Shawnee State University has released its list of 2009 Homecoming events, beginning Friday, Jan. 23, with a Homecoming Pep Rally at 12:30 p.m. on the SSU bookstore lawn. The rally is sponsored by the Special Events Committee, Student Programming Board and the SSU Alumni Association. At 7 p.m. there will be the “Big Blue Bonfire” on the townhouse lawn, sponsored by the SSU Alumni Association, Student Programming Board and the SSU Blue Crew.

Refreshments will be served at both events.

Events kick into gear the next day, Saturday, Jan. 24, beginning with the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Brunch, which will be held at 11 a.m. in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts Selby Grand Lobby. The 1999 National Championship Women’s Basketball Team will be inducted into the SSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Reservations are required for this event, and can be made by calling (740) 351-3285.

A series of activities fill the remainder of the day.

At 12:30 p.m. will be the Homecoming Tailgate Party on the bookstore lawn, sponsored by the SSU Alumni Association, Student Programming Board and Sodexo Dining Services. Free food and free T-shirts are available, while supplies last.

At 1:15 p.m. in the Charles Student Lounge of Kricker Hall is the Greek Alumni Dessert Social, sponsored by the SSU Association for Greek Life. The social is open to all Greek alumni and their families.

At 2 p.m. in the Waller Gymnasium of the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, the SSU Women’s Basketball team faces off against Northwestern Ohio.

At 3:30 p.m. the Warsaw Natatorium of James A. Rhodes Athletic Center will host the Athletic Alumni and Sports Studies Alumni Reception sponsored by the SSU Athletic Alumni Association and the Department of Sports Studies, open to all alumni of SSU athletic teams and/or the sports studies program. The 1999 National Championship Women’s Basketball Team highlight film will be shown.

The coronation of Homecoming king and queen begins at 3:45 p.m. in the Waller Gymnasium of James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, followed by SSU Men’s Basketball game, playing Northwestern Ohio at 4:30 p.m. The 1999 National Championship Women’s Basketball Team will be honored at halftime of the Men’s Game.

At 6:30 p.m. is the Men’s and Women’s Alumni Basketball games in the gymnasium, followed by the 1999 National Championship Game Celebration in the Scioto Room of the Ramada Inn at 8 p.m, where the 1999 National Championship Game will be shown. Attendees may order dinner from Damon’s menu at their own expense.

The 2009 Homecoming Events come to a close at 9 p.m., with the Homecoming Dance in the University Center, sponsored by the Student Programming Board. Alumni are eligible to receive two tickets free to the dance. Call the alumni office at (740) 351-3182 or e-mail by Jan. 16 for tickets.

All events are open to all alumni and their families unless otherwise noted. Event locations and times are subject to change. For the latest updates, visit.