Dalton State College is calling all Roadrunners past and present to celebrate the College’s first Homecoming of the modern era Saturday, Feb. 1. “All the Rage” will be the theme for the day which will include a basketball game, crowning of Homecoming royalty, and celebration bash downtown.
“We want everyone to be all about Dalton State College,” says Alycia Vail, a senior history major and chair of the Homecoming Planning Committee. “This is a great school; we’ve got a great basketball team, and we’re in a great community. We want to celebrate!”
Ms. Vail, a transfer student, is Assistant Director of Dalton State’s Campus Activities Board with responsibility for promoting spirit and traditions. She knew from her previous experience at Waycross College (now South Georgia State College) that generating spirit and establishing traditions are essential to student engagement.
“I came from a school that was in its first year of a basketball program,” she said. “We had no housing and very few student clubs, and we wanted to get students engaged. We planned a Homecoming that first basketball season. It worked there, and I know it will work here.”
“This is for current students, and alumni, faculty, staff and community,” she said. “Our Homecoming is open for all to come and enjoy.”
Homecoming activities are centered around the February 1 basketball game between the red hot Dalton State Roadrunners (20 and 2) and the Allen University Yellow Jackets. The game begins at 4 p.m. at the NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. There will be a pep rally and spirit stick competition, and halftime activities will include the presentation of the Homecoming Court and crowning of the Homecoming King, Queen, Prince, and Princess.
A Homecoming bash will be held from 9 to midnight at Trevitt Hall downtown. The bash will feature a DJ, cash bar (for participants over 21) and appetizers. Tickets for students, faculty, and staff to attend the bash are $10 with a Dalton State ID and are on sale now at the Office of Student Life. Guest tickets may be purchased for $15; all tickets will be $20 at the door.
Fifteen Dalton State Registered Student Organizations have nominated candidates for King and Queen, and voting is currently underway on campus.