MSU celebrates 2018 Homecoming Oct. 8-13

By Carol Schmidt - Montana State University News Service

BOZEMAN – Montana State University will celebrate this year’s homecoming with a salute to its 125th anniversary and an expanded slate of events set for Oct. 8-13.

The theme of the MSU 2018 Homecoming is “Celebrating 125 Years of Vim.” This year’s celebration has broadened to include more activities for both students and alumni and a new format for choosing Homecoming ambassadors, organizers said.

“In this 125th anniversary year of MSU, we honor past traditions and create new ones,” said Katelyn Gaffri, ASMSU student director of spirit and traditions.

Chelsey Wilson of MSU’s Office of Student Engagement explained that 2018 MSU Homecoming ambassadors will be judged on three platforms: involvement, leadership and service. A winning candidate in each platform will be selected by students and announced at the homecoming football game. Highlights of the candidates’ work in each platform will appear in bios published on the Office of Student Engagement’s Homecoming website.

Homecoming events begin Monday, Oct. 8, with a book signing and a lecture by MSU history professor Robert Rydell, who wrote MSU’s 125th anniversary history, “Democracy by Degrees.” The week will conclude with the MSU vs. Eastern Washington volleyball game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in Shroyer Gym. The days between offer an array of events that will engage and entertain students, alumni and members of the community, Wilson said.

A complete schedule of MSU Homecoming events follows by date, time and location:

Monday, Oct. 8

Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, noon, Malone Centennial Mall.

“Democracy by Degrees” book release honoring MSU’s 125th anniversary. Lecture by author Robert Rydell at 4:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Rockies’ Hager Auditorium followed by a reception and a book signing in the lobby.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

MSU offices decorating contest, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Various offices across campus

Residence halls decorating contest, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All residence halls across campus

Rocking R Bar Homecoming bingo, 7 p.m. Downtown Bozeman, Rocking R Bar

Wednesday, Oct. 10

Homecoming barbecue, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Malone Centennial Mall

Glow Zumba, 7 p.m., SUB Ballrooms

Lighting of the M, 8 p.m., Mount Baldy

Thursday, Oct. 11

Hello Walk, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Malone Centennial Mall

Climbing wall grand opening, 4 p.m., Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center

Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship Homecoming awards, 4 p.m., Risa Scott Collaboration Lab, Jabs Hall Room 207

Free bouldering clinics, 5 p.m., Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center

Climbing competition, 6 p.m., Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center

Homecoming Block Party Carnival, 6-10 p.m., Hedges

GO CATS lighting, 9 p.m., Hedges

Friday, Oct. 12

President's Homecoming Breakfast and Blue & Gold Awards, 8 a.m., SUB Ballrooms

College of Nursing Homecoming awards, 10:30 a.m., Leigh Lounge

College of Agriculture Homecoming awards, 1:30 p.m., 138 Animal Bioscience Building

College of Arts and Architecture Homecoming awards, 3 p.m., Helen E. Copeland Gallery

Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, 3 p.m., SUB Ballroom A

Honors College Homecoming awards, 3 p.m., Procrastinator Theater

College of Letters and Science Homecoming Awards, 4 p.m., Leigh Lounge

Alumni Friday at the Rocking R Bar, 4 p.m., Rocking R Bar, downtown Bozeman

Alumni fraternity and sorority social, 5 p.m., Rocking R Bar, downtown Bozeman

Pep rally, 5:30 p.m., Willson and Main, downtown Bozeman

Saturday, Oct. 13

Chorale recital, 9:30 a.m., Holy Rosary Church, downtown Bozeman

Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m., Eighth and Main, downtown Bozeman

Homecoming candidate photos with community, 10:30 a.m., Soroptomist Park, Rouse and Main

Alumni Foundation Homecoming tailgate, $25/person to attend. RSVP required. 11:30 a.m., Kagy Practice Field

MSU football vs. University of Idaho, 2 p.m., Bobcat Stadium

Half-time Homecoming ambassadors announced, 3 p.m., Bobcat Stadium

MSU volleyball vs. Eastern Washington, 7 p.m. Shroyer Gym

A complete schedule of MSU Alumni Foundation Homecoming events can be found here.

A list of information about Homecoming reunion groups can be found here.

More information about ASMSU-sponsored Homecoming events and Homecoming ambassadors is available online at http://www.montana.edu/Homecoming/.

-cs-