Alexis Anderson and
Sycreis Wilson
Staff Writers
Traditionally, homecoming is a special time at Jackson State University, and this year was no exception. With the theme, “Celebrating the Legacy of JSU,” a week of activities brought students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Jackson community together. Along with traditional events such as Coronation, a comedy show and Greek show, other activities included a play, worship service and student talent and fashion shows.
One of the most popular events was Street Jam, a block party given by JSU student organizations for fun, fellowship and fundraising.
Radrika Henderson, a freshman psychology major from Canton, Miss. said, “I felt like homecoming was embracing for the school and it revealed the positive impact it had on the alumni, students, faculty, and staff. My favorite activity during homecoming was Street Jam. Next year, I would like to see more of the student body interacting with each other for homecoming.”
Shakala Washington, a freshman business administration major from Jackson, Miss. and Mariah Wells, a freshman mass communications major from Moss Point, Miss. both said they enjoyed Street Jam. “I liked homecoming this year and my favorite activity was Street Jam. There should be more free events for the students for homecoming next year,” said Wells.
Kenya Lee, a junior criminal justice major from Memphis, Tenn., said. “I really liked Street Jam; it was the bomb! The school should have Street Jam every night next year.”
Ashley Arterberry, a sophomore accounting major from Jackson, Miss. Said. “I felt like homecoming was a great experience, the activities were enjoyable, and my favorite activity was the Greek show.”
Zaid Muhammad, a freshman pre-nursing major from Memphis, TN., said, “I enjoyed homecoming this year. My favorite activities were decorating the float and the comedy show. I would like for the school to have more interesting activities for homecoming next year.”
Mea Ashley, a senior mass communication major from Jackson, Miss. and the current Miss JSU said. “This year, homecoming was different for me, because I wasn’t in the band, so I got a chance to participate in the activities this year. My favorite activity was the Coronation. My favorite part about the coronation was that my older sister performed for me. I wasn’t expecting her to be there, because she lives in New York, attending graduate school. Next year, I think there should be more competitions for students to show school pride. ”
Tierra Lewis, a freshman elementary education major from Memphis, Tenn., also considered Coronation her favorite event. “It was nice and Mea (Ashley) spoke very well.”
Fashion show host Toccarra Jones impressed Giahanna Bridges. “I liked the host Toccorra and thought the performances were very well done,” said the freshman political science major from Jackson, Miss.
For Brandon Rucker, a freshman psychology major from Biloxi, Miss., winning the football game was good, but meeting his sister was great. “The band was great and I met my sister for the first time,” he stated.
Some students had suggestions for next year’s homecoming.
Cory Johnson, a junior computer major from Sunflower, Miss. said: “There should have been more activities throughout the week and the school should have decorated more. Most of the events should have been free for the students.”
Kimberly Yarvrongh, a freshman finance major from Memphis, Tenn., stated: “I thought the school could’ve had theme days for each day of the week.”
Vice President for Student Life and chair of the Homecoming Committee Marcus Chanay said he thought the 2011 homecoming week was a success. “This year’s homecoming celebration was excellent. All the events were well attended. I was especially glad to see the huge number of alumni who were on campus Friday, the Greek show was packed to capacity and everyone came out to the parade,” stated Chanay. “We truly did have a celebration of the JSU legacy.”
Students and others will have to opportunity to comment on the 2011 homecoming week activities via an online survey to be conducted by the Office of Student Life in the coming weeks; the information obtained will be used in planning future homecoming events.
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