The A&E Department brought home the gold in this year’s homecoming parade winning first place in the non-social club division. The overarching theme of this year’s homecoming festivities was the ACU Dynasty. From there the bright minds in our department came up with the idea to theme our float after one of the hottest (and hairiest) topics in pop culture today: Duck Dynasty. Kayla Hanning, a Freshman Animal Science major, is credited with coming up with this brilliant idea. Kayla said when she heard of the ACU Dynasty theme she thought “Who better to do Duck Dynasty than Ag?” Kayla watches the show almost every week and her favorite character is Mrs. Kay.
Not only did the idea fit within the ACU Dynasty theme, but it also played right into the strengths of our department. After the theme of the float was decided all it took was a little work, a lot of camo and a few beards to make Kayla’s award winning idea into a bearded,camouflaged, Duck Dynasty reality. The parade was also led by three seniors from our department that served as flag carriers. Merissa Ford, senior Agricultural Business major, carried the American flag, Emily Schuster, senior Animal Science major, carried the Texas flag and Jessica Epps, senior Animal Science major carried the ACU flag.
Later on that day the Homecoming BBQ was held at Hillcrest Church of Christ. Many current students, alumni and faculty alike were in attendance. Recognized at the event were this year’s Young Professionals and the Outstanding Alumni of the Year. Mr. Austin Shero (‘05) and Mrs. Katie Shero (‘06) were recognized as this year’s Young Professionals and Dr. James A. Coalson (‘66) was recognized as the Outstanding Alumni of the Year.
Overall, this year’s Homecoming experience for the A&E Department can be best summed up by a quote from Phil Robertson, “Happy happy happy!”