The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will hold its Homecoming celebrations from Feb. 20-25 after moving the event – previously held in the fall – to the spring semester.

 

The slate of events will feature new programs – such as a street fair – while also retaining popular events from previous Homecoming celebrations, including a pep rally, cheer competition, and an alumni reunion dinner.

 

In spring 2016, the Student Government Association and the Alumni Advisory Council voted to move Homecoming festivities to the spring semester to be held in tandem with university basketball games. Homecoming celebrations were previously held in November.

 

Stephanie London, director of student activities, said the street fair would be an exciting event for the community.

 

“Hosting Homecoming in February has presented UAFS with new opportunities to not only involve our students, but Alumni and the local community,” she said. “Our newest opportunity will be the street fair on Feb. 24, held during the Northside versus Southside basketball games. We will have food trucks, an ice skating rink, henna tattoos, live music, and much more. In addition to this new event, we will continue with some of our favorite traditions, such as the Homecoming Bonfire on Thursday evening and our Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday before the first game on Saturday.”

 

Rick Goins, alumni director, highlighted the Alumni Reunion Social and First Lady’s Luncheon as an exciting event this year, where they will award the seventh annual Diligence to Victory award to an outstanding alumni, in addition to a new award. 

 

“We will award our first-ever new Young Alumni Award, created by the Alumni Advisory Council this year to recognize one of our outstanding young alumni,” Goins said. “We’re looking forward to seeing alumni at Homecoming from our years as Fort Smith Junior College, Westark Junior College, Westark Community College, and Westark College as well as the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.”

 

Events include:

 

Monday, Feb. 20:  

 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: An all sports pep rally and UAFS trivia competition will be held at the amphitheater on campus.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 21:

 

6 p.m.: Lady Lions vs. Bacone College basketball game, Stubblefield Center.

 

7:30 p.m. or following the basketball game: Yell Like Hell cheer competition, Stubblefield Center.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 22:

 

8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Megaphones decorated by student groups will be on display at the fireplace of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, with students able to vote on the best-decorated megaphone.

 

Thursday, Feb. 23:

 

7-8:30 p.m.: Homecoming bonfire and canned food drive, west of the Echols Building.

 

Friday, Feb. 24:

 

5:30-7 p.m.: Alumni Reunion Social and First Lady’s Luncheon, Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

 

6-11 p.m.: A Street Fair, featuring food by local food trucks, live music, items for sale by local vendors, a portable ice skating rink and a street painting competition, Kinkead Ave. and the Campus Green. The events coincide with the Northside High School vs. Southside High School men’s and women’s basketball games held that night from 4-10 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center, and attendees of the games are invited to participate in the fair.

 

Saturday, Feb. 25:

 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Tailgate, Recreation and Wellness Center.

 

1 p.m.: Lady Lions vs. Rogers State basketball game and homecoming king and queen crowning ceremony, Stubblefield Center.

 

3 p.m.: Lions vs. Rogers State basketball game and homecoming awards ceremony, Stubblefield Center.

 

For information regarding alumni events or to register, visit www.uafsalumni.com/Homecoming or contact Goins at 479-788-7026 or rick.goins@uafs.edu. Homecoming information is available by contacting London at 479-788-7697 or emailing studentactivities@uafs.edu.

 

About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Through a small campus, dedicated professors, and the university’s unique bond with its community, students at UAFS are able to do more in the areas they are passionate about, both on- and off-campus, in a way that prepares them for post-graduate success. To find out how you can do more at UAFS, visit www.uafs.edu.