Stephen F. Austin State University launched its homecoming festivities on Saturday with a lively parade that wound through the historic downtown of Nacogdoches, Texas. The event brought together former students, current Lumberjacks and community members for a day of shared pride and family‑friendly celebration.
Alumni Return to Roots
Among the crowd was Vincent Adams, a 1988 graduate now residing in Fort Worth. Adams said he makes the pilgrimage back to Nacogdoches each homecoming to “rekindle” old friendships and honor the university that gave him a full athletic scholarship. “I was blessed with a full athletic scholarship. I played and had some great times, so it’s always good to come back to Nacogdoches,” he explained.
Adams highlighted the downtown route as a favorite feature, noting that the parade’s path runs directly through the city’s historic district, allowing spectators to enjoy both university tradition and the town’s unique heritage.
Community Connection
Fellow 1988 alumnus Chris Flanagan echoed the sentiment, describing the parade as a vital bridge between the university and the surrounding community. “It brings a lot of identity to this community, especially with the college. It’s kind of a tradition. It’s always been a tradition,” Flanagan said. “We identify this time of year with Stephen F. Austin and its coexistence with the town.”
The parade featured the SFA Marching Band, cheer squads and local organizations, creating a festive atmosphere that underscored the close ties between the campus and Nacogdoches residents. Families gathered along the route, children waved school colors, and longtime supporters cheered as the band rolled by.
Football Success Fuels Excitement
Adding to the celebratory mood, alumni noted that the Lumberjacks football team remains undefeated and currently holds the No. 2 ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team’s success has become a point of pride for both the university and the town, reinforcing the homecoming spirit.
Local businesses reported increased foot traffic during the parade, with restaurants and shops seeing a surge of patrons eager to partake in the festivities. The event not only showcases school spirit but also provides an economic boost to downtown merchants, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the university and the city.
Looking Ahead
Organizers plan to continue the homecoming tradition with additional events later in the week, including a pep rally, alumni networking sessions and a game day celebration at the university’s stadium. The parade’s success this year reaffirms the importance of preserving local traditions that strengthen families, faith‑based communities and the broader fabric of East Texas.
As Nacogdoches residents and SFA alumni gather each October, the homecoming parade stands as a reminder that shared heritage and communal pride remain essential to the health of both the university and the town it calls home.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
