Valdosta State University is gearing up for what promises to be a spirited Homecoming 2015 celebration Nov. 9-15. The entire community is invited to attend.
 
Melinda Fudge, director of the Office of Alumni Relations, said that she is thrilled to be welcoming past, present, and future Blazers to campus for Homecoming 2015, themed Déjà vu VSU. She hopes alumni and friends will enjoy this opportunity to come home and discover how the university continues to cherish its 100-plus-year-old history while also embracing the future.
 
The schedule of Homecoming 2015 events includes the following:
 
Student Chamber Showcase
Presented by VSU’s Department of Music, the Student Chamber Showcase will feature performances by multiple student groups showcasing a variety of instruments, vocalists, and musical genres at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in Whitehead Auditorium. Admission is free of charge. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Blazin’ Downtown Throwdown
Blazer Nation is taking over Downtown Valdosta with a series of performances by the VSU Blazin’ Brigade, Red Hots, and cheerleaders; food prepared by local vendors; and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The fun will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, on the Lowndes County Courthouse lawn. Participants are encouraged to wear red and black, vote for their favorite downtown merchant in the Battle of the Storefronts, and take advantage of the specials and discounts on VSU merchandise and apparel. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
New Jazz Ensemble
Presented by VSU’s Department of Music, the New Jazz Ensemble will introduce students to the world of jazz with a variety of big band favorites and modern works at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Whitehead Auditorium. Admission is free of charge. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Déjà vu Pep Rally
The VSU Blazin’ Brigade, Red Hots, cheerleaders, athletes, and coaches will lead Blazers of all ages in what promises to be a memorable black-light pep rally at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in the P.E. Complex. Participants are encouraged to wear red and black to show their Blazer spirit. Admission is free of charge. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
VSU Repertory Dancers 30th Anniversary Concert
The Valdosta State University Repertory Dancers will celebrate 30 years of dance on the Sawyer Theatre stage Nov. 12-15. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday and will feature one 15-minute intermission. Call the VSU Theatre and Dance Box Office at (229) 333-5973 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday or visit https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=7166asp?SponsorID=7166#.VgrU0Uud8RU 24 hours a day, seven days a week to purchase tickets.
 
Lip Sync Competition
VSU’s best kept talent will be showcased at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in the P.E. Complex. Admission is free of charge. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament
Valdosta State University alumni and friends are encouraged to participate in a four-person scramble beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, at Kinderlou Forest. The cost is $100 for individuals or $400 for teams. All players will receive a commemorative golf shirt, lunch, and beverages. Mulligans, dress-ups, pro-shots, and sponsorships are available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded. Visit http://www.valdostastate.org/s/1617/index.aspx?sid=1617&gid=1&pgid=707 to register or learn more.
 
Blazer Spirit March
The VSU Blazin’ Brigade, Red Hots, and will march through campus at noon on Friday, Nov. 13, beginning at the Student Union water fountain facing Oak Street. Participants are encouraged to wear red and show their Blazer spirit. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
The Office of Alumni Relations will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni and Graduate of the Last Decade honorees at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in the University Center Magnolia Room. The cost is $35 per person, which includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course, gourmet farm-to-table meal paired with wine. Reservations are required. Seating is limited. Visit http://www.valdostastate.org/s/1617/social.aspx?sid=1617&gid=1&pgid=701&cid=1665&content_id=491 to register or learn more.
 
The First Lady’s Reunion Breakfast for Graduates of Fives
VSU’s first lady, Catherine Staton, will host a gourmet breakfast in honor of the VSU alumni who graduated in years ending in a five beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, in the University Center Cypress Room. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required. Seating is limited. A photo slide show will be displayed during the breakfast. Participants are asked to submit photos [email protected]. Visit http://www.valdostastate.org/s/1617/social.aspx?sid=1617&gid=1&pgid=701&cid=1665&content_id=492 to register or learn more.
 
Homecoming Parade and Float Competition
VSU’s annual Homecoming Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, and follow a route around the university’s main campus.  Blazer fans of all ages are invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the festivities. The parade will feature performances by the Blazin’ Brigade, Red Hots, and cheerleaders, and floats decorated by various student organizations. The parade will begin in the Oak Street Parking Lot, travel left to Oak Street, right to Georgia Avenue, right to Patterson Street, right to Brookwood Drive, and return to the Oak Street Parking Lot. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Blazer Nation Tailgate Competition
The Valdosta Chapter of the VSU Alumni Association will host the university’s first ever Blazer Nation Tailgate Competition at noon on Saturday, Nov. 14, on the corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street. Tailgates will be judged based on creativity, atmosphere, food, and Blazer pride. The winning individual or team will receive a custom, one-of-a-kind 2015 VSU Tailgate Championship flag and will be recognized on the field during half time at the VSU Blazers vs. Florida Tech football game beginning at 3 p.m. Visit http://www.valdostastate.org/s/1617/social.aspx?sid=1617&gid=1&pgid=701&cid=1665&content_id=492 to register or learn more.
 
Alumni Tailgate
VSU’s Office of Alumni Relations invites all Blazers to the annual Alumni Tailgate from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street. There will be live entertainment, games, prizes, beverages, and an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast. Admission is $5 for children ages 14 and under, $10 for adults with barbecue only, and $15 for adults with barbecue and adult beverages. VSU alumni are encouraged to bring their tents, tailgate gear, chairs, and blankets. Reservations are required. Visit http://www.valdostastate.org/s/1617/social.aspx?sid=1617&gid=1&pgid=701&cid=1665&content_id=493 to register or learn more.
 
Blazer Walk
The VSU Blazer football team, cheerleaders, Red Hots, and the Blazin’ Brigade will make their way to the stadium at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Football: VSU Blazers vs. Florida Tech
The VSU Blazer football team will compete against Florida Tech at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Visithttps://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=6551#.Vji2vLerSUl or contact (229) 333-7328 or [email protected] to purchase tickets.
 
Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show
The Valdosta State University Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha will present the annual step show at 7:06 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, in the P.E. Complex. The show will feature performances by members of VSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek organizations. Admission is $15 per person. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Contact Juwan Andrews, chapter president, at [email protected] or visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.
 
Volleyball: VSU Blazers vs. University of North Alabama
The VSU Blazer volleyball team will compete against the University of North Alabama at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, in the P.E. Complex. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Visit www.valdosta.edu/homecoming for more information.