Rogers State University invites Hillcats new and old to “get their claws out” for a week of activities and school spirited events in conjunction with homecoming week, Sept. 23-28.
Hosted by the RSU Alumni Association in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs, RSU HOCO ’24 kicks off at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, on the second floor of the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center with a university-wide blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome and donors receive a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt while supplies last. The blood drive continues until 4 p.m.
RSU HOCO ’24 fun continues off campus that evening at 6 p.m. at J. Farley’s in Claremore with karaoke. Come to work on your singing skills, express yourself creatively, boost your confidence and socialize at this fun, musical event. Bring your friends.
An old favorite returns on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with Fairest on the Hill, a faux beauty pageant which collects donations for Meals on Wheels. Fairest on the Hill will begin at 7 p.m. on the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center Patio. This event is open to the public. Admission is two canned food items.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, brave students are invited to participate in a dodgeball tournament to be held in the Bushyhead Fieldhouse beginning at 7 p.m. Some restrictions apply with regards to team size and co-ed team members, and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. An RSU ID is required to participate in this event.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the RSU men’s soccer team will play against Ouachita Baptist University at Soldier Field. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. and the event is open to the public. Admission is $6, payable by cards only. HOCO ’24 t-shirts will be available to purchase at the game.
RSU HOCO’24 continues Friday, Sept. 27, with the Hillcat Hacker – a fun-filled golf event played amidst the hazards of RSU’s scenic Claremore campus, played with special non-destructive golf balls designed for pros and amateurs alike. This event begins with lunch at 11 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. Thanks to presenting sponsor Titan Title and Closing LLC and all of the amazing sponsors for making this event possible. Funds raised from this event are used for the Alumni Endowment Scholarship fund and future alumni activities.
Friday also signifies the return of Alumni Weekend on the Hill, which encourages past students, faculty and staff to return to the Hill to reconnect with one another through small group reunions, alumni sporting events and family friendly activities.
One such sporting event will be the alumni soccer game, to be played on Soldier Field at 7 p.m. Friday evening. This fun event is open to the public.
Current RSU students are encouraged to hit the dance floor Friday night for the Homecoming Dance. The fun begins at 8 p.m. at 320 on Main in downtown Claremore. An RSU ID is required for admission.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, an Alumni/Family Party Tailgate will be held beginning at 11 a.m. in the Bushyhead Parking Lot. Bring a cooler, snacks and reconnect with friends old and new at this casual event before the afternoon’s soccer game. HOCO ’24 t-shirts will also be available to purchase at the tailgate.
The Homecoming men’s soccer game against Harding University will be played on Soldier Field beginning at 1 p.m. with the coronation of Homecoming royalty taking place at halftime. Tickets are $6 each and card payments (only) are accepted. Free tickets provided by the RSU Alumni Association will be handed out at the tailgate party for those interested in attending the game.
The weekend wraps up back on campus with 20 Years of Honors, a reunion event that welcomes back all who have been involved in the RSU Honors Program over the last 20 years for an evening of drinks, food and trivia. Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center Ballroom, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a trivia competition at 6:30 p.m.
If you were part of the Honors program and would like to attend for free, please register online at: www.rsu.edu/alumni/events/20-years-of-honors.
For more information about Rogers State University’s Homecoming 2024, email [email protected] or visit www.rsu.edu/homecoming.