Mississippi Valley State University will celebrate its decades of turning out successful graduates with a decades-themed week of homecoming events this year.
The overall theme for the week, which begins Sunday, is “Because I’m From the Valley.”
Kotrese Saulsberry, the assistant director of student leadership and engagement at the university, said the theme gives alumni the opportunity to reflect on what they have received from and contributed to the university.
“To be ‘from the Valley,’” Saulsberry said, “is to be able to say, ‘I have conquered. I have endured some of the things over the years that make me unique.’”
He said this spirit of perseverance and the experience of being built up encourage graduates to return for events such as homecoming.
“When they come to the Valley, (people) feel a sense of care and a sense of need, and they’re able to get that even when they’re not at home,” Saulsberry said.
Alumni who return for homecoming bring to students the rich sense of wisdom they can get from aunts or uncles, he added.
“It is the spirit,” he said, “And every year we try to entertain as if they were coming back home. We want them to feel like they’re coming back to a caring and loving family at the Valley.”
In accordance with this spirit, homecoming events at Valley this year are open to the community and include options geared toward current students as well as alumni.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. Sunday with a gospel concert in the Walter Roberts Auditorium. The show will feature choirs from Valley, Greenwood High School, Mississippi Delta Community College, Humphreys County High School and Coahoma Community College, said Acquanetta Parrott, director of campus life.
The concert will be followed by a “silent bonfire experience” in which students can listen to music on their own devices and enjoy the warmth and company of others around a bonfire.
Tuesday’s events are western-themed, so those participating in the Adopt-a-Highway community service and “Valleypalooza” carnival will be in hats and boots.
Parrott said the university began its Adopt-a-Highway project about a year ago and is required to clean its portion at least four times a year. “It’s an opportunity for students and alumni to engage the community,” she said.
“Valleypalooza,” the second half of Monday’s events, “is a carnival experience with different activities and carnival rides,” Parrott said. Students who participate can receive novelties and incentives, she added.
Valley will have a roller rink inside the old gymnasium for the second year of “skate and groove,” Parrott said. It will be Tuesday’s only homecoming event and follows the decades throwback theme.
She expects strong attendance for the BIFTV Mega Rave, themed “rep yo city” and scheduled for 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Lackey Gymnasium.
“This is one of our number one events that the students love. It’s very traditional ... and we want our students to have that experience,” Parrott said.
Mr. and Mrs. MVSU will be crowned Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the R.W. Harrison Complex, with a reception to immediately follow. Semi-formal attire is required.
Parrott expects a large crowd at the Greek step show planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 21 in the R.W. Harrison H.P.E.R. Complex.
“Due to the pandemic, we haven’t had it in two years,” she said. “We have six teams and are looking forward to bringing an outstanding show as it relates to the tradition of stepping and participation for Greek life.”
The step show will be preceded by gatherings such as the golf classic held at the Greenwood Country Club; the New Orleans-themed Green and White Jazz Brunch, which will offer guests “a New Orleans-esque experience complete with delicious food, mimosas, live entertainment, VIP access areas and an all-around fun time”; and a Green & White Day Party at the Devera Ball National Alumni House.
Tailgating will get game day going Oct. 22, starting at 10 a.m. There will be live entertainment, food, a cash bar, Boutique Cigar Designs and offer tent rental and reserved parking at the Alumni House and the Delta Health Center Kid Zone.
The Delta Devils football team will kick off at 3 p.m. against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in Rice-Totten Stadium.
Rounding out the week’s festivities, and hopefully celebrating a win for the Devils, members of MVSU’s Young Alumni will attend a sneaker ball at Historic Elks Building in Greenwood, beginning at 7 p.m.
Events such as Valleypalooza, Skate and Groove and the step show require tickets.
For Jazz Brunch tickets, reserved parking at Alumni House and tent rentals, or other inquiries visit www.mvsunaa.org.
- Contact Katherine Parker at 662-581-7239 or kparker@gwcommonwealth.com.
