NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold Homecoming activities and events as planned Nov. 3-4. The school announced on Oct. 26 that the remainder of the football season has been cancelled following the death of a student-athlete, but administrators and staff will continue with activities to honor students and alumni.
In a message to the student body, Student Government Association President Bailey Willis said Homecoming week activities for students, the kick-off, lip sync, fun run, food drive and service day, will take place as planned.
“Homecoming is not about a football game,” Willis said. “Homecoming is about the NSU family, students, alumni and the spirit of the university. I encourage you to attend all the events that you are able, wear your purple proudly, cheer for your fellow Demons and let naysayers know that Demons rise above.”
Friday, Nov. 3 events include the Long Purple Line luncheon and induction program that will begin at noon at the Natchitoches Events Center. The annual parade and pep rally, a popular community event, will begin at 5:30 p.m., starting on campus and ending at the downtown Natchitoches riverbank, where the Homecoming Honor Court will be recognized and spirit groups will perform.
On Saturday, Nov. 4 a reception for the N-Club Hall of Fame will begin at 8 a.m. in Hanchey Gallery, followed by the induction program in Magale Recital Hall at 9 a.m. Hall of Distinguished Educators will begin with a reception at 10:30 a.m., followed by the induction program at 11 a.m. in the Middle Lab School auditorium. Alumni tailgating will take place at Collins Pavilion and Tailgate Field from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The ROTC tailgate has been cancelled.
At 2 p.m., the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band will perform in Turpin Stadium, along with other spirit groups. Inductees into the School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame will be recognized. The band will then do a walk through from Turpin to Prather Coliseum. Doors to Prather will open at 2 p.m. in advance of the 3 p.m. volleyball match between the Lady Demons and McNeese. The band will play “The Star Spangled Banner” and the NSU Demon fight song at 2:55 p.m. During halftime, Mr. and Miss NSU, the N-Club Hall of Fame and Long Purple Line inductees will be presented. Following the games, the NSU Honor Court will be presented with the Arch of Steel.
“Our staff, students and volunteers have put many hours in planning events to recognize the deserving students elected to the Homecoming Honor Court as well as alumni who will be honored during the weekend,” said Dean of Students Reatha Cox. “Although Homecoming will be a bit different, it will be every bit as meaningful. It’s an opportunity to come together in a spirit of solidarity and support and show how strong the Demon family is.”
“Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in circumstances that we cannot control, but how we respond is what defines our character,” Willis said. “Please join me and your fellow Demons in coming together during Homecoming week and celebrating what it means to be part of the NSU family.”
Information will be posted at www.nsula.edu and https://northwesternstatealumni.com as it becomes available.
