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Homecoming activities will get underway on Monday, Oct. 6, and continue through Saturday, Oct. 11, engaging current students and employees and bringing alumni back to campus and the community.
The schedule includes:
Royalty voting will open online at noon for students with Pitt State credentials.
Homecoming Kickoff — an event just for Pitt State students — will run from 5 to 7 p.m. in Gorilla Village; activities include stuff-a-gorilla, rides, games, and fun. Complimentary food will be provided by University Police and Public Safety. Rain site: Plaster Center from 7 to 9 p.m.
Pitt State students will join in an evening of fierce competition in the Jungle Jump Volleyball Tournament starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Weede. Teams will battle it out on the court to claim the title of Jungle Champions. Community members, alumni, employees, and family members are welcome to show their support from the stands.
A long-held tradition, raft races will be held at 5 p.m. at University Lake, 409 E. Ford, for two-person teams representing student organizations. Everyone is welcome to watch the races, and lawn chairs are encouraged.
A three-day International Alumni Homecoming Reunion kicks off with a social hour. It continues on Friday and Saturday with a variety of activities including guided tours of some of the newest campus facilities, meals, and more.
Recipients of the Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award – Caleb J. Hays and DePrice Taylor – and the GOLD Alumni Award – James G. Saltat and Valquíria Vita – will be recognized at a reception at 2 p.m. and program beginning at 2:15 p.m. in the Wilkinson Alumni Center. It is open to the public.
The long-running Yell Like Hell continues. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at Carnie Smith Stadium (rain site: John Lance Arena in the Garfield Weede Building) and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m. The Homecoming Court will also be announced. Families, alumni, employees, and community members are welcome to show their support from the stands.
New this year: a Pitt State Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally open to everyone at approximately 8 p.m., immediately following Yell Like Hell. Hear from fall sport athletes, cheer on high-energy performances by the cheer and dance teams, enjoy music from Pride of the Plains Marching Band, and eat food from local food trucks.
Pitt State Cheer Alumni Reunion is planned for Friday and Saturday and includes social time, a dinner, and a dedicated tailgate area. For more details, email alumni@pittstate.edu
Perhaps the oldest of Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming Parade will be held in Downtown Pittsburg starting at 9 a.m.
It will feature bands, floats, and other parade entries from Pittsburg and surrounding towns. New Pitt State President Thomas Newsom and his wife, Vicky, will be featured, as well as royalty past and present, and alumni award winners.
The parade route extends along Broadway from 11th and Broadway to Second Street. Parking is available in free public lots and on side streets surrounding the area.
GorillaFest will open at 11 a.m. in Gorilla Village east of Carnie Smith Stadium with a variety of food trucks, bounce houses, and live music. Gorilla Walk and Pep Rally will begin at 12:45 p.m. and will include entertainment by the Pride of the Plains Marching Band and the Pitt State cheer and dance teams.
The football game will kick off at 2 p.m., with the Gorillas hosting the University of Sioux Falls. Tickets: Free to university employees and students with ID. They may be picked up in person at the Ticket Office in the Weede Building. The public may purchase tickets in person, or by calling 620-235-4796, or online at pittstate.edu/tickets
