We Built This City on Black and Gold: USM Gears Up for Homecoming 2024
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 02:31pm | By: Dr. David Tisdale
The University of Southern Mississippi 2024 Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime the USM vs. Arkansas State game on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Bottom row, left to right: Junior Beau- Kendall Desporte; Junior Maid- Anna Caroline Adams; Senior Beau - Zachary Metz; Senior Maid- Gracie Lewis; Homecoming Queen- Azariyah Magee; Student Body Maid- Kayiana Jasper; Student Body Beau- Will Mitchell. Top row, left to right: Freshman Maid- Zalla McCaffrey; Freshman Beau- Kade Leader; Sophomore Maid- Sylvia White; Graduate Maid- Jenna Myers; Homecoming King- Addison Boyette. Photo by Paul Lijewski with USM Image Center.
A 1985 chart-topping rock-and-roll song by the band Starship inspires The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) 2024 Homecoming week theme “We Built This City on Black and Gold” as alumni and friends of the school are invited to join students, faculty and staff in tuning up to sing the praises of Southern Miss and enjoy fellowship and football.
The week culminates with the induction of the newest members of The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 18, followed by the homecoming parade with Southern Miss Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Sirena Cantrell serving as grand marshal. The Golden Eagles football team will play fellow Sunbelt Conference member Arkansas State University on Saturday, Oct. 19, with introduction of the homecoming court and at halftime.
“Homecoming is an exciting week where we all come together to celebrate, so I’m truly honored to be selected by the Student Government Association to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year's homecoming parade,” Dr. Cantrell said. “I look forward to sharing this memorable experience with all the students who will be in the parade and along the parade route.”
Tatum Hansen, senior interior design major from Madison, has led planning and coordination for homecoming in her role as Student Government Association (SGA) Chief of Staff.
“Our theme was chosen to symbolize the deep-rooted pride, tradition, and community spirit shaping both Southern Miss and the Hattiesburg area,” Hansen said. “We’ve been intentional about making sure this theme resonates throughout the week in each event we’ve planned, with the goal of creating an experience that inspires every student, alumnus, and faculty and staff member to celebrate their sense of pride and ownership of our beloved University.
“And I’m thrilled to be at the forefront,” Hansen continued in reflecting on her responsibilities involving in homecoming week planning. “Of course, I’m not doing this alone. I have an amazing team of 15 cabinet members working tirelessly alongside me, especially Cali Reinhart, our Director of Cabinet Operations, and Alaina Chasteen, our Director of Homecoming Court. Together, we’ve been working since last semester to ensure that this homecoming is something truly special.”
Highlights of the Southern Miss homecoming week include:
Monday, Oct. 14:
Kickoff Rally - Introduction of Homecoming Court
4 – 6 p.m. at Southern Station in Spirit Park
Tuesday, Oct. 15:
Bring It On Eagle Style: Black & Gold Edition
7 p.m. at Reed Green Coliseum
Thursday, Oct. 17:
26th Annual Alumni Homecoming Scholarship Golf Tournament
1 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Country Club,
Friday, Oct. 18:
Fountain Sit
12 – 4 p.m. at Shoemaker Square
Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet
6:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Grand Ballroom
Friday Night @ Spirit Park
6 p.m. at Southern Station in Spirit Park
NPHC Step Show
7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium
Saturday, Oct. 19:
Southern Miss Alumni Annual Meeting
10:30 a.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Grand Ballroom
Homecoming Parade
1 p.m. along Hardy Street
Eagle Walk
3:45 p.m. throughout campus
Pregame at Southern Station
4 p.m. in Spirit Park
Southern Miss vs. Arkansas State
6 p.m. at The Rock
Click here to view a full Homecoming schedule.
“We are all so excited to see how this week unfolds, and I hope everyone comes out to enjoy the festivities,” Hansen said. “Homecoming is about more than just school spirit; it’s about celebrating the rich history and traditions that connect us all to Southern Miss.”