Henderson gears up for homecoming

Henderson State University will celebrate homecoming beginning Oct. 16, culminating Oct. 19 with the crowning of the 2019 homecoming queen and a key conference football game against East Central Oklahoma.

The 2019 theme is “All Roads Lead to Henderson.”

A highlight of homecoming week will be the inaugural Academic Reunion, where alumni can catch up with former and current faculty and fellow alumni. The reunion starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Garrison Center Grand Ballroom.

“The Office of Development and Alumni invites everyone to Henderson’s homecoming activities,” said Leah Sexton, director of alumni engagement. “It will be a week full of exciting events for students, alumni, and friends of the university.

“We hope everyone can tailgate and make it to the game to cheer on the Reddies,” Sexton said. “We’re excited for this year’s activities, and we are looking forward to welcoming back Reddies for homecoming.”

Homecoming events include:

Wednesday, Oct. 16

  • Voting for homecoming court begins.

  • Cardboard Boat Regatta, 7 p.m., Wells swimming pool

Thursday, Oct. 17

  • Homecoming bonfire and pep rally, 7:30 p.m., behind Caplinger Aviation Science Center

  • Phi Lambda Chi Drumbeat, live entertainment, and food venders, immediately following pep rally

Friday, Oct. 18

  • 20th Annual Homecoming 4-person Golf Scramble, 11 a.m., DeGray Lake Resort Golf Course

  • 60th reunion of the 1959 AIC Championship Football Team at Camp Winnamocka. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.

  • Homecoming banquet honoring Outstanding Black Alumni, 6-8 p.m. in the Garrison Center Grand Ballroom

  • Greater Hot Springs Alumni Social, 6:30-8 p.m., at Bubba Brew’s Sports Pub and Grill

  • Alumni social featuring DJ Uncle Jams at 8:30 p.m. at the Family Enrichment Community Center

Saturday, Oct. 19

  • Black Alumni Chapter meeting, 8:30 a.m., Garrison Cabe Room

  • Golden Reddie Induction and Breakfast, 9 a.m., Garrison Banquet Room

  • Campus tours, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m., starting on the Quad

  • Homecoming Academic Reunion, 10-11:30 a.m., Garrison Center Ballroom

  • Old Haygood Field Plaque Dedication, noon, Caplinger Aviation Science Center south lawn

  • Homecoming Tailgate and pre-game activities, noon, Duke Wells Complex and Carpenter-Haygood Stadium

  • Homecoming Football Kickoff: Henderson State vs. East Central

  • 60th Reunion of the 1959 AIC Championship Football Team Saturday Social, Camp Winnamocka. Happy Hour starts at 5 p.m., followed by hors d’eouvres

  • 50th Reunion of the 1969 AIC Championship Football Team, cheerleaders and friends, following the football game, and Slim and Shorty’s. Dutch treat.

  • Greek Step Show, 7 p.m., Arkansas Hall

  • Alumni Social featuring One Call Band with Crissy P & DJ Nick Hud, 9 p.m., Community Family Enrichment Center

Sunday, Oct. 20

  • Morning Worship with Angelic Voices of Christ at Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church.

For more details about Henderson homecoming, go to hsu.edu/homecoming.