Homecoming 2015 at Jackson State University is off to a roaring start as the Tigers prepare to clash with Arkansas-Pine Bluff for the Big Game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in JSU Veterans Memorial Stadium. The week will culminate with a Gospel extravaganza featuring BET’s “All-Star Sunday Best” winner and JSU alum Dathan Thigpen, with a special guest performance by Grammy winner Tye Tribbett at 3 p.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center on the main campus.
Throughout this week, students, faculty, alumni, staff and supporters will converge on campus and settle throughout the city for a slew of activities to celebrate the institution’s reputation for scholastic and sports achievements and its legacy as a premier HBCU. JSU’s 138th Founders’ Day festivities will spotlight its rich history, with JSU alum and state Sen. Derrick Simmons (District 12) as the featured speaker.
Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, said, “We are all so excited about Homecoming activities, and we look forward to celebrating this great institution that has endured for 138 years.”
Weeklong activities kicked off Saturday, Oct. 17, with a Homecoming concert that spotlighted Atlanta rap artist K Camp, best known for his 2014 single “Cut Her Off.” This was followed by a Sunday worship service hosted by New Jerusalem Church.
Upcoming events include:
- Oct. 21: Comedy show featuring Lav Luv, Yohance Collins and Sean Larkins, 7 p.m. in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium ($5 admission)
- Oct. 22: JSU’s observance of its 138th Founders’ Day celebration, with state Sen. Derrick Simmons (District 12) at 10 a.m. on the Gibbs-Green Walkway
- Oct. 23: Alumni Day Party, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Tiger Park
- Oct. 23: Homecoming Greek Show, 6 p.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center ($10 admission)
- Oct. 24: Homecoming Parade, featuring the Sonic Boom and area bands, starts at 8 a.m. on the JSU Campus, with U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson serving as the grand marshal
- Oct. 24: Homecoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 2 p.m. in JSU Veterans Memorial Stadium
- Oct. 25: Gospel concert featuring Thigpen and Tribbett, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center ($10 admission)
Previous activities included:
- Oct. 19: High-energy foam rave party on the lawn of the John A. People Building
- Oct. 20: Explosive Street Jam with throngs of students inundating the arteries leading to the JSU Recreational Complex
For more information and a full listing of events, visit www.jsums.edu/homecoming.