems more organized. The events let students know that the campus does more than just work and go home [or back to their dorms]. We do have fun.”
On Saturday, Oct. 12, SCSU is holding the annual 5k Road Race at 7:30 a.m. in front of the student center, in memory of Bob Corda. D’Iorio said the 5k Road Race is open to the public and that he anticipates having a great turn out.
“The Road Race is in honor of Bob Corda. He used to run the road race every year, so after he passed we decided to name it after him,” said D’Iorio.
The last event of Homecoming weekend will feature Kevin Hart’s Plastic Cup Boyz. The comedians just wrapped up the sold out Kevin Hart “Let Me Explain” tour and are coming to SCSU’s Lyman Center at 8 p.m. on Oct. 12. Entry is free for SCSU students with their hoot loots and $15 for the general public, according to the school’s website.
“Our goal is to really make everyone feel welcomed and get more involved on campus,” said D’Iorio.
