| Homecoming week to boost pride, spirit on campus |
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| Written by Mason Souza, Daily Vidette Staff Writer |
| Sunday, 11 October 2009 21:00 |
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Homecoming week is here again – the time when spirit hits its peak and students show their Redbird pride. And of course, there are plenty of events to keep up with. Alumni Relations, the University Program Board and various departments have planned out each event and have prepared months in advance for this week. “It’s very rewarding seeing the fruits of our labor,” Gina Bianchi, director of Alumni Relations, said. “The committee works very hard throughout the year.” Students and alumni are set to enjoy their efforts and celebrate in the Homecoming tradition. “There’s dozens of events through the week,” Meg Murphy, spirit chairperson on the University Program Board, said. “ISU has very few traditions, but Homecoming is one of the few remaining ones.” The Homecoming Kick Off is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday on the Quad and includes free food and a Battle of the Bands. On Wednesday night, the RSO Carnival will take place in the Brown Ballroom from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Students can get henna tattoos, caricatures and much more at the carnival. ISU’s first Great Urban Race will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The contest is modeled after the TV show “The Amazing Race” and was created by an ISU alumnus. Hoopfest takes place in the Horton Field House on Friday at 7 p.m. Members of the men’s and women’s Redbird Basketball teams will compete in 3-point contests, slam dunk contests and scrimmage games. The Homecoming king and queen will be announced at the Homecoming pep rally starting at 8:15 p.m. Friday. The night also includes a bonfire. The Town and Gown 5K Run kicks off the Homecoming Weekend at 7 a.m. Saturday. The annual Homecoming parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade begins at the Bone Student Center and winds through Uptown Normal. Saturday’s Uptown and Gown Gala for alumni will be held in the Bone Student Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event includes dinner, dancing and jazz music. “It’s a black-tie event and has been very well received,” Bianchi said. No matter what events are held, homecoming is and has always been about spirit. “It is about celebrating what it means to be a Redbird,” Stephanie Epp, executive director for Alumni Relations, said. |
