Like never before, Michigan State University will celebrate those who boldly raised their voices to pave the way to a better future during its 2018 homecoming festivities, which take place Oct. 1-7.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Unwavering Courage,” will honor Spartans who challenged the norm and created change for a more just and inclusive world.
The 2018 Grand Marshal is Ernest Green, an MSU alumnus and civil rights activist. As a member of the Little Rock Nine, Green helped integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Green’s career has spanned government to Wall Street, and he and his wife established the Ernest G. and Phyllis C. Green MSU Black Alumni Scholarship to support the next generation of diverse Spartans.
The 2018 Homecoming Court includes 10 senior ambassadors across five MSU colleges. The ambassadors were nominated by faculty or university organizations, distinguished for their leadership, community involvement, academic excellence and Spartan pride.
The 2018 homecoming parade begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. A parade livestream will be available for MSU fans unable to attend, and a text-to-vote competition will take place to determine the People’s Choice Award for best parade entry. For details on the parade route, please visit the parade page on the Alumni Association website.
Additionally, colleges across campus and the MSU Black Alumni Association will host events throughout the week events to honor alumni, the Grand Marshal and current MSU students.
Follow along with homecoming activities using the hashtag #MSUHomecoming.
Following is a list of some of these events. For a complete list, visit the Alumni Association’s homecoming page. Times and dates are subject to change and/or cancellation.
Ice cream tasting
4-7 p.m. Oct. 1, The Rock (rain location: MSU Union Main Lounge)
Sample 12 different flavors of MSU Dairy Store ice cream. The first 100 people will get a free homecoming T-shirt.
Sounds of homecoming: open mic
7-10 p.m. Oct. 2, Beaumont Tower (rain location: MSU Union Main Lounge)
Enjoy a selection of music from MSU's a cappella groups, or step up to the microphone and express yourself through song or spoken word.
Banner craft night
7-10 p.m. Oct. 3, MSU Union room 50
Get creative and show what “unwavering courage” means to you by decorating your own canvas homecoming banner. It’s open to MSU students, and supplies are on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The Road to Little Rock” Film Screening and Conversation with Ernest Green
2-3 p.m., Oct. 4
WKAR TV Studio A (Communication Arts and Sciences Bldg, first floor)
Join WKAR for a special screening of the film “The Road to Little Rock,” followed by a conversation with Ernest Green, led by Communication Arts and Sciences Dean Prabu David. The conversation will also be available from WKAR via Livestream or on WKAR's Facebook page. This event is free and open to the MSU community.
Q&A with Grand Marshal Ernest Green
6 p.m. Oct 4., MSU Union Ballroom
Sit down with Green for an audience Q&A session. Learn how Green began the desegregation process and how he became a major figure in the civil rights movement. MSU Bakers cookies will be available for attendees.
Exercise is Medicine on Campus healthy homecoming walk
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5, Demonstration Hall Field
Join a friendly walking competition between MSU and other Exercise is Medicine on Campus universities across the country. Participants will walk laps on the sidewalk circling Demonstration Hall field throughout the day.
Homecoming brunch
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5, Spartan statue (rain location: MSU Union Main Lounge, upper concourse)
Kick off homecoming weekend with a free brunch while getting a polaroid picture taken with the Spartan statue.
Kedzie Reunion Society luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
The class of 1968, MSU’s 50-year class, will be honored and inducted into the Kedzie Reunion Society. And following a tradition set in 1931 by MSU President Frank S. Kedzie, the Kedzie Cane award will be presented to the oldest alumnus and alumna in attendance.
Spartan spectacular fireworks
8 p.m. Oct. 5, Cherry Lane field
To keep energy from the parade high, MSU will set off fireworks and illuminate the sky from campus. Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Services, and sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association, the MSU Interfraternity and National Pan-Hellenic Greek councils, and the Residence Halls Association, spectators can view the fireworks show from Cherry Lane Field on Shaw Lane.
Michigan State “Midnight” Madness
9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 5-6, Breslin Student Events Center
Raise your Spartan spirit with the men’s and women’s basketball players at Michigan State “Midnight” Madness. Players will sign autographs and have team scrimmages, and the evening will feature performances by the Spartan Marching Band and drumline, and the MSU cheerleader and dance team.
Green and White brunch
9-11 a.m. Oct. 6, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Join MSU faculty, staff and alumni to celebrate the Grand Marshal and homecoming ambassadors at this traditional pre-game brunch.
Homecoming football game
12 p.m. Oct. 6, Spartan Stadium
Cheer for the Spartan football team as they take on the Northwestern Wildcats. Halftime will feature the Spartan Marching Band, the 2018 homecoming court and Grand Marshal and an announcement of the homecoming parade award winners.
Throughout the week, the "Glow Green" tradition will once again take place, calling for homes in the MSU community to switch porch or house lights for green ones. Spartans also can show their Spartan Spirit by submitting a "Glow Green" photo to the MSU Alumni Association Facebook page, or by using #GlowGreen on Twitter or Instagram.