Southern University’s Homecoming 2016 took on the theme “SU: Back to the Future” and kicked off with the Jaguar Pandemonium and Fashion Show Extravaganza on Sunday, October 16th.
Jaguar Pandemonium gave fans the opportunity to meet the 2016-2017 men’s and women’s basketball players, earn prizes and also witness an amazing performance by the 2016-17 SU Gold’n Bluez. The fashion show featured several local designers, giving them the chance to showcase their talents on different models.
Student Government Association President, Zana Harris, worked hard along with her staff to make the experience memorable for all students. “My homecoming 2016 experience was amazing. Everything that the executive cabinet and homecoming committee planned for the week was executed,” Harris said. “I hope that our students were impressed and enjoyed,” Harris finished. Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Dr. Brandon K. Dumas, stated in a letter to the Office of Student Media, “…we came together to reminisce on the Southern University we once knew, praise the Southern University that proudly stands today and plan for the Southern University we will become.”
On Monday, October 17, the SU Department of Visual and Performing Arts hosted their 8th annual homecoming art exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery which included the work of members of the Roosevelt Daniel Art Guild. The University partnered with WXOK to bring a #NightofRestoration to the Mini Dome. Attendees were able to participate in a night of praise and worship as gospel artists graced the stage. Some of the artists included Candy West, Jojo Martin and Myron Butler.
Tuesday’s festivities included the annual homecoming ecumenical service in the ballroom featuring alum Bishop Joseph W. Walker III as the guest speaker and national recording artist, Kathy Taylor. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members were invited to attend the service and fellowship.
A comedy show was held in the Mini Dome on Tuesday night and featured comedians Lil Duval, Kevin Tate, Doboy and D’lai. Towards the end of his set, Doboy was unfortunately dismissed from the stage after the crowd chose not to laugh at his joke.
Pretty Wednesday during homecoming week gave way to a student health fair hosted by the Student Health Center and SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Students visited different booths to gain information and also participated in various health screenings. The same night, the 86th Miss Southern University’s Coronation was held with the theme of “The Enchanted Reign of the Jaguar.” Corinne Vaughn, a senior majoring in political science from Stockton, California, was officially crowned Wednesday, October 19 at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The formal event featured Vaughn in a stunning white gown and her Royal Court in navy gowns. The escorts were dressed in all white tuxedos with navy blue ties.
JaMya Magee, the 85th Miss Southern, placed Vaughn’s crown atop her head, making the moment even more special. “Interacting with current students and finally receiving the crown made me feel like the queen the students obviously see me as,” said Vaughn while speaking of her Homecoming experience. “Our football team brought us the victory, once again. Our Human Jukebox showed us exactly why they are the baddest band in the land, and Alumni showed us what the yard used to be as we introduced to them what we have become. I am extremely humbled, ready to serve and looking forward to the rest of the year,” finished Vaughn.
Following Coronation, students made their way to the Horace G. Moody field area for a bonfire. As the flames danced against the night sky, hundreds of spectators crowded in front of the stage to listen to Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.
Thursday night held the most anticipated event of the week, the Homecoming concert, headlined by artists Gucci Mane, Sevyn Streeter and YFN Lucci. Sevyn Streeter’s melodic tones and harmonies graced the crowd as the first performance of the night. Following Streeter, Gucci Mane took to the stage and told the crowd how excited he was to be at Southern University. “I Think I Love Her” and “Lemonade” were some of the songs he rapped to the audience.The third and final act of the night, Lucci may have been the most interesting. Rapper YFN Lucci performed with a cast on his foot and glided across the stage on a mobile scooter. Lucci performed his smash hit, “Key to the Streets”. Towards the end of his set, the artist fell off stage.
The annual homecoming pep rally was held Friday, October 21st at noon in the Mini Dome. The Human Jukebox performed along with Gold’N Bluez and recording artist Whop. The Lady Jaguar Volleyball team pulled a 3-1 set victory over the Alcorn Braves on Friday as well. Friday night, Alpha Kappa Sorority claimed the victory of the Greek Show while the Alphas stole the spotlight as the winning fraternity.
During intermission, various fraternities and sororities participated in a stroll, heightening the momentum for the night.
Saturday morning began with the homecoming parade. Spectators lined the streets of the Scotlandville community at 8 AM to watch the University show off its finest. It turned out to be a celebration for the history books as the weeklong celebration came to an end with a victory over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The final score was 49-17.
SU jags get ready to run out of the tunnel to play against the Alcorn lions at the homecoming game on october 22
