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ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Homecoming 2016 officially began today with a pep rally and city proclamation in front of the Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall

Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames, joined by several City Council members and other city leaders, presented a formal proclamation naming Saturday, October 29 as “ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Homecoming Day” in Beaumont “encouraging citizens throughout the community to join in the celebration of campus and community in recognition of the role the university plays in Southeast Texas and beyond.” Homecoming runs October 24-29.

“Homecoming is one of the biggest traditions at ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ,” said Dean of Students Terry Mena.  “This year’s theme is ‘Rollin' Out the Red.’ It will be a week of spirit, friendship, and expressions of loyalty to the Cardinal Nation for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community as well.”

 LU band members, cheerleaders and the dance team added flare to the event that included words from LU President Ken Evans and Coach Ray Woodard.

After the event, Ames and city leaders joined LU administrators for lunch in the dining hall. Joining Ames were Robin Mouton, mayor pro tem/ councilmember Ward 4; Claude Guidroz, councilmember Ward 1; Gethrel "Get" Williams-Wright, councilmember-at-large; W.L. Pate, Jr., councilmember-at-large; Kyle Hayes, city manager; Tyrone Cooper, city attorney; and Chris Jarmon, executive assistant to the city manager.

Homecoming activities continue Monday evening with a block party. Tuesday Homecoming Week activities include a 6:30 p.m. Powder Puff football game at the Ty Terrell Track, a 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Red & White Scrimmage in the Montagne Center, and a 10 p.m. Late Night Breakfast on the Dining Hall Lawn.

Wednesday, two special lectures will take place. At noon, the University Press presents Julie Garcia, an alumnae and reporter for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in the University Event Center, 8^th Floor of the Mary and John Gray Library. At 12:30 p.m., the College of Business presents Alex Banayan, the world’s youngest venture capitalist, in Landes Auditorium.

Thursday, students can show their Cardinal Spirit at the “Show Your Spirit” photo booth in the Library Breezeway, judging for the office decorating contest will take place, and Spindletop Spookfest will take place at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum beginning at 5:30 p.m. The 7 p.m. volleyball match between the Cardinals and Stephen F. Austin will be held in the McDonald Gym, and MTV’s Wild ‘N Out will be in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom at 8 p.m.

Friday kicks off Homecoming weekend, with the 7 p.m. Bonfire and Pep Rally while LU Soccer takes on McNeese at the LU Soccer Complex. At 9 p.m., student organizations will put finishing touches on their award-winning floats at the Float Building Party in Lot C-1 near the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.

Homecoming weekend continues Saturday with a full day of activities beginning with free admission to the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum, at 10 a.m., and Dishman Art Museum at noon. The Homecoming Parade begins at 1 p.m., and LU Softball vs. LSU-Alexandria and LU Volleyball vs. Sam Houston, also begin at 1 p.m.  Cardinal Fan Fest, Tailgating, and an Art Extravaganza all begin at 2 p.m.  The Kids Zone opens at 3:30 p.m. on Vernon Glass Field, and the Alumni Tailgate Party will be Rollin’ Out the Red starting at 4 p.m.  Cardinal Fans will gather to support the Cardinals on the gridiron for the 6 p.m. game against Houston Baptist in Provost Umphrey Stadium.

 For more information on Homecoming 1206 visit lamar.edu/homecoming.