Minot State University hosts 2020 Virtual Homecoming
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University’s 2020 Homecoming celebrations have gone virtual.
With the slogan, “Doing our dam’dest to keep everyone healthy,” the Minot State Alumni Association is hosting various online events during what was originally scheduled as Homecoming week, Oct. 5-11.
“This isn’t the celebration we were hoping for, but it is the safest one for our alumni, friends, and students. Even though we can’t gather to celebrate Minot State and Homecoming 2020, there are a number of opportunities to participate virtually and win tons of Beaver swag,” said Janna McKechnie, Minot State director of alumni relations and annual giving. “We’re excited to see you show your red and green pride!”
Events include a weeklong scavenger hunt, kazoo contest, Win It Wednesday challenge, Throwback Thursday, Beaver of the Week, and a Friday drive-in movie, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids,” in the East Dome parking lot.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, recipients of the 2020 Golden Award and 2020 Young Alumni Achievement Award will be recognized. The Golden Award honorees include Chuck Barney, Josh Duhamel, Terry Eckman ’81/’82, and John Schwan ’82. The Young Alumni Achievement Award winner is Joseph Brewer ’04. Honorees will receive their awards at a dinner along with the 2021 award winners next year.
For a full schedule of alumni association events, visit the Minot State University Alumni Association Facebook page at facebook.com/MinotStateUAlumni or view the event poster.
MSUWell is also sponsoring their annual 5K differently this year. The 5K will be virtual, where runners and walkers can complete the 5K route anytime during the week of Homecoming, Oct. 5-11. Participants can sign up online and view the event poster for more details.
“MSUWell is excited to sponsor its annual 5K, even though the event won’t be held in person,” said Courtenay Brekhus, Minot State wellness specialist. “We are still dedicated to putting on events like this to keep our campus community active. All proceeds will go to our MSUWell Scholarship fund.”
MSU Life is continuing to offer their programming virtually and in-person during the 2020-21 school year, and Homecoming week is no different.
On Monday, Oct. 5, students were encouraged to submit their photos for free caricatures, a favorite annual event. Other events for Homecoming include Beep! Beep! bingo, where students can play virtually or in-person from their parked vehicle in the North Dome parking lot, and a virtual escape room. Other events, originally scheduled for Homecoming week, have been spread throughout the month of October.
“Although Homecoming week may look a little different for students this year, one thing remains the same: MSU Life will continue to offer events and activities in which students can connect, recharge, and, most importantly, win prizes,” said Aaron Hughes, student activities coordinator. “We’ve taken our traditional Homecoming events and adjusted them to be COVID-friends, as we recognize that not all students will be able to physically join us for events.
“Virtual components have been added to many of our signature events, and we’re excited to celebrate in a new way with our students. Who knows, maybe this year’s events will become new MSU Homecoming traditions!”
The decision to move to a virtual Homecoming was due to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s decision to suspend all athletic competition through Dec. 31 and guidance from public health officials regarding large gatherings.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 10/06/20
