Posted on Friday, October 20, 2017
Tiger Dynasty
Texas Southern University’s campus was abuzz for seven days as students, alumni, faculty and staff celebrated its 2017 Homecoming – Tiger Dynasty: The Reign Continues – from October 7-14. This year’s weeklong calendar of events featured a coronation ceremony, welcome reception, block party, golf tournament, parade, comedy and fashion shows, concerts, the Homecoming football game and tailgating.
“There is a true Tiger Dynasty brewing here at Texas Southern University,” said TSU President Austin Lane. “The proof is in the eagerness of our alumni, community partners, faculty and staff to come together with our current student body to celebrate the importance of this great institution and its 90-year history.”
Homecoming Week opened on October 7 with the coronation ceremony of Miss TSU Tramauni Brock,Mister TSU Chad Zeno and their Royal Court. Homecoming worship services were held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church followed by a spirited gospel concert on campus featuring Tasha Page-Lockhart, and performances by DA Davies and J’Von Gray. Student events included a pep rally, the third-annual midnight breakfast, an open mic poetry night, and a fashion show featuring 70 student models and 11 fashion designers.
“The 90th anniversary of our profound institution was the perfect combination of celebration and reflection,” said Tramauni Brock, Miss TSU 2017. “Being able to commune with alumni, current students and administration helped to strengthen our Tiger Pride and express how thankful we are for our HBCU. Homecoming was amazing experience.”
Alumni activities began with a graduates vs. undergrads game night in the Student Center and golfers teed-off at the 16thannual Tiger Paw Golf Classic at Hermann Park. Esther Franklin Nelson, 92, a 1946 graduate of the Houston College for Negroes (which became Texas Southern University in 1947), returned to her alma mater to take part in the welcome reception on October 12.
"Texas Southern University means tradition and being back on the Yard just feels like home,” said Johnetta "Kittie" Long-Alfred (TSU '89). “This was the best Homecoming and a great way to celebrate 90 years."
Alumni, students, faculty and staff converged on the University Plaza for Yard Fest. The campus event featured games, specialty vendors and food trucks. Rap artists Lil’ Boosie and Lucci headlined a standing-room-only show for students in Sawyer Auditorium, all on October 13.
Homecoming culminated on October 14 with the Grand Tiger Parade which featured Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, local and state officials, marching bands, decorated cars, walking and dance units. The festive atmosphere continued at the campus-wide Tailgate Party, featuring rapper Big Daddy Kane. The Tigers football team posted an impressive effort against Alabama State, but fell short, losing 23-16 in a hard-fought match. TSU men’s and women’s top athletic teams – basketball, softball, baseball and golf – were presented conference championship rings during halftime.
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