SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

Mesa State College to Celebrate Homecoming 2004

Grand Junction, CO - Themed "Life in the Fast Lane," Mesa State College's annual homecoming celebration will begin on Friday, October 1 and continue through Sunday, October 10.

"Homecoming is a great time for students, alums and community members to join together to celebrate college life, both past and present." said Rick Adleman, director of the Mesa State College Alumni Association director and the homecoming committee chair. "This year's theme, "Life in the Fast Lane," with its race car motif, is a play on how fast life can drive by and how important it is to take time out for fun and to reminisce."

Beginning with a tailgate party prior to the Mesa State soccer team's match against Angelo State University at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 1 at Bergman Field, the opening weekend's events include a baseball reunion, golf tournament and alumni game planned for October 2 and 3. Various on-campus activities are scheduled for October 4-7, including a community blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 7 in the W.W. Campbell College Center's Liff Auditorium.

Community events will also continue into a second homecoming weekend. On Friday, October 8 at 11 a.m., the Mesa State Alumni Association will hold its annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon to honor five former students who have become leaders in their professions and communities. The athletic department will also honor its notable alumni at 7 p.m. on October 8 during the Swires Coca-Cola Hall of Honor banquet. Tickets are available from the Mesa State Alumni Association at 970.248.1525 and www.mesastate.edu/alum/index.htm or the athletic department at 970.248.1503.

The Swires Coca-Cola Hall of Honor banquet will be followed by a homecoming rally at 8 p.m. on October 8 in Brownson Arena. The rally will feature the Mesa State cheerleading squad and football team, as well as Comedy Sportz, an audience-interactive, improvisational comedy game. This family-friendly event will be open to the public.

Saturday, October 9 will feature the annual homecoming parade, complete with race cars and floats. The parade route will begin at the Saunders Fieldhouse and follow 12th Street south to Elm Street, Elm Street west to 7th Street, 7th Street north to Orchard Street and Orchard Street east to the parade starting point. After the parade, the floats may be taken to Lincoln Park for viewing during the Outback Steakhouse and Swires Coca-Cola tailgate party, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Maverick football game versus Chadron State College is set to begin at 1 p.m. in Stocker Stadium.

"Life in the Fast Lane" homecoming events are open to the general public. For a full homecoming schedule or for more information contact the Mesa State Alumni Association at 970.248.1525.

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