Spartan fans "Glow Green" during Homecoming Week

Now in its seventh year, Michigan State University’s (MSU) “Glow Green” tradition will continue during the week of Oct. 15-21 for Homecoming. Across the globe, Spartans young and old will replace their porch lights with green bulbs to celebrate MSU’s Homecoming Week.

Spartan fans are encouraged to submit a photo of their house, apartment or residence hall room “glowing green” to the Glow Green Photo Contest. Fans will share photos of their glowing lights on the MSU Alumni Association Facebook page or by using the hashtag #GlowGreen on Twitter and Instagram, competing to win one of three MSU-themed prizes. First prize includes a $100 gift card to the Spartan Bookstore and a special photo opportunity with Sparty himself.

The MSU Homecoming committee selected “Uniquely Spartan” as this year’s Homecoming theme, in honor of Homecoming Grand Marshal Tyler Oakley. A 2011 graduate of MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Oakley is an independent creator on YouTube with nearly 8 million subscribers. With over 23 million across his social media platforms, he is one of the most influential LGBTQ+ vloggers and is an A-Lister in the digital age. Oakley has been on an international "Slumber Party"-themed tour, was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 11 straight weeks for his book “BINGE,” released the documentary “SNERVOUS” and, along with his best friend Korey Kuhl, launched “Psychobabble,” a weekly podcast discussing “unfiltered gossip” and untold stories that has climbed to number one in the iTunes podcast chart. Currently, Oakley hosts “The Tyler Oakley Show” on ellentube. Among his many accomplishments, Oakley has been a consultant for President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on using digital platforms to connect with youth; has raised over $1 million for The Trevor Project; and has been nominated – and won – numerous awards.

Oakley was also named one of TIME Magazine’s “30 Most Influential People on the Internet,” included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 Digital Stars” list two years in a row, and is on the 2017 Forbes “30 Under 30” list.
Oakley, a Michigan native, graduated from Okemos High School.

The Homecoming committee consists of representatives from the MSU Alumni Association, East Lansing business owners, campus organizations and student leaders.

This year’s Homecoming Week precedes MSU’s football game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The week will consist of different activities hosted by university organizations, including the annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 20, in downtown East Lansing. New this year, the parade audience will have the opportunity to text their vote for their favorite parade entry. Parade judges will choose the winning entries for six additional categories.  

For more information on Homecoming 2017, visit homecoming.msu.edu

For more information on the Glow Green Photo Contest, including submission guidelines, visit homecoming.msu.edu/glowgreen

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE