Tiger Takeover: A Blue World Order was the theme of the 2016 Jackson State University Homecoming and truly personified the events that took place.
Beginning with the Founders’ Day celebration on Oct. 20, Dillard University alumnae, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, delivered a Founders’ Day address that audience members will not soon forget.
Alumni from all corners of the United States came to pay homage to their dear ole college home at the annual celebration that held several events in honor of the University’s rich history.
“This year’s homecoming was more organized than any other years I’ve attended after graduating. It was an awesome experience, just like a big family reunion,” said LaKeshia Sutton, alumnae from Jackson, Miss.
Although morale had been low early in the week due to the announcement of the resignation of JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers followed by the cancellation of the much anticipated concert which was to feature rap artists Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, students, faculty, staff, alumni and JSU fans all came together to celebrate and embrace our rich heritage.
The second annual Alumni Block Party welcomed many in state and out-of-state alumni who came to mingle and celebrate.
Sutton said, “I love celebrating Homecoming, it is always such a great time.”
The popular Street Jam and Carnival event provided and opportunity for campus organizations to raise money-selling food, drinks, and providing other services that support their organization financially. Music and games were also played to provide entertainment for the event.
Tory Patterson, a junior math major from Chicago Ill., attended the event.
“This is a good time for us to support organizations and eat some good food at the same time,” said Patterson.
The Street Jam was not only an event for students, but faculty and alumni as well got a chance to partake in the occasion.
Marc Jones, and alum from Houston, Texas said, “I think the Street Jam is a wonderful event and it gives organizations and students, old and new, a chance to come together.”
On Oct. 27, the royal coronation of Destiney Lawrence, Miss JSU 2016-2017 took place, as JSU honored its queen.
Tanesha Love, a sophomore chemistry major from Grenada, Miss., was awed by the spectacular event.
“It was a beautiful, the ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme. Miss Destiney Lawrence was crowned our campus queen and she seemed excited to take the throne. Our former JSU queen placed the crown on her head. I did enjoy myself,” said Love.
On Friday, the campus hosted a Yard Fest and Pep rally that showcased local vendors from the Jackson area as well as food, music, alumni and Greek participation and the popular Sonic Boom of the South marching band. Other highlights included the alumni vs. undergrad stroll off, and crowd hyping from cheerleaders.
William Owens, a 2015-2016 alum from Jackson, Miss said, “It’s always good to come back. JSU is full of culture and history.”
Saturday, the baseball team hosted its annual Homecoming Alumni Game at the Robert “Bob” Braddy Baseball Field.
Every year members from the Jackson State baseball alumni come back to reminiscence about the good times on the field and well as the chance to scrimmage against the current Jackson State baseball team.
Notable alumni members that were in attendance were former teammates Theodore Hassan, a graduate of the College of Business from Atlanta, Ga. and Gary Thomas II, a graduate of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology from Meridian, Miss. The teammates won back-to-back SWAC championships in 2013 and 2014.
“We will always be remembered for the championships we won at Jackson State and to come back here today brought back so many great memories,” said Hassan.
The game was filled with an hour and a half of excitement, laughter and competiveness from both teams. It ended in a close battle with the current Jackson State baseball team beating the alumni by a few runs.
On Oct. 29, the day began with an early morning parade that boasted a parade route around Tiger co
untry for the second year in a row. The parade circled campus starting at the end of the Lynch Street roundabout and on around the Dalton/Lynch Street side of campus. Parade-goers lined the Robert Smith Parkway as organization floats, local and out-of-state bands and drill teams entertained with enthusiasm and energy. But of course, all waited patiently for the Sonic Boom of the South to bring up the rear of the parade with thrilling performances from the JSettes included.
Sunday’s Basketball Madness event showcased the talent of the current women and men’s basketball teams. Entertainment from the Dance Ensemble, a slam-dunk contest, scrimmages, performances from The Sonic Boom of the South and a tug-of-war competition sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. kicked off Dynamite week.
The most anticipated part about that weekend for most JSU suppo
rters of course was the football game. This year the Tigers faced off against the Prairie View A&M Panthers. Although the game ended with a loss for JSU 21-14, fans in attendance stayed till the end to root the Tigers on.
“It was really fun and I really felt the school spirit heavily throughout the campus. I am excited for next year,” said Kalee Maricle, transfer biology major, from Aurora, Colo.
Gwendolyn Lawson was also pleased with the Homecoming festivities.
“Homecoming was awesome. I come every year and it just keeps getting better and better,” said Lawson, an alumni from Chicago, Ill.
This story was written by MC301 Contributors: Brittany Bullock, Cornelius Copeland, Kendria Haley, Demond Lewis, Jasmine Parham, and Jonet’ Washington.
Photos by William H. Kelly III and Michael Ware II .
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