SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 16

Academic Showcase

Experience SEMO academic programs today and see what’s shaping the future. Test out the newest tech, get a behind-the-scenes look at innovative tools, hear alumni share their journeys, and meet current students ready to take on the world.

Harrison College of Business and Computing Academic Showcase

Inside the Cyber Command Center / 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Get an exclusive look at how students and faculty at SEMO are tackling real-world cyber threats inside the Stamp Cyber Command Center, in collaboration with IBM the first cyber command center west of the Mississippi River.

Fearless Futures: Alumni in Action / 2 p.m.
Hear from rising Redhawk alumni who are making bold moves in business, computing, and beyond—just a few years after graduation.

College of Education, Health, and Human Studies Academic Showcase

Teaching Transformed / 1 p.m.
Explore the EDvolution Center and discover how SEMO students and faculty are using cutting-edge tools to revolutionize the way we teach students to teach and learn.

Fearless Futures: Educators in Action / 1:30 p.m.
Join a panel of recent graduates who are shaping the future of education—one fearless step at a time.

From Campus to Clinic / 2:30 p.m.
See how SEMO’s Speech and Hearing Clinic empowers students to deliver life-changing care while serving real clients in our community.

Practice Under Pressure / 3 p.m.
Watch nursing students navigate high-stakes simulations from childbirth to cardiac arrest,  mirroring real-world healthcare scenarios in SEMO’s advanced Simulation Lab.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Kent Library

Bones, Clues, and Cold Cases / 1 p.m.
Join Dr. Jen Bengtson and SEMO’s forensic anthropology students as they share the skills and tools of collaborating with law enforcement to uncover the mysteries behind unidentified victims, using science and persistence to give names back to the nameless.

The Great AI Debate / 2 p.m.
Check out SEMO’s Speech and Debate Team as they demonstrate various rhetorical strategies and practices to grapple with the benefits and shortcomings of AI and other compelling student issues.

Fearless Voices in the Making / 3 p.m.
Experience the power of words as SEMO’s creative writing students share original works that will inspire, challenge, and move you.

Center for Faulkner Studies Tour / Every Half Hour 1-3 p.m.
Explore the world’s largest repository of William Faulkner materials and uncover the stories behind the author’s enduring legacy.

Rare Book Room Tour / Every Half Hour 1-3 p.m.
Discover SEMO’s Rare Book Room, home to centuries-old volumes, historic manuscripts, and unique literary treasures you can’t find anywhere else. 

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Explore the Labs with Hands-On Discovery / Starting at 1 p.m., every half hour
Join half-hour guided tours of Magill and Seabaugh and see firsthand where SEMO students tackle real-world STEM challenges. Experience the spaces where students bring theory to life—engineering projects, biology experiments, and cutting-edge research—showing how SEMO prepares you for a career in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Fearless Futures: Scientists and Innovators in Action / During the Tour
Meet recent Redhawk graduates who are already making waves in STEM fields and hear how their SEMO experience prepared them to innovate, solve problems, and lead.

Holland College of Arts and Media 

Theatre Spotlight Sessions / 1 p.m.

Broadway Bound:  Dance and Musical Theatre Rehearsal, Dobbins River Campus Center 119
This high-energy class will share the excitement of Broadway as students are learning iconic dance styles featured in musical theatre.

Acting III Viewing / Dobbins River Campus Center 114
The Acting III class invites the viewer to experience students bringing characters to life with authenticity and raw emotion.  It’s an opportunity to see talent, passion, and skill unfold.

Making the Magic: Craft & Performance / 1:30 p.m.

Large-Scale Charcoal Portrait Demo / Cultural Arts Center Atrium
Watch a live portrait come to life as Professor Joshua Newth uses traditional charcoal techniques to explore the importance of structure and value in capturing the human form with striking realism.

Ceramics Demo with Benjie Hue / Cultural Arts Center Atrium
See the art of clay come alive as a potter works at the wheel, shaping vessels before your eyes. Learn the process of throwing pots from start to finish, with students joining in to share the craft. 

Stage Combat Showcase: Dueling Arts and Southeast Students / River Campus Quad
Watch the clash of steel and story as our college performers bring their summer training to life!  After weeks of intensive study in the art of theatrical combat, these students are ready to demonstrate their skills in choreographed duels, unarmed fights and dramatic storytelling through movement. 

Step into the World of Creativity: Costume and Scene Shop Open House / Cultural Arts Center 133 and 144
Joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at our Costume and Scene Hop.  Discover the craftsmanship, artistry, and dedication that go into creating the stunning costumes and sets you see on stage. 

Capturing Moments: A Creative Photo Booth Experience with Mass Media Faculty / Cultural Arts Center Atrium
Step into a creative photo booth, designed and hosted by the Mass media faculty.  This interactive experience combines the art of photography with the spirit of modern media. 

Sounds of SEMO / 2:30 p.m.

SEMO Horn Choir Rehearsal / Dobbins River Campus Center 120
Experience the rich, resonant sound of the SEMO Horn Choir as they prepare for their invited performance at the MMEA state conference—an inside look at the artistry and precision behind their music-making. 

SEMO Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal / Cultural Arts Center 155
Step into the rhythmic world of the SEMO Percussion Ensemble, where dynamic beats and diverse instruments blend in an engaging, high-energy rehearsal.

Academic Reception / 4 p.m.

Close out the afternoon connecting with your former faculty members and old friends while visiting with current students.

Friday, Oct. 17

Fearless Fest Block Party / 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where energy meets community. Normal Street will be lined with food trucks, games, challenges, and giveaways making it the perfect place for catching up with friends or meeting new ones.

Presidential Inauguration / 2 p.m.

Be part of history as SEMO’s 19th president, Brad Hodson, is inaugurated. Celebrate with him and the entire Redhawk Family in a post-ceremony reception to share well-wishes.

Copper Dome Inauguration Dinner / Social at 5:30 p.m. and Dinner at 6:30 p.m.

A signature SEMO tradition sure to be one of the most anticipated evenings of the year. Savor a delectable meal in the company of fellow alumni, faculty, and friends. The evening’s program will blend entertainment with moments that inspire—spotlighting exceptional alumni, celebrating our new president, and sharing the achievements that are shaping SEMO’s future.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Alumni Breakfast / 8 a.m.

The Alumni Association and Dr. Hodson invite you to mix and mingle with other alumni as you fuel up for the day ahead with a build your own breakfast bagel bar.

Homecoming Parade / 9:30 a.m

Experience the sights and sounds of Redhawk pride—colorful floats, the beat of the marching band, and cheers filling the streets. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or simply soaking in the energy, it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss.

Alumni Tailgate / 11 a.m.

No tailgate? No problem. We’ve got you covered with plenty of food and welcoming spaces where you can relax, mingle, and get game-day ready.

Football Game / 2 p.m.

Feel the electric energy of the crowd as we cheer the Redhawks to victory against Eastern Illinois. From the first whistle to the final play, it’s the perfect grand finale to a fearless Homecoming weekend.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Whether you’re an alum returning to your old stomping grounds, a friend of the University, or a first-time visitor, we’ve gathered everything you need to plan your trip. From insider tips to where to stay and what to see, this will help you make the most of your time on campus, so you can focus on celebrating this new era at SEMO.

Campus Addresses for your GPS

• Academic Hall
  • 900 Normal Ave, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
• University Center
  • 975 Normal Ave, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
• Show Me Center
  • 1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
• Wehking Alumni Center
  • 926 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
• Houck Field
  • 1117 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Finding Your Way on Campus

Campus Map

Parking

We’re not saying you have to park at PigLot, but for a busy SEMO weekend, you do need to plan ahead! Parking will be available at the Show Me Center for the Inauguration and dinner. For other events, check the campus map for the closest parking locations. 

Lodging and Restaurants

Whether you are looking for an old favorite or a new dining locale, VisitCape keeps the latest list of Cape Girardeau restaurants as well as all hotel and lodging options. Be sure to check with hotels to see if there are any Homecoming discounts and book early!

Anything Else?

If you have any questions or need assistance with absolutely anything, please contact the Alumni Association. We’re here to make this the best Homecoming visit you’ve ever had!