Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Southeast hosts Spirit Week after postponing homecoming

Monday, September 21, 2020
The gates to Houck Stadium remain locked to Redhawk fans on Thursday, Sept. 17, after the Ohio Valley Conference postponed all fall football until Spring 2021. A Spirit Week is planned for the end of October in place of a traditional homecoming.
Photo by Beau Nations

The Homecoming Planning Committee and Leadership of Student Activities Council are hosting a Spirit Week the last week of October to make up for the loss of a traditional fall homecoming.

The week is filled with familiar homecoming events along with new activities and contests that will keep both students and faculty members entertained.

Southeast postponed their homecoming event after the Ohio Valley Conference announced all football games are potentially moving to spring of 2021 due to COVID-19.

Director of Campus Life and Event Services Michele Irby said when the homecoming postponement was announced, the two committees still wanted to plan something for students and staff to participate in.

“[The committees] are working on a series of things that they hope raise school spirit, give people a monotony-breaker during the school year and to just have a little fun,” Irby said.

The traditional Southeast Man and Woman of the Year selection will continue on schedule — winners will be able to serve in their role for a full year. Applications are due Oct. 2, and online voting will occur Oct. 26 - 27. Winners will be announced later that week.

A talent show will take place during Spirit Week; however, a location has not been decided upon yet. Irby said they would like to host the event somewhere people can watch in person or stream remotely. The winners of the Man and Woman of the Year are set to be announced at the talent show.

“We used to do it at halftime of the football game. For those candidates, it’s a nice opportunity for family, friends, grandparents and anyone else who wants to watch. They’re welcome to join us,” Irby said.

Spirit Week includes designated red and black days on Monday and Wednesday during which students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear the colors and show school spirit. Friday is “Wear your best Southeast gear” to coincide with the school’s TGIFly Day.

Throughout the week, faculty can participate in a door decorating contest to exhibit their own school pride, and voting will take place on Southeast’s social media.

Some of the other events scheduled for the week include a pumpkin carving contest, a tie-dye event, a chalk art competition and a blood drive.

“I would really encourage people — whether its faculty, staff or students — to use this time as an opportunity to kind of take a break from everything and participate in being a Redhawk … and get into the spirit,” Irby said.

For more information on the upcoming Spirit Week, visit Southeast’s homecoming page.

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