Southeast Missouri State homecoming festivities begin with Alumni Association Awards celebration

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State Director of Alumni Relations George Gasser says roughly 8,000 people attend some sort of homecoming event, but he expects this year’s homecoming to be one of the biggest yet. 

“The 150th year of the university, there are just so many pieces all building up to make this really big and really special for us,” he said. “My estimate for this year is that we’ll have at least 10,000 people out here.” 

Thursday’s Alumni Association Awards Celebration was a sort of “kickoff” to the Homecoming week festivities. 

“We’re just trying to honor those folks and thank them for being our alumni, being great alumni and to shed light on all the great things that not only these alumni do, but all of our alumni do,” Gasser said.

Friday’s block party will bring about 50 vendors, a beer garden, games and activities and more. 

Assistant Vice President for Advancement Amanda Lincoln said she looks forward to this time of year every year. 

“Homecoming is one of the most exciting times of the year, second to graduation because we’re so proud of our students when they graduate, but welcoming people back home to the memories, to the joy that they experienced, it’s one of my favorite things to get to do,” she said.

And on Saturday, the football game following the parade, veterans gathering of remembrance, and multiple tailgates. 

And Gasser seemed confident in his prediction for the football game. 

“That’s signed off from me. I’m saying they’re going to win for sure.” 

Related story:

Parking to be restricted in parts of Cape Girardeau for SEMO Homecoming parade