“Griffon Game Changers” is the theme of Missouri Western State University’s 2013 Homecoming celebration, Oct. 6-12. For more information or to register for alumni events, call 816-271-5652. Details about student events are available at missouriwestern.edu/homecoming.

A highlight of homecoming every year is the parade in downtown St. Joseph. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Union Street and Frederick Avenue. The parade will travel southwest on Frederick to Faraon Street, then west on Faraon to Fifth Street, south on Fifth to Jules, and east on Jules to Eighth Street.

Homecoming Week will start with a new event. The Dr. Dennis Atkins 5K Run/Walk and Carnival will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. The course starts at Spratt Memorial Stadium and utilizes the walking trails on campus. The $10 entry fee will benefit the Accessibility Resource Center at Missouri Western. Dr. Atkins is a 1977 graduate of Missouri Western. Shortly after graduation, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that has cost him almost all of his vision. He has remained an avid runner, averaging eight to nine miles a day, and encourages others to overcome challenges to have a productive life. Dr. Atkins will deliver a motivational speech at 3 p.m. Participants can pre-register online at missouriwestern.edu/homecoming or on campus at Blum Student Union room 217. Registration the day of the event starts at 11 a.m. at Spratt memorial Stadium.

Other Homecoming Week activities include:

Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 and 10

  • Community Blood Center blood drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Blum Student Union, Hoff Conference Rooms 218-219. Be a Game Changer in your community. Donate blood at your local blood bank and tweet your picture to @MWSUAlumni, or donate blood on campus.

Thursday, Oct. 10

  • Battle of the Bands concert, 6 p.m., Looney Complex arena.

Friday, Oct. 11

  • Alumni Golf Tournament, 10 a.m., Fairview Golf Course. Registration is $40 per person. Call 816-271-5670 to register.
  • Alumni Awards Banquet, 5:45 p.m. reception; 6:30 p.m. dinner; Fulkerson Center. The cost is $30 per person, with reservations due by Oct. 3. Award recipients include:
    • Distinguished Alumni Award: Jack Jeffers ’82, Col. Michael Pankau ’84
    • Distinguished Faculty Award: Dr. Cary Chevalier, associate professor of biology
    • GOLD Award (Graduates of the Last Decade): Dan Bradford ’04, Candice Day Quarles ’05
    • Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University: Barbara Crumley
  • Griffon soccer vs. Washburn University, 7 p.m., Spratt Memorial Stadium

Saturday, Oct. 12

  • Homecoming Parade, 9:30 a.m., downtown St. Joseph
  • Arts Beats and Treats, 11 a.m., Remington Hall Atrium. Bring the kids after the parade for hands-on art projects, a visit by the creatures of Casey’s Creatures, the Balloon Dude, food and games. This event is free and open to everyone.
  • The Game of College Life Tailgate, 11:30 a.m., Lot H. Party with the Office of Admissions, the Student Government Association and the Alumni Association before the big game.
  • Griffon football vs. Northeastern State, 1:30 p.m., Spratt Memorial Stadium.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.