Rebecca Long, a senior art/graphic design major, has a lot to look forward to this Homecoming.
The Mississippi State Student Association held a Homecoming poster contest to find a design that fits this year’s theme, “Bulldog State of Mind,” which was voted on by the students last spring.
The contest was open from June 19 until Aug. 20, and Long’s poster was the winner.
Mary Hampton Morrison, SA director of student activities, said there were multiple guidelines for the contest. The artists were not allowed to use computer rendered designs and could not use previous published or awarded work. Artists were only allowed one entry.
Morrison said she and Meg Swindol, assistant director of student activities, picked Long as the winner.
Long said she heard about the contest through university e-mails, her teachers and working at University Relations.
“I had a lot of encouragement from several of the people I work with to enter and ended up having some extra time before classes started to work on it,” she said.
Long said she was anxious to find out the winner of the contest from the moment she started her drawing – three weeks before the deadline.
She said several members of SA came to her office to let her know she had won. Long said it was fun to see their reactions to her work.
“It’s one thing to like your own work, but when other people enjoy it as well, it really makes an artist feel accomplished. I feel quite honored and am very thankful they chose my work,” Long said. “It has encouraged me to keep up my fine art skills and not just rely on the computer as my main source for creativity, which is usually my preferred method.”
She said her inspiration came from her favorite photo of TaTonka, Bully XIX, taken by University Relations photographer Megan Bean.
“I love how friendly Bully looks in that photo and the unique composition of the piece,” Long said.
Long said one of her favorite parts of Homecoming is seeing all the alumni return with their families. She also enjoys tailgating and catching up with old and new friends. Long said this Homecoming will provide even more excitement because she will be signing posters at Barnes & Noble.
Posters will go on sale the Monday after Bulldog Bash, Sept 28.
In addition to the recognition, Long has received for the poster, she also received a $400 gift card for Barnes & Noble.
This year, Homecoming week will be Oct. 7-10, immediately following Fall Break.
Morrison said she was very excited for the events this year. SA members have planned a photo booth in the Union on Oct. 9 and a worship service later that evening. Music Makers will be hosting Girl Talk Oct. 8. The Homecoming parade is scheduled for Oct. 9 with a pep rally at the amphitheater to follow. There will also be a firework show at the old intramural fields Oct. 9. Game day will proceed like always.
Morrison said her favorite part of Homecoming is the MSU pride in the air.
“I know that is goofy, but it is true. Everyone comes together during Homecoming week,” Morrison said.
Granvill Adkins, senior psychology major, said he is excited about the food at Homecoming.
“The food just seems so much better at the Homecoming tailgate,” Adkins said.
Adkins also said he might go to all the festivities, but has not really thought about it yet.