Southeast Homecoming has cartoon theme

"Toon into Southeast" is the theme for Homecoming 2010 this weekend at Southeast Missouri State University.

Shad Burner, director of Southeast Alumni Services, said because of the Redhawks' recent football success, they're expecting a large group of students and alumni for the weeklong Homecoming festivities.

"I think the football game will definitely be a highlight this year. They're exciting to watch," Burner said.

The week kicks off with the Man and Woman of the Year Recognition Dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Kem Statuary Hall. The event will recognize the 2010 Homecoming court.

"That's one of the biggest events that I know of for the students," Burner said.

The Copper Dome Society/Merit Award Recognition Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday. Copper Dome members, alumni and friends are invited to attend the dinner and program honoring the 2010 Merit Award recipients in the Show Me Center.

"We really have a strong group of recipients this year," said Burner, adding that eight awards will be presented.

For Copper Dome Society/Merit Award Recognition Dinner ticket prices and more information, call the Southeast Missouri University Foundation at 651-2332.

Festivities Saturday begin with an All-Alumni Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Alumni Center. All alumni and friends are invited to attend the breakfast, which will honor this year's Distinguished Service Award recipients. The five honorees include Baseball Hall of Famer and former St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog. Cost for the breakfast is $10 per person. For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 651-2259.

The Homecoming parade -- with decorated floats, marching bands, Man and Woman of the Year candidates and a variety of other entries -- is one of the largest in the region. The cartoon-inspired floats are to follow the theme, "Toon into Southeast." The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Capaha Park and travels east down Broadway, ending on Main Street. Herzog will serve as parade marshal.

Pregame celebrations, including tailgate parties, are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday. The Redhawks face the University of Tennessee-Martin at 1 p.m. at Houck Stadium for the Homecoming football game. For tickets, call 651-2113 or 866-736-6845 or visit www.metrotix.com to order online.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni Dance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in the Show Me Center. The evening will include live music, dancing and a cash bar.

For a complete listing of Homecoming events, visit www.iAMsoutheast.com/homecoming.