to show community pride

Published Oct. 20, 1999

With the approach of Troy State University’s Homecoming on Saturday, Troy citizens are gearing up for a good time. Not only is this a chance to welcome back former Trojans – it is a time for our community to come together to celebrate the university’s contributions to the city.

The celebration is designed to be enjoyed by everyone in Pike County, and not just people associated with Troy State.

Even the week’s theme of "TSU 2000: A Century Celebration" ties the university into the theme of the city’s Millennium Celebration.

It takes a lot of work to put together Homecoming events. We commend the employees and volunteers who have been working hard the past several weeks – TSU faculty, staff and students, city of Troy officials and people at the chamber – to put on the celebration. Besides their extra effort, we thank them for their work in unifying the city and the university.

In fact, the Homecoming Parade has been designated as the October Celebration for the city’s Millennium Celebration. The parade is the city and Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s way of thanking the university for its support.

Homecoming festivities start at 10 a.m. with the annual parade through Troy’s Downtown Square. The parade will feature floats made by local businesses, TSU student organizations and a performance by the "Sound of the South" Marching Band.

Tailgating officially begins at 11 a.m. Booths will offer a variety of foods. Entertainment in the tailgating area will be provided by The Fabulous Shades Band. Academic colleges’ and departments’ booths will allow alumni to visit faculty members and class members. Various alumni chapters will also have booths in the Green Davis Tailgate Terrace area.

"The Drop" an annual fundraiser for Women’s athletics will be at 1:30 p.m.

Pre-game festivities, including the crowing of the homecoming queen, will begin at 2:30 p.m. World War II veterans will also lay a memorial wreath during the pre-game ceremony.

The Homecoming Game kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m. against Southland Football League rival Sam Houston State at Richard M. Scrushy Field at Memorial Stadium.

On Saturday night, former TSU football players from the 1930s and 1940s will gather at Holiday Inn at 7:30 p.m. for the annual Elmore-Choate reunion.

On Friday night, there will be a World War II-era students’ reunion and the Wavemen get-together. The Wavemen were a popular dance band during World War II.

Troy State students have been celebrating Homecoming all this week with daily festivities on campus.

The final Homecoming Queen Election will be Wednesday, which is also 1980s Day.

The winner of the Homecoming Queen title will be announced at a pep rally in Trojan Arena at 6 p.m.

We hope everyone will turn out for the events to make this year’s TSU celebration one deserving of the last year of the millennium.