October 07, 2013

Homecoming 2013 events unleash fun, excitement

by Joaquin Norman

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale will unleash fun, excitement and Saluki pride during 10 days of Homecoming 2013 festivities that start this week.

“Unleash the Legend” activities begin with an American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Student Center, Lentz Hall and Grinnell Hall.  The events continue through Oct. 19 with a homecoming parade, alumni tailgate and Saluki football against North Dakota State.

Online voting for the Homecoming king and queen starts Thursday, Oct. 10, and continues until 8 a.m. Oct. 17. 

The Homecoming Week kickoff is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at the north entrance of the Student Center. Other events during the week include a University Press book sale, step show, 42nd annual Miss Eboness Pageant, and the movie “Grown Ups 2.”  A reunion brunch for the SIU Class of 1963 is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18 in the Student Center Old Main Lounge.

SIU alumnus and retired United Airlines captain William Norwood will lead the Homecoming parade.  The parade begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and Mill Street and concludes at the Student Center.

The gridiron Salukis will square off against conference foe North Dakota State at 2 p.m. in Saluki Stadium.  The annual SIU Alumni Tailgate, sponsored by the SIU Alumni Association, precedes the game from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saluki Row. 

The complete Homecoming schedule, court candidate details and online voting, along with additional information, are available at homecoming.siu.edu/ or by calling 618/536-3393.