VSU Celebrates Homecoming 80s Style

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University will celebrate Homecoming: The Blazin’ 80s Oct. 17-23, and all students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and friends of Blazer Nation are encouraged to join the fun.

“One of the great joys I have as interim president is found in Homecoming Week, where we welcome our alumni back to the campus,” shared Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of VSU. “There’s something special about seeing our graduates return to rekindle friendships, make new friends who share a common bond across any number of years, and spend time ‘home’ again on this campus — all as stakeholders in a shared legacy that supports, challenges, and inspires our current students to achieve well beyond whatever they imagined they could achieve in college. Upon graduation they, too, will join the alumni base of this institution, making it ever stronger.  

“We think we have a fun-filled week prepared for our current students and a weekend stacked with events for the returning alumni. The schedule for the entire week can be found below.

“I hope to see many of you at the week’s events, and as always, it’s a great day to be a Blazer.”

Journey for the Cube

What: Student Life will hide Rubik’s Cubes all over campus and will post clues to the secret locations on social media. Winners will receive a prize each day and be entered into a drawing for the grand prize at the end of the week during the Rubik’s Groove Concert. Students interested in joining the fun should follow Student Life @vsu_studentlife on Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.

When: All day and night Oct. 17-21

Where: Anywhere on campus

Target Population: VSU students

Cost: Participation is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Kick Off Event and Sheet Sign Competition

What: VSU kicks off Homecoming Week with carnival–style activities, blow-ups, games, hot dogs, and more.

When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17

Where: Front lawn

Target Population: VSU students

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

“We the Beast” Opening Reception

What: “We the Beast” is a collaborative project between Patrick Vincent and Lauren Kinney. The two artists explore animal mythology, pattern, and space through woodcut printmaking. These works are ever evolving as a hybrid of Vincent's investigation in animal symbolism and Kinney's surreal, graphic storytelling.

When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17

Where: Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/art/gallery/welcome.php

Brass Ensembles

What: The concert includes a wide variety of musical styles and all brass studios  —trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba, and euphonium.

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17

Where: Whitehead Auditorium

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/music/calendar/welcome.php  

Wild Adventures

What: Current VSU students will have the entire theme park all to themselves on this night

When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18

Where: Wild Adventures Theme Park

Target Population: VSU students

Cost: Admission is free to students with a valid VSU 1Card.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Blazin’ Downtown Throw-Down

What: This event features performances by the Blazin’ Brigade, the VSU cheerleaders, and the Red Hots; food; activities for kids; and fun for all ages. The downtown merchants will battle to see who has the most spirited storefronts, and Blazer fans can vote for their favorite. Merchants will also offer a number of specials and discounts to VSU Blazer fans wearing red and black.

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18

Where: Courthouse lawn

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

KnockerBall Competition

What: Teams of three or four players will enjoy a laughter-filled evening of full contact bubble soccer

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19

Where: Front lawn

Target Population: VSU students

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Black Light Pep Rally

What: Blazer fans of all ages are invited to celebrate Blazer Nation with the VSU football team, cheerleaders, Red Hots, Blazin’ Brigade, Blaze, and more.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20

Where: P.E. Complex

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Lip Sync Competition

What: This is where VSU demonstrates that it has talent. Student organizations prepare all year long to dazzle at this annual event.

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20

Where: P.E. Complex

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Alumni and Friends Annual Golf Tournament

What: This event is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. All players will receive a commemorative golf shirt, lunch, and drinks. Mulligans, dress-ups, pro-shots, and more will be available.

When: 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Where: Stone Creek Golf Club

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: $100 individual/$400 team; registration required

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

Distinguished Alumni Dinner

What: VSU will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of its outstanding alumni. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a gourmet farm-to-table meal. Reservations are requested, as this is a limited seating engagement.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Where: University Center Magnolia Room

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: $35 per person

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

Rubik’s Groove 80s Concert

What: This band is known for its “Out of the Box” live 80s dance parties. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, coolers, and a truckload of friends for a night of fun.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Where: Front lawn

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

Homecoming Parade

What: Featuring floats from student organizations and local businesses, special guests, the Blazin’ Brigade, and more, this annual tradition is about bringing the campus and community together to celebrate VSU and Blazer Nation.

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Area around main campus

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674.

Blazer Nation Tailgate Competition

What: The Valdosta Chapter of the Alumni Association has challenged alumni to show off their best tailgating skills, decorations, and team spirit. Tailgates will be assessed based on creativity, atmosphere, food, and Blazer pride. The 2016 VSU Tailgate Champion will receive prizes and be recognized during halftime.

When: Judging begins at noon Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge, but competitors must register to participate in the tailgate competition.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

Alumni Tailgate

What: The Alumni Association has secured a prime tailgate area and will have barbecue, drinks, live entertainment, tailgating shenanigans, games, free swag, and more for alumni and their families to enjoy before the big game. Alumni are encouraged to bring their tents, tailgate gear, chairs, or blankets to join the tailgating fun.

When: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street

Target Population: VSU alumni

Cost: Admission is free of charge. Big Nick’s barbecue plates will be available for $5. Reservations are requested.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

Blazer Walk

What: All are welcome to join Blaze, the VSU cheerleaders, the Red Hots, and more in cheering the football team and coaches on to victory as they make their way into the stadium.

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

More: Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5674

VSU Blazers vs. Delta State

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Admission is $18 for reserved seats, $10 for adult general admission seats, $5 for youth and senior citizen general admission seats, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card.

More: http://www.vstateblazers.com/sports/2010/9/29/GEN_0929101821.aspx?tab=ticketofficeinfopurchasetickets&path=ticket or call (229) 333-SEAT

Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show

What: This event features performances by National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek organizations and raises funds for various programs provided by the Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as well as the chapter’s Alpha Phi Alpha Memorial Scholarship Endowment.

When: 7:06 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: P.E. Complex

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at the door.

More: http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/homecoming/welcome.php or call (229) 333-5797

Blazer Volleyball vs. University of West Georgia

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23

Where: P.E. Complex

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card.

More: http://www.vstateblazers.com/sports/2010/9/29/GEN_0929101821.aspx?tab=ticketofficeinfopurchasetickets&path=ticket or call (229) 333-SEAT

VSU Repertory Dancers

What: Selections for this performance include a portion of PIHOS, a biography that details events from the life of Pete Pihos, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame; work by guest choreographer Erin La Sala; and styles ranging from musical theatre jazz to modern. VSU choreographers for the concert include Sarah Wildes Arnett, Olin Davidson, and Melissa Pihos.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23

Where: Sawyer Theatre in the Fine Arts Building

Target Population: VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university

Cost: Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for senior adults, $11 for non-VSU students, $10 for groups of 10 or more, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card.

More: Call the VSU Theatre and Dance Box Office at (229) 333-5973 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday or visit https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=9073#.V_Zw4iMrI60 seven days a week to purchase tickets.