It’s that time of year again as Shawnee State wraps up a week filled with activities and fun for the highly anticipated annual homecoming. Daily events were scheduled throughout the week by the Student Programming Board (SPB) with input from Student Life Director Marlita Cadogan.
Monday started strong at 8 a.m. with Coffee at the Kricker, followed by a healthcare career fair at noon. SPB held a “Build-A-Bear” event in the lobby at 5 p.m., which had a strong turnout. Students were able to build their own teddy bear and leave with their own Shawn E. Bear.
Although Tuesday may have looked cloudy, rain didn’t stop the parade. Even in inclement weather, SSU students brought “Color Wars” to life at the Student Resource Hub Lawn. Participants wore white attire and ended their evening covered in a variety of colors.
On Wednesday, SPB presented “Spirit Cab-Bear Lyft,” which picked up and dropped off students at their intended classes on campus and held a Q&A session for a chance to win prizes. At 6 p.m., the yearly “SSU Bear Run” took place, where students could register to run three miles for the spirit of our beloved school.
Blossoming on Thursday was the “Plant Your Roots” event at the Student Resource Hub Lawn. Students could plant their own flowerpots and leave with seeds to grow at home. As SPB advertised the event, “Watch your plant grow as your education grows at SSU!”
The SSU Alumni Association and the Office of Campus Life encouraged students to wear and showcase SSU colors on Friday, using the hashtags #SSUBears and #SSUHC2024 to show their Shawnee spirit! An “Alumni Awards Brunch” was held in the Morris University Center Ballroom Friday morning.
The Shawnee State University Development Foundation has two ceremonies scheduled Friday afternoon, both requiring an RSVP: the “Deal Arboretum Naming Ceremony” at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts Lobby at 2 p.m. and the “Dr. James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic Naming Ceremony” at 3:30 p.m. in the Allied Health Building Room 101. Following these events, the mathematics department will hold its annual picnic at Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park from 3 to 7 p.m. The volleyball team will play against IU-East at 5 p.m. in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, with an “Alumni & Friends Social Mixer” following at the Port City Pub from 6 to 8 p.m. (RSVP required). To cap off the day, students can attend “4th Friday Movies” at the Republic Theaters in Portsmouth starting at 11:30 p.m., where they can watch newly released films and enjoy popcorn and a drink for only $7 (cash only).
Finally, on Saturday, the homecoming fun will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the annual SSU Homecoming Parade. The SSU Homecoming Tailgate will follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot north of Rhodes East. This tailgate will feature activities such as inflatables, cornhole and other games, along with a variety of food, shops and refreshments. Don’t forget to stop by the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center to cheer on our volleyball team at noon as they take on Rio Grande, and stay after to see the 2024 homecoming royalty announced. There will also be a “Swim with Shawn E. Bear Pool Party” from 2 to 3:30 p.m., hosted by Shawn E. Bear and athletes. Finally, the SPB will present the Homecoming Dance 2024, “Disco Into the ’80s,” beginning at 8 p.m. in the Selby Lobby, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Marlita Cadogan, a two-year interim director of student life, has been working passionately alongside interim assistant director Josie Tackett to ensure a successful homecoming week.
“There’s always something going on,” Cadogan said. “It’s a ton of work to coordinate everything, but SPB works amazingly to pull off all the student events. This year, SPB is under the leadership of interim assistant director Josie Tackett, and she works so well with the group to ensure no snafus happen. If they do, no one knows!”
Many hours and dedication go into planning homecoming week and associated events.
“We spend a decent amount of time on these things,” Cadogan said. “We started preparations for this year back in May. I’d say we’ve put in well over 100 hours before the end of the celebrations and events this week.” Although this may seem like a lot of stress, Cadogan ensures it is not. “Seeing campus come to life and everyone with so much school spirit reminds me of why I do this job. Seeing students enjoy the events or make suggestions for improvement keeps me coming back to work each day.”
