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When workers struck oil at Spindletop over 100 years ago, it forever changed the landscape of Southeast Texas and catapulted the world into the oil age. An important part of Lamar University’s institutional identity is tied to that massive 1901 oil gusher, which set the foundation for South Park Junior College’s creation in 1923. Throughout the 20th century, Lamar University has served Southeast Texas in a strategic, relevant, and sustainable way as an integral frontrunner in technology and energy education.
With a century-rich history, Lamar University is thriving as a boomtown of knowledge with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students creates a campus culture committed to student engagement and success, and to the advancement of research with relevance that energizes economic development locally, nationally, and around the world.
This weekend, Lamar welcomes the community to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 4, with numerous events, which all lead up to the football game at Provost Umphrey Stadium when the Cardinals host Texas A&M-Commerce at 3 p.m.
“Lamar University homecoming is always an exciting time for our community,” said René Latiolais, LU’s director of marketing communications. “However, this year brings a special feeling with it being our centennial homecoming celebration. It makes you really focus on the impact Lamar University has had on our community for such a long time.”
The exciting day begins with the popular Big Red’s Ride Classic & Antique Car Show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum (5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd.). Take a step back in time to view an amazing assortment of beautifully restored cars from area car clubs. Admission is free as well as shuttle service.
LU’s volleyball team will be in action at McDonald Gym with a match against Nicholls State.
There’s literally something for the entire family at Big Red’s Boomtown Tailgate. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., fans of all ages are welcome to enjoy live music, plus partake in lawn games, additional rides like a 200-foot zipline, tailgating and free children’s activities in the Montagne Center Parking Lot E-3. Admission is free.
“This year we’ve relocated all of the formal tailgating activities to East Virginia Avenue,” said Kyle Fayan, associate director of the Setzer Student Center. “We have the student organizations and Greek Life on one end, the athletics sponsors in the middle, and the community tailgating at the other end. Each game we have some activities, a DJ and food trucks. About 50 minutes prior to kickoff, the Showcase of Southeast Texas, as well as our cheer and dance team, will parade down East Virginia Avenue and perform a sampler before they lead tailgaters into the stadium. This more compact setup has made a much livelier atmosphere.”
Located on campus at 1030 E Lavaca St., the Dishman Art Museum opens from noon to 4 p.m. with free admission to view art exhibits – “Flatbed Press: A Selection of Contemporary Prints,” which celebrates printmaking techniques, styles, and subjects, and includes original prints by John Alexander, Keith Carter, and others. The exhibit, “Liminal: Photographs by Cathy Spence,” will also be on display.
The day concludes with LU’s marching band, “The Showcase of Southeast Texas,” performing during the pregame show at 2:40 p.m. inside the stadium before once again hitting the field during halftime, when the Homecoming King and Queen will also be crowned.
“We invite our community home, to our campus on Nov. 4 to celebrate with us,” said Latiolais. “Students, alumni, business partners, faculty, and staff – we can’t wait to see you.”
For detailed information, visit lamar. edu/homecoming.
“Between the changes in the tailgating setup, the events we have planned for the week, our Cardinal football team holding third place in the conference – with a 3-1 record – and the excitement around the centennial year for LU, this should be a very exciting and memorable homecoming day for everyone,” said Fayan.