Bobcat Pep Band member, J.J. Arends, entertains seven-year-old Krystal Bronze during at The Cat Walk in downtown Bozeman. The street dance and pep rally celebrates Montana State University's 2004 Homecoming, "Rock Your Socks Off," set for Oct. 7-9 in Bozeman. Photo by Erin Raley, MSU News Service.

Hundreds of Bobcats from throughout the country will gather for a weekend full of activity during Montana State University's 2004 Homecoming, "Rock Your Socks Off," set this weekend, Oct. 7-9, in Bozeman.

MSU students selected this year's theme and it will be incorporated into traditional and new activities that appeal to students, alumni and friends of all ages.

Today, Friday, Oct. 8, is "M-Day." The first 100 climbers to get to the "M" on Mount Baldy, beginning at 11 a.m., will receive a t-shirt to commemorate the 2004 Homecoming Hike. MSU President Geoff Gamble will host the 2004 Homecoming Luncheon and Alumni Awards Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, in the Hannon Hall Dining Room.

Three will be honored with alumni awards during the luncheon. Erlind Royer of Colorado Springs, Colo., will receive the Centennial Alumni Achievement Award. David Orser of Billings and Sue Leigland of Bozeman will receive Blue and Gold Awards.

Royer, an engineering graduate from the Class of 1961, is the founder of EGR Associates, former vice president of Titan Corporation and former dean of engineering at the United States Air Academy.

Orser, a business graduate from the Class of 1966, is a former vice president of Occidental Oil International and an independent businessman working with international oil claims. He established the David B. Orser Distinguished Visiting Professorship for the MSU School of Business, which gives MSU business students access to world-class business professionals.

Known for dedicating time and services to better the Bozeman and university community, Leigland is owner of Bozeman-based Montana Travel and has served as the community volunteer on MSU's University Planning, Budget and Analysis Committee, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Airport Authority Board.

"Paint the Town Blue and Gold," begins at 6 p.m. Friday in the Baxter Hotel and continues throughout the night on Main Street in downtown Bozeman. Local businesses will host homecoming specials. MSU students will enjoy Midnight Mania beginning at 8 p.m. in the Fieldhouse with a host of homecoming activities including games, tournaments and pizza wars.

Homecoming activities on Saturday, Oct. 9 begin with a Homecoming Booster Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the SUB Ballrooms. The MSU Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Bozeman. The Alumni Tailgate Party is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. at the alumni tent north of the Bobcat Stadium on Kagy Blvd.

The Bobcats face Weber State University in Big Sky action at 1:35 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium. The Homecoming Ambassadors will be crowned at half time, and the Spirit of the West Marching Band will perform. The weekend's activities conclude with the Class of 1964 Reunion social and dinner at 6 p.m. at the Alumni/Foundation Building at 11th and Lincoln.

Several special reunions are taking place this homecoming. In addition to the 40-year reunion of the Class of 1964, MSU welcomes back members of the 64-65 Honor House as well as several Greek alumni groups celebrating reunions, anniversaries and special gatherings.

A list of Homecoming events and activities can be found on-line at the Alumni Association's Web page.

"We hope alumni will take time from their busy lives to come home and enjoy the festivities and friendship that homecoming provides," said Jaynee Drange Groseth, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association.

For more information about homecoming activities, contact the MSU Alumni Association, (406) 994-2401.

Written by Carol Schmidt and posted Oct. 9, 2004.