“Griffons Around the World” is the theme of Missouri Western State University’s 2014 celebration of Homecoming Oct. 20-25.

A highlight of Homecoming every year is the parade in downtown St. Joseph. This year, the parade’s route is somewhat shorter than in years past. It will start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at Faraon and Frederick, in front of City Hall, proceed southwest of Frederick to Francis Street, west on Francis to Sixth Street, south on Sixth to Felix Street, and east on Felix to 10th Street, where the parade will end.Other Homecoming Week activities include:

Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 21 and 22

  • Community Blood Center blood drive, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Hoff Conference Rooms, Blum 218-219. Drop in, or schedule an appointment by going to savealifenow.org and entering sponsor code “MWSU.”

Friday, Oct. 24

  • Alumni Golf Tournament, 10 a.m., Fairview Golf Course. Registration is $45 per person or $180 per team. Advance registration is required by calling 816-271-5646.
  • Griffon women’s soccer vs. Central Missouri, 4 p.m., Spratt Stadium 2013 Alumni Award Winners
  • 32ndannual Alumni Awards Banquet, 5:45 p.m. reception, 6:15 p.m. dinner, Fulkerson Center. The cost is $30 per person. Advanced registration is required by calling 816-271-5646. This year’s honorees are:
    • Distinguished Alumni Award: Bob Vecchione ’75 and Keith Hoskins ’88
    • Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD): John Fabsits ’04
    • Distinguished Faculty Award: Dr. Susie Hennessy, professor of French and chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages
    • Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Service to the University Award: Dr. Carlos and Mrs. Carol Moya.
  • Griffon volleyball vs. Missouri Southern, 7 p.m., Looney Complex
  • Pep rally and bonfire, 8:30 p.m. (after the volleyball game), Looney Complex

Saturday, Oct. 25

  • Homecoming Parade, 9:30 a.m., downtown St. Joseph
  • Arts, Beats & Treats, 10:30 a.m., Remington Hall atrium. Bring the kids after the parade to enjoy several craft projects, run an awesome obstacle course provided by MegaGymnastics, play games, visit the Planetarium and more.
  • Black and Gold Renewal Tailgate, 11:30 a.m., Lot H near Baker Fitness Center. Meet the Deans from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the Craig School of Business, the School of Fine Arts and the Graduate School as the alumni board grills up tailgate favorites. Free and open to alumni, employees and their families.
  • Football reunion and tailgate, 11:30 a.m. in Lot I. The cost is $10 per person and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Call 816-271-5646.
  • Griffon football vs. Emporia State University, 2 p.m., Spratt Stadium
    • Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned at halftime. Candidates are: Julia Buescher of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; Kendra Greer of Independence, Mo.; Savanna Law of Atchison, Kan.; Nerissa Lee of Kansas City, Mo.; Sharon Rodriguez Benarroch of Les Escaldes, Andorra; Turki Alqahtani of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Zac Covault of Kansas City, Mo.; Tony Dougherty of Leavenworth, Kan.; Jacob Dowell of St. Joseph; and Janis Matulis of Wichita, Kan.
  • Griffon volleyball vs. Central Oklahoma, 7 p.m., Looney Complex

Student organizations will also compete in a series of competitions throughout the week. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.missouriwestern.edu/homecoming.

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.