For release: September 21, 2011
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

Homecoming 2011 will roar onto the University of Memphis campus with a full slate of events for Tiger fans. Along with the football game against Southern Methodist University, many student events and activities for alumni and the general public also are planned. They include:

Friday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m. – The Alumni Association’s Family and Friends Homecoming Parade, hosted by the Alumni Association and Student Activities Council, with U of M President Shirley Raines and Athletic Director R.C. Johnson as special guests. The parade route begins on Walker (between the campus and the railroad tracks) and winds through the U of M campus, ending at the Student Plaza near the Administration Building. Highlights will include float and banner competitions, the Mighty Sound of the South marching band, Tiger spirit squads, ROTC cadets, and Pouncer, the U of M mascot. Free parking will be available in the Central Avenue and Southern parking lots.

(NOTE: Zach Curlin Street will close at 4 p.m. to allow the parade to form. Patterson will be closed between Walker and Watauga at 5:30 p.m. Zach Curlin and Walker will reopen as soon as the end of the parade turns north on Patterson. Central Avenue will remain open the entire time.)

6:30 p.m. – Pep Rally at the end of the parade route near the Student Plaza fountain. Tiger Coach Larry Porter will be the special guest, along with the recipients of the Alumni Association’s True Blue Tradition and Parent of the Year awards. Complimentary food will be provided by the Thomas Boggs family of Huey’s Restaurants.

Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. – Football game, Memphis vs. SMU Mustangs, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Alumni Association president Allie Prescott will present the True Blue Tradition and Parent of the Year awards at halftime. For ticket information, call 901-678-2331 or go online to www.gotigersgo.com.

Other Homecoming activities on Friday include a reunion brunch honoring the Class of 1961 at the home of President Raines, followed by a guided campus tour (for reservations, call 901-678-1333) and a reception for graduates of 50 years or more at 5 p.m. at the Alumni Center (for reservations, call 901-678-2586).

For more information on Homecoming, call 901-678-2586 or browse www.memphis.edu/alumni.

Homecoming is a U of M Centennial event. The University is marking its first 100 years with 16 months of events celebrating its past and looking toward its future.  An up-to-date look at all the Centennial activities happening at the U of M is available online at www.memphis.edu/centennial.