Lots of homecoming activity awaits campus

This homecoming, which has the theme of “Building Futures through the Decades: History in the Making,” marks the official beginning of Chadron State’s centennial celebration.

The action gets under way Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. when students will gather at the Lindeken Clocktower for the lighting of C Hill.

Thursday night will be busy with the spirit rally at 6:30 p.m. and the Blue Key Revue at 7 p.m. in the Student Center. The two events will be followed by Late Night at the Pit activities.

To honor the centennial, the Blue Key Revue is making its return to the homecoming schedule. The comedic talent show, with its history of humorous skits, was once of the most popular events on campus.

A highlight of the spirit rally will be the announcement of the top vote-getters for the royalty competition. The king, queen and their court will be revealed at halftime of Saturday’s football game between the Eagles and the Western New Mexico Mustangs, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

On Friday, the alumni office will greet former students at Sparks Hall throughout the day and campus tours will be provided from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Student Center.

Also that day, people will gather in Memorial Hall at 4-6 p.m. for the opening reception of the Alumni Art Show, which will include artwork from more than 30 Chadron State graduates. The Chadron State women’s basketball team will be in action at Armstrong Gym at 6 p.m. Friday, as it takes on South Dakota School of Mines in an exhibition game.

Saturday’s activities begin at 12^th and Main streets with the 5k Eagle Run/Walk, which will begin after participants register between 7-7:45 a.m. The parade up Main Street begins at 9:30 a.m.

CSC’s alumni office is selling tickets for Saturday’s 11 a.m. homecoming luncheon, in which the college will honor six distinguished alumni award recipients and 13 inductions to the institution’s athletic hall of fame.

After the football game, Eagle fans will gather for the post-game reception at Country Kitchen restaurant, and country music recording artist Chris Cagle will perform before a sell-out crowd in the Nelson Physical Activity Center at 7 p.m.

Among the many alumni returning to campus this weekend will be former students of the Rural Health Opportunities Program, the collaborative program with the University of Nebraska Medical Center that is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.

In addition, Friday and Saturday will bring meetings for the Chadron State Foundation’s board of trustees and the National Campaign Leadership Council.