“Century Long, Griffon Strong” is the theme of Missouri Western State University’s Homecoming celebration, commemorating the centennial of Missouri Western’s founding in 1915. Events are scheduled Oct. 11-17.

As a special treat during this centennial year, Homecoming festivities will start with a fireworks show open to the public at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, with viewing on Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. People can sit in the stands to view the show, or may bring blankets to sit on the field.

An annual Homecoming highlight is the parade in downtown St. Joseph. It will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. Floats will line up at Frederick and Union Streets, they will proceed down Frederick and will be joined by the Golden Griffon Marching Band and area high school bands at City Hall. The parade will go west from City Hall on Frederick and Francis Streets, then south on Sixth Street, and east on Felix to Tenth Street, where the parade will end.

Student organizations will participate in a variety of contests during the week, including a hunt for Max the Griffon on Monday, a lip sync battle and karaoke on Tuesday, Griff-elodeon on Thursday and a pep rally and dance contest on Friday. Organizations that accumulate the most points will be announced at the football game Saturday.

Other Homecoming activities include:

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Community Blood Center Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hoff Conference Rooms, Blum 218-219. Drop in, or schedule an appointment by going to savealifenow.org and entering sponsor code “MWSU.”

Friday, Oct. 16

Alumni Golf Tournament, 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. shotgun start, Fairview Golf Course. Cost is $45 per person or $180 for a team of four; includes greens fees, cart and a boxed lunch. Advanced paid registration is required by calling 816-271-5646.

33rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet, 5:45 p.m. reception, 6:15 p.m. dinner, Fulkerson Center. The cost is $30 per person. Advanced registration is required by calling 816-271-5646. This year’s honorees are:

  • Herb ’35 & Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University – Mayor Bill Falkner
  • GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) – Elijah Haahr ’05, Missouri State representative for the 134th District (Springfield); Seth ’08 & Kelsey ’08 Lyons, First Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company Franchisees
  • Distinguished Alumni – Dr. Ken Rosenauer ’74, Professor of English Emeritus; Larry Stobbs ’74, Former Mayor of St. Joseph and local philanthropist; Scott Graham ’78, Retired Executive, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Col. Andrew Halter ’86, Maintenance Group Commander, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard
  • Distinguished Faculty – Don Lillie, Professor of Theatre, Cinema and Dance (Posthumous)

Saturday, Oct. 17

Homecoming Parade, 9:30, downtown St. Joseph

Arts, Beats & Treats, 10:30 a.m., Remington Hall atrium. Bring the kids after the parade for Missouri Western’s birthday party, including several craft projects and games, an obstacle course, balloon creations, Planetarium shows and more.

School of Fine Arts Reunion & Centennial Alumni Exhibit, 10:30 a.m., Potter Hall. If your degree is in Art, Music, or Cinema, Theatre and Dance, this is YOUR Reunion. Meet Dean Bob Willenbrink, hear about the Potter Hall project, tour the Centennial Alumni Art Exhibit and catch up with classmates.

Homecoming Tailgate, 11 a.m., Parking Lot H (in front of Baker Family Fitness Center)

Football game vs. Washburn, 2 p.m., Craig Field at Spratt Stadium. At halftime, alumni are invited to parade on the field.

The Homecoming Royalty Court will preside over the week’s activities, with the King and Queen crowned during a pep rally and dance contest for students Friday evening. Candidates are:

King: Alec Smith, Liberty, Missouri; Branislav Tadic, Kansas City, Missouri; Connor Samenus, Kansas City, Missouri; Kyle Kendall, St. Joseph; and Reyhan Wilkinson, St. Joseph.

Queen: Charmaine Banez, Unionville, Missouri; Chevy Ingebritson, Huntsville, Missouri; Ida Haefner, Hillboro, Missouri; Jordan Chohon, Columbus, Nebraska; Ljubica Basic, Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.