Homecoming celebration starts next week

Homecoming celebration starts next week

St. Thomas alumni and students alike look forward to the university’s annual homecoming-reunion celebration next week.

Student barbecue: STAR kicks off the festivities at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, with a backyard barbecue behind Grace Hall. Students are invited to bring a blanket, Frisbee and friends for free food and fun.

Coronation, pep fest, concert: The weekend events get under way on Friday, Oct. 14, with the coronation of homecoming royalty at 5:30 p.m. in Coughlan Field House. The homecoming pep fest follows, featuring UST's cheer and dance teams, games and giveaways at 6 p.m. The popular Canadian group Emerson Drive, known for "country music with attitude," will give an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. in Foley Plaza.

Homecoming parade: The traditional homecoming parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, along Summit Avenue between Fry Street and Cretin Avenue. Watch for floats by student organizations and neighborhood businesses, music by area school bands and, of course, the St. Thomas mascot, “Tommie.”

Kids are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes or wagons and ride in the parade, too. Streamers and balloons will be provided. Children and their parents should arrive at the corner of Summit and Cleveland avenues at 10 a.m. The little ones will join the parade on Summit from Cleveland to Cretin avenues.

Food festival: The annual “Taste of Saints” food fest will feature treats served by more than 40 student clubs and organizations. It’s a good place to have lunch before the football game and lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, on the main campus quadrangle. There are children’s activities and live music, too. The public is welcome.

Football game: The Tommies take on the Royals of Bethel University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, on Palmer Field at St. Thomas’ O’Shaughnessy Stadium. Gates open at noon. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free to UST students, faculty and staff with ID.

Homecoming dance: Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 10, for the annual homecoming dance, which begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Coughlan Field House. The dance ends at 1 a.m. Tickets are $5 per student and $10 per guest (one admitted per UST ID). The theme is "city meets country," so wear your favorite city or country attire.

After the dance, head over to the Student Dining Room in Murray-Herrick Campus Center for the annual homecoming pancake breakfast. The All College Council will host the breakfast for all Tommies and their guests from midnight to 2 a.m.

Homecoming-Reunion Mass: University friends and neighbors are welcome to join the St. Thomas community for Sunday worship. Mass begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas.

For more information about UST homecoming and reunion activities, call STAR, (651) 962-6136, or the St. Thomas Alumni Association, (651) 962-6430.