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Monthly Column January 2017
DSC’s ‘Year of Celebration’ Kicks Off with Homecoming Activities
Happy New Year! 2017 is a very special year in the life of Dalton State as we will recognize the college’s 50th anniversary in September. We will celebrate this significant achievement all year in big and small ways: lectures, music programs, a couple of commemorative books and more. Our year of celebration began last October with the inauguration of the college’s fifth president and will conclude in September of this year with a special event on campus to which the entire community will be invited.
The first major celebration event of 2017 will be homecoming which takes place Saturday, Jan. 21. Who should attend homecoming at Dalton State? Anyone who identifies at any level as a Roadrunner, that’s who. Does that include you? It can if you can answer any of the following questions in the affirmative: Did you graduate from Dalton Junior College, Dalton College or Dalton State? Did you attend the college as a student any time between 1967 and today? Have you ever been employed by the college? Did you ever take a continuing education (non-credit) class at the college? Have you ever served on the Foundation board or donated to the college or attended an athletic event? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then we consider you a member of Roadrunner Nation and hope to see you at Homecoming 2017.
Dalton State has always enjoyed a uniquely close relationship with the community it serves. The bond between this college and this community is not like any I’ve ever experienced which is one reason I’m so proud to serve here. Remember that the college came to be located in Dalton because community leaders actively campaigned for it. The same year the college opened it also chartered the Dalton State Foundation, supporters of which remain among the college’s most loyal champions.
Dalton State only began celebrating homecoming three years ago when a group of students determined we needed to have more traditions. This will be the fourth homecoming of the modern era, and each year the celebration grows richer and fuller.
The week begins with some fun and friendly competitions between faculty, staff and students. Campus windows and doors will be decorated with the theme of “Paint the Town Blue and Silver.” Judging will be Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile student organizations will collect canned goods which will be used to construct a structure on the bell tower stage. These canned goods will later be donated to the Birdfeeder food pantry for our students. There will also be a faculty-staff chili cook-off competition on Wednesday. I am seeking bragging rights for the year with my secret recipe – “Not Your Mama’s Chili.”
Our bookstore will offer a 25 percent discount on DSC gear in exchange for an old t-shirt from another college or university. Why do you need that Auburn t-shirt anyway? Wednesday evening, students will gather around the fire pit outside Mashburn Hall for stories about the history of the college as we learn about our heritage and college founders.
Thursday evening, join us for the Homecoming 2017 parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Dalton. “Paint the Town Blue and Silver” is the theme for this year’s parade so I hope you will help us make it so. Community groups wishing to enter a float should email deanofstudents@daltonstate.edu. There is no fee.
Friday is an opportunity for members of the homecoming court to participate in a service project at Friendship House.
Saturday is a full day of activities beginning with the third annual Hoops for Higgins Faculty/Staff/Alumni game at 1:30 p.m. in Bandy Gym. The cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the Spence Higgins Scholarship Fund. Spence was our first student body president for those who might not recognize the name. After the fundraiser game, there will be a homecoming reception at 2:30 p.m. in the Pope Student Center for all friends of Dalton State including current and former students, employees and community members. A good time is guaranteed to be had by all!
At 4 p.m., join us for the tip off of the Roadrunner men’s basketball game against College of Coastal Georgia at the Dalton Convention Center. The coronation of the homecoming court will be at half-time. General admission tickets are $13. Afterward, current students and their guests will gather for the Homecoming Bash also at the Convention Center.
We hope you’ll take some time this week to don some blue and silver and come cheer for the Roadrunners. Whatever your relationship to the college, Dalton State is calling you home.