SMU celebrates 100th birthday with historic, high-spirited homecoming weekend Sept. 23-26
SMU marks its 100th birthday - and homecoming - Sept. 23-27 with festivities for the whole family.
"This promises to be the biggest Homecoming ever," says Peter Lodwick '77, '80, chair of the SMU Alumni Board. "Please join us for what is certain to be an unforgettable celebration at a unique time in SMU history. Highlights will include the new tradition of festively lighting Dallas Hall, lots of pregame family fun, special exhibits for the entire community, alumni activities galore and a fireworks extravaganza after the football game in Gerald J. Ford Stadium."
EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
Saturday, Sept. 26
- Game Day on The Boulevard Pregame festivities will feature food, beverages, fun activities for children, a reunion village and a host of festive tents.
- Homecoming Parade 3 p.m. In the SMU Centennial spirit, the parade will feature the SMU Parade of Giants, 10 towering puppets representing giants in SMU history, the 60-person Mustang Alumni Band and more than 30 former SMU Homecoming queens and kings. It also will showcase decorative student-built floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and SMU mascot Peruna. Click here for more information.
- SMU Mustangs vs. James Madison University Dukes football game/celebration 6 p.m. The “100th Birthday Salute to SMU” in Gerald J. Ford Stadium will sport the University’s largest-ever halftime show. After the game, enjoy a fireworks extravaganza. SMUMustangs.com
For more details about activities, game tickets, directions, parking and more: SMU.edu/Homecoming.
ESPECIALLY FOR SMU ALUMNI, STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF
"Hundredth on the Hilltop” Homecoming also will feature events designed just for the SMU family. Activities range from reunions, to residential commons tours, to receptions honoring favorite professors. Take part in every event or customize the weekend just for you.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Centennial Countdown Concert: The Eli Young Band with guest star Cam
SMU Program Council invites alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff to count down to SMU's 100th birthday at a high-energy performance by the Eli Young Band, Texas natives, on their nationwide "10,000 Towns" tour. The concert begins with emerging country singer and songwriter, Cam. Tickets are available. Click here for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Centennial Worship Service, 8:30 a.m., Perkins Chapel, limited seating
Perkins School of Theology is planning this celebratory service, featuring the sermon, "Centuries of Thinking and Teaching" by Perkins Dean William Lawrence. Perkins' Seminary Singers, faculty, board members, musicians and students also are participating in the service, which will open the centennial with a soaring service of worship, music and prayer.
Centennial Commemoration Ceremony, 10 a.m., McFarlin Auditorium
A celebratory bell performance featuring the SMU Carillon will introduce the commemoration. Guests will gather in McFarlin Auditorium, recently restored to its 1920s elegance and lined with 150 international flags, one for each country where an SMU alumnus resides. The SMU Wind Ensemble will perform and SMU student military veterans will present the colors. After a ceremonial procession, SMU President R. Gerald Turner will present remarks. As guests depart, they will be serenaded by celebratory peals from church bells at United Methodist churches across the state, marking SMU's centennial. Click here for more information.
Centennial Picnic, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Clements Lawn
SMU alumni, students, faculty, staff and guests are invited to attend the picnic featuring a State Fair theme to commemorate SMU's rich Texas heritage. Featuring classic State Fair of Texas fare, the fun will include carnival games and birthday greetings from none other than Big Tex. Click here for more information.
Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration, 7 p.m., SMU's Main Quad
The 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Bess Fraser Enloe '60, Donald F. Jackson '63 and Billie Ida Williamson '74, and Emerging Leader Award recipient Michael W. Waters '02, '06, '12 will be honored. Click here for more information.
Friday, Sept. 25
Centennial Stampede of Service
One hundred SMU students will participate in service projects at 10 local nonprofit organizations including schools, libraries, food pantries and counseling centers representing SMU's commitment to community service. Click here for more information.
Campus walking tours and open houses, 2 - 6 p.m.
For months, SMU has been readying the campus for Centennial guests. Take a hard hat tour of the new Harold Clark Simmons building, understand brainstorming at the Deason Innovation Gym in Caruth Hall, step into SMU's new residence life concept at a residential commons and explore a labyrinth at Perkins School of Theology on afternoon walking tours and open houses all over campus highlighting what's new at SMU. English and pre-med graduates, don't miss special opportunities to honor faculty legends, Willard Spiegelman and the late Harold Jeskey. Click here for more information.
Reunion Class Parties
The reunion classes of '75, '80, '85, '90, '00, '05 and '10 will reminisce, reacquaint and reconnect at parties throughout Dallas. Click here for more information.
Pigskin Revue, McFarlin Auditorium, 8:15 p.m.
The Mighty Mustang Band's annual legendary Big Band-style musical performance featuring singing, dancing and comedy performed by SMU students, this year performed with a centennial flair. Click here for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Tailgating on the Boulevard
Everyone has a tailgating spot on the Boulevard. Look for tents for law, business, education, engineering, arts, science or humanities students and alumni, sports fans and alumni. Don't miss the 3 p.m. Homecoming parade, special activities for kids and toe-tapping performances by the Mustang Band. SMU.edu/Boulevard
SMU Mustangs vs. James Madison University Dukes, Ford Stadium, 6 p.m.
Cheer on the Mustangs during Coach Chad Morris' inaugural season, witness the most spectacular half-time show in SMU history and stay for the celebratory centennial fireworks show. Happy birthday SMU! SMUMustangs.comay
Centennial Exhibitions
“Treasures from the House of Alba” In honor of Meadows Museum’s 50th anniversary see Spanish art collected over 500 years by the Alba family, part of the most important aristocratic lineages in Europe. Included are works by Titian, Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, Ingres, Renoir and Chagall. The show runs Sept. 11 through Jan. 3. Also: Oct. 10 marks the museum’s first Festival de España, with family friendly art activities, food and wine tastings, music, dance and more. 5900 Bishop Blvd.; MeadowsMuseumDallas.org or 214-768-2516.
“Fashion Design Sketches by Nancy B. Hamon” See fashion design sketches from 1933-42 by philanthropist and legendary hostess Nancy Hamon from the Jake and Nancy Hamon papers in the Hamon Arts Library, celebrating its 25th anniversary. The show runs Sept. 25 through Dec. 13. 6100 Hillcrest Ave.; SMU.edu/cul/hamon/exhibitions/ or 214.768.2894.
SMU Centennial Hall Check out SMU’s milestones and achievements in this ongoing interactive exhibit in the lower level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. 3140 Dyer St.; 214-768-4444.
“Baseball: America’s Presidents, America's Pastime” A special exhibition at the George W. Bush Presidential Center (through Oct. 4) explores the relationship between U.S. presidents and the game of baseball. Exhibits and artifacts pertaining to the Bush presidency also are on display. 2943 SMU Blvd.; BushCenter.org or 214-200-4300.
Sunday, Sept. 27
Black Alumni Worship Service
SMU Pride Mini-Reunion Brunch
Black Alumni of SMU Brunch
For more information about SMU’s Centennial Celebration visit smu.edu/100.
Homecoming Photos
Family Fun The Boulevard The Parade
The Spirit
The Revelers
Football
Vintage Photos
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