In the previous year, the Student Alumni Board and Associated Student Government were proud to present the schedule of events for the 2011 “Journey Through the Decades” Homecoming for the Nov. 5th game against South Carolina. Over the course of the summer and throughout the fall, both student organizations partnered together to create an improved homecoming experience for the university. The organizations were inspired to incorporate a form of philanthropy and alumni involvement in almost every event.
The Student Alumni Board kicked off Homecoming by having student organizations participate in Make a Difference Day and Campus Beautification. This opportunity allowed the students to volunteer for points as well as help the community. The SAB and ASG organizations also helped kick off homecoming by having “Hot Dogs with Head Hogs” in which Chancellor Dr. G. David Gearhart and alumni staff came to campus to serve hot dogs and to provide giveaways to students. The homecoming week continued by having a cook-off event titled “Tusk Tuesday” in which student organizations competed to win the best chili and donated leftover food to the Seven Hills Homeless Shelter.
The Student Alumni Board also partnered with the American Red Cross for its traditional Homecoming Blood Drive in which 1,300 donations were received. The organization continued to branch out as it also partnered with the on campus Food Pantry to host the event “Hogs Through the Decades.” This event encouraged student organizations to create hogs to display and competed for the most change donated toward their hogs. This event raised $5,485.56 for the Food Pantry donation in which the SAB Directors received the Mace Award for community service.
The homecoming week was a success as it ended with the traditional pep rally and parade in which previous Alumni Homecoming Queens were a part of and Student Alumni Board’s own Director of Operations Holly Hilburn was crowned as the 2011 Homecoming Queen. Incorporating philanthropy and further involvement with student organizations as well as alumni created a great homecoming experience for the university.
