ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ celebrates 100th birthday with historic, high-spirited homecoming weekend Sept. 23-26
ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ marks its 100th birthday - and homecoming - Sept. 23-27 with festivities for the whole family.
DALLAS (ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ) — ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ’s opening in September 1915, was proclaimed a “day of jubilation." This year's Centennial and Homecoming celebration, Sept. 23-27, also will draw a jubilant crowd to “Pony Up!” and party down at history-making events.
"This promises to be the biggest Homecoming ever," says Peter Lodwick '77, '80, chair of the ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Alumni Board. "Please join us for what is certain to be an unforgettable celebration at a unique time in ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ history. Highlights will include the new tradition of festively lighting Dallas Hall, lots of pregame family fun, special exhibits for the entire community, alumni activities galore and a fireworks extravaganza after the football game in Gerald J. Ford Stadium."
EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
Saturday, Sept. 26
- Game Day on The Boulevard Pregame festivities will feature food, beverages, fun activities for children, a reunion village and a host of festive tents.
- Homecoming Parade 3 p.m. In the ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Centennial spirit, the parade will feature the ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Parade of Giants, 10 towering puppets representing giants in ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ history, the 60-person Mustang Alumni Band and more than 30 former ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Homecoming queens and kings. It also will showcase decorative student-built floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ mascot Peruna. for more information.
- ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Mustangs vs. James Madison University Dukes football game/celebration 6 p.m. The “100th Birthday Salute to ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ” in Gerald J. Ford Stadium will sport the University’s largest-ever halftime show. After the game, enjoy a fireworks extravaganza.
For more details about activities, game tickets, directions, parking and more: .
ESPECIALLY FOR ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ ALUMNI, STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF
also will feature events designed just for the ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ family. Activities range from reunions, to residential commons tours, to receptions honoring favorite professors. Take part in every event or customize the weekend just for you.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Centennial Countdown Concert: The Eli Young Band with guest star Cam
ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Program Council invites alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff to count down to ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's 100th birthday at a high-energy performance by the Eli Young Band, Texas natives, on their nationwide "10,000 Towns" tour. The concert begins with emerging country singer and songwriter, Cam. Tickets are available. for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Centennial Worship Service, 8:30 a.m., Perkins Chapel, limited seating
Perkins School of Theology is planning this celebratory service, featuring the sermon, "Centuries of Thinking and Teaching" by Perkins Dean William Lawrence. Perkins' Seminary Singers, faculty, board members, musicians and students also are participating in the service, which will open the centennial with a soaring service of worship, music and prayer.
Centennial Commemoration Ceremony, 10 a.m., McFarlin Auditorium
A celebratory bell performance featuring the ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Carillon will introduce the commemoration. Guests will gather in McFarlin Auditorium, recently restored to its 1920s elegance and lined with 150 international flags, one for each country where an ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ alumnus resides. The ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Wind Ensemble will perform and ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ student military veterans will present the colors. After a ceremonial procession, ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ President R. Gerald Turner will present remarks. As guests depart, they will be serenaded by celebratory peals from church bells at United Methodist churches across the state, marking ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's centennial. for more information.
Centennial Picnic, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Clements Lawn
ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ alumni, students, faculty, staff and guests are invited to attend the picnic featuring a State Fair theme to commemorate ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's rich Texas heritage. Featuring classic State Fair of Texas fare, the fun will include carnival games and birthday greetings from none other than Big Tex. for more information.
Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration, 7 p.m., ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's Main Quad
The 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Bess Fraser Enloe '60, Donald F. Jackson '63 and Billie Ida Williamson '74, and Emerging Leader Award recipient Michael W. Waters '02, '06, '12 will be honored. for more information.
Friday, Sept. 25
Centennial Stampede of Service
One hundred ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ students will participate in service projects at 10 local nonprofit organizations including schools, libraries, food pantries and counseling centers representing ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's commitment to community service. for more information.
Campus walking tours and open houses, 2 - 6 p.m.
For months, ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ has been readying the campus for Centennial guests. Take a hard hat tour of the new Harold Clark Simmons building, understand brainstorming at the Deason Innovation Gym in Caruth Hall, step into ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's new residence life concept at a residential commons and explore a labyrinth at Perkins School of Theology on afternoon walking tours and open houses all over campus highlighting what's new at ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ. English and pre-med graduates, don't miss special opportunities to honor faculty legends, Willard Spiegelman and the late Harold Jeskey. Click here for more information.
Reunion Class Parties
The reunion classes of '75, '80, '85, '90, '00, '05 and '10 will reminisce, reacquaint and reconnect at parties throughout Dallas. for more information.
Pigskin Revue, McFarlin Auditorium, 8:15 p.m.
The Mighty Mustang Band's annual legendary Big Band-style musical performance featuring singing, dancing and comedy performed by ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ students, this year performed with a centennial flair. Click here for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Tailgating on the Boulevard
Everyone has a tailgating spot on the Boulevard. Look for tents for law, business, education, engineering, arts, science or humanities students and alumni, sports fans and alumni. Don't miss the 3 p.m. Homecoming parade, special activities for kids and toe-tapping performances by the Mustang Band.
ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Mustangs vs. James Madison University Dukes, Ford Stadium, 6 p.m.
Cheer on the Mustangs during Coach Chad Morris' inaugural season, witness the most spectacular half-time show in ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ history and stay for the celebratory centennial fireworks show. Happy birthday ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ! ay
Centennial Exhibitions
In honor of Meadows Museum’s 50th anniversary see Spanish art collected over 500 years by the Alba family, part of the most important aristocratic lineages in Europe. Included are works by Titian, Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, Ingres, Renoir and Chagall. The show runs Sept. 11 through Jan. 3. Also: Oct. 10 marks the museum’s first , with family friendly art activities, food and wine tastings, music, dance and more. .; or 214-768-2516.
See fashion design sketches from 1933-42 by philanthropist and legendary hostess Nancy Hamon from the Jake and Nancy Hamon papers in the Hamon Arts Library, celebrating its 25th anniversary. The show runs Sept. 25 through Dec. 13. .; or 214.768.2894.
Check out ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ’s milestones and achievements in this ongoing interactive exhibit in the lower level of the Hughes-Trigg Student ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ. 3140 Dyer St.; 214-768-4444.
A special exhibition at the George W. Bush Presidential ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ (through Oct. 4) explores the relationship between U.S. presidents and the game of baseball. Exhibits and artifacts pertaining to the Bush presidency also are on display. ; or 214-200-4300.
Sunday, Sept. 27
Black Alumni Worship Service
ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Pride Mini-Reunion Brunch
Black Alumni of ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ Brunch
For more information about ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ’s Centennial Celebration visit .
Homecoming Photos
Family Fun The Boulevard The Parade
The Spirit
The Revelers
Football
Vintage Photos
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