SMU celebrated the Year of the Library during Homecoming, Oct. 24-27, with its book-loving theme extending from a special appearance by author and filmmaker William Joyce to colorful parade floats. The library celebration is part of SMU’s Second Century Celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of SMU’s first library in 1913 as well as the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013 on the SMU campus.
The Mustangs faced the Temple Owls in a 59-49 win in the Homecoming football game after a pre-game celebration on The Boulevard.
The parade began at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, with floats celebrating great books that became great films. The parade will featured Joyce, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author and children’s illustrator, as grand marshal. Student floats, bands and entertainment travelled down University Boulevard and Hillcrest Avenue before the parade wound its way through the SMU campus.
Joyce, who received a Distinguished Alumni Award from SMU in 2004, continues to have great success with his work as an author, illustrator and filmmaker. He has written and illustrated over 50 children’s books and has an extensive career in the animated film and television industries. His illustrations have appeared on numerous covers of The New Yorker, and his paintings are displayed at museums and galleries across the country.
In 2009, he co-founded MOONBOT Studios, a Shreveport-based animation and visual effects studio, with Brandon Oldenburg. Together, Joyce and Oldenburg won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” at the 84th Academy Awards in February 2012.
Joyce earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SMU in 1981 with a major in broadcast-film and minors in art and journalism. Homecoming weekend will provide an opportunity to attend a special viewing of his award-winning film.
SMU Homecoming is a time for all ages to celebrate the spirit of SMU. This year’s activities included:
Animated Fun with William Joyce ’81
Parade grand marshal William Joyce ’81 screened his film “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” which won an Oscar in 2012 for Best Animated Short Film. After the screening, Joyce discussed his work and signed copies of his two latest books, “The Mischievians” and “The Sandman and the War of Dreams.” The event will took place in Hughes-Trigg Student Center in Centennial Hall, Friday, Oct. 25, at 4:30 p.m.
Tailgating on the Boulevard
Immediately following the 11 a.m. parade, tailgating on Bishop Boulevard was packed with great food and fun activities. The Mustang Club and Alumni Tent, with catering provided by Mi Cocina, was located at the southeast corner of Bishop and Binkley on Mustang Alley. Other fun spots on the Boulevard included food trucks, Reunion Village, Peruna’s Playground and tents for Red, Blue and You alumni student leaders, SMU schools and other SMU groups.
Pigskin Revue
The 79th edition of Pigskin Revue was held on Friday evening, Oct. 25, in McFarlin Auditorium. The Pigskin Revue featured SMU students in music, dance and comedy acts, with the Mustang Band playing new music as well as old favorites from past revues. A post show reception was held for band alumni and donors.
Homecoming Football Game
Coach June Jones led the Mustangs against the Temple Owls at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Steeped in spirit and tradition of Homecoming game day the cheerleaders and Mustang Band lead fans from The Boulevard into Ford Stadium. Halftime included a performance by the Mustang Band, a check presentation from the SMU reunion classes, crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen and a World Changer Globe Race between students and parents.
Reunion Gatherings
Reunion events for the classes of ’68, ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’03 and ’08 took place all weekend. The Reunion Weekend kickoff celebration will began Friday, Oct. 25, in the Blanton Student Services Building.
SMU Day at the Perot Museum
The SMU community explored the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, with discounted admission on Sunday Oct. 27, and had a chance to view some of SMU’s important contributions to the exhibits.
For more information on SMU Homecoming, visit smu.edu/alumni/homecoming.
SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today, SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.