Homecoming 2009

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University’s 2009 Homecoming weekend -- Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 9-10 -- will feature a host of spirited activities and recognition of VSU’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. The following schedule lists the weekend’s highlights:

THURSDAY, OCT. 8

Community Pep Rally

Head Blazer football coach David Dean will address the crowd during the VSU Community Pep Rally from 7-10 p.m. in the P.E. Complex, on the corner of Sustella Avenue and Patterson Street. Come watch the VSU cheerleaders perform and test your stage presence at a lip sync contest during this energetic celebration.

Online voting for the 2009 Homecoming Queen voting is from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 9

Alumni Golf Tournament

Tee off at the Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament at famed Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, 4005 Bear Lake Rd. Registration begins at 9 a.m. for this four-person scramble, which is open to all VSU alumni and friends. Participants will receive prizes, including a VSU golf shirt and towel, in addition to a boxed lunch. Teams must call the Office of Alumni Relations at (229) 333-5797 to register no later than Monday, Oct. 5. The cost is $85 per person or $340 per team.

Homecoming Parade

Line the streets of Valdosta with VSU pride during the annual homecoming parade. The pageantry will begin at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Woodrow Wilson Drive and Patterson Street, and will then head south to Brookwood Drive.

The 2009 Homecoming Grand Marshal is former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman, Richard Collier, who played football for VSU from 2004-2006. After being shot 14 times in September 2008, Collier has made a miraculous recovery and gained new perspective on life. During the 2008 season, the Blazers honored Collier by wearing on their helmets the No. 75, Collier’s number during his years at VSU.

“Richard Collier was a champion at VSU and was on his way to becoming a stand-out player in the NFL,” said VSU President Patrick J. Schloss. “He has confronted a horrible tragedy with grace and determination and his recovery is an inspiration to the entire VSU community.”

Lawn Concert

Don’t forget your lawn chair for the front lawn homecoming celebration at 7 p.m. in front of West Hall. Popular Valdosta band, Skannyardle, will energize the crowd with sounds of the ‘60s as people bounce on blow-up playgrounds and enjoy other homecoming festivities.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

VSU Alumni Tailgate

VSU alumni are invited to enjoy food and fellowship at the Alumni Tailgate from noon - 2 p.m. at the corner of Brookwood Drive and Williams Street in Drexel Park. Those interested in stopping by should register online at http://www.valdostastate.org/ from Wednesday, Sept. 23, to Monday, Oct. 5. Alumni may also register by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at (229) 333-5797.

Blazer Walk

Cheer on the Blazers as they enter the stadium prior to the game against Henderson State. VSU’s football team and cheerleading squad will walk along Jane Street on their way to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The Blazer Walk has been a tradition before every home game since 2007.

Blazers vs. Henderson State

Blazer football will take on Henderson State at 3 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Purchase tickets to the game at http://www.vstateblazers.com/ticket-office/index.htm or call the ticket office at (229) 333-SEAT (7328). The Athletic Department offers a variety of discounts on tickets, including free admission for military personnel and their immediate families.

Prior to the game, the university will announce the homecoming court and recognize the 2009 Alumnus of the Year, Debra Fordham, ’91, a writer and producer for the Lifetime series, Army Wives. Fordham, who won three Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award as a writer-producer for Scrubs, will hand out the homecoming game ball and conduct various workshops throughout the week.

Homecoming Step Show

Alpha Phi Alpha invites the public to VSU’s annual step show at 7 p.m. in the P.E. Complex. The Greek organization will set up booths throughout campus two weeks prior to the event to sell tickets, which are $10. The price of admission jumps to $15 at the door for non-Greeks, yet remains $10 for Greeks. Proceeds from the event will be donated to an area charity.

Soul Mixer

Join the Valdosta State University Minority Alumni Association for the 9th Annual Soul Mixer from 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. at City Market’s The Loft, 101 N. Patterson St. Atlanta's own DJ Likwid will play a variety of classics and more contemporary tunes as people eat and visit with fellow alumni and friends. Tickets will be on sale for $20 in Drexel Park and are $25 at the door. Money raised from the event will fund student scholarships.

Go to the minority association’s Web site, www.vsuma.org/, for more details.