By: Erica Patton
One of the most exciting times of the year is approaching: Homecoming! As the clock ticks down to this special day in UMSL tradition, it is only in the best fashion to look into its brief history and the fun events along the way. Make sure to prepare your calendars, and grab your friends as we dive into what is to come in February, and why it is so important to UMSL.
Credit: UMSL Daily
A tradition that has aged alongside UMSL remains crucial to this university’s history. On Feb. 1, 1963, UMSL crowned its first homecoming queen, and little did they know there would be many more queens as the years went on. As seen on UMSL’s website, Homecoming originally started as only two major events: a basketball game and a dance. Homecoming was held in October from 1974 to 2014, to pay homage to the soccer season, when it was then moved back to Feb. Though Homecoming at UMSL may have started very small, it has grown into so much more as the university has aged and gathered exciting events along the way. Here are just a few of those activities to look out for for Feb.
Are you more interested in who will be involved in this year’s Homecoming? On Feb. 19 UMSL will be holding a “What’s The Royal-Tea?” event in the MSC Penthouse from 10 a.m. to noon. Here, you will be able to meet the Royalty Candidate team for this year’s homecoming.
If you’re a fan of chili, this one's for you. Feb. 22, the annual “Chili Feed '' will take place in MSC Century rooms ABC from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. where you can try various types of chilis made by our fabulous team of college administrations. In recent years, the event has raised over $1,500 for the Triton Pantry.
For those who prefer a more chill event, a movie night on Feb. 23 will be held in the EdCollabitat (South Campus) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity to take a break from your classes and enjoy some snacks and a film with your peers.
Do you want to see some of UMSL’s most talented people? This year, UMSL will be hosting a talent show. “Triton’s Got Talent” will be happening on Feb. 26 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center in Lee Theatre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Here you might even be able to see one of our members, Lauren Johns!
Following the talent show, UMSL will be holding a Bridge Window Painting at the MSC Bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 27. Though you don’t have to be an artist to attend this event, it's a great opportunity to grab your friends and write some positive messages for others to see.
Students Painting in the MSC Bridge from UMSL Daily
Don’t forget to pack the stands at the homecoming game on Feb. 29. The Tritons will go head-to-head with the University of Indianapolis at 5 p.m. in the Mark Twain Athletic Center. So put on your UMSL gear and cheer on the team!
Homecoming will be held on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Touhill Performing Arts Center, so step out and show out! If you would like to apply for this year’s Homecoming Court, submissions are due on Jan. 31 at 11:45 p.m. Full application and requirements can be found on TritonConnect.
For more information on this year’s homecoming, visit the Instagram page @umslhomecoming. Stay tuned and embrace the homecoming tradition!