What do you get when you cross free food, fun and festivities? Homecoming 2003 -- Wahoo style.
The University Programs Council, Student Council, Alumni Hall, the Athletics Department, Inter-Fraternity Council, Inter-Sorority Council, the Office of the Dean of Students and the class councils are sponsoring Homecoming events, officially known as Homecomings 2003, Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25. The largest number of alumni are estimated to return to the University since the 1960s, according to Director of Alumni Activities Wayne Cozart.
"It is a great opportunity to try and get alumni to come and enjoy a fun weekend," he said.
Officials recently announced a comprehensive schedule of events for the weekend, including a headlining performance by the musical group Sister Hazel.
"The band always looks forward to playing concerts in college towns along the East Coast," Sister Hazel Manager Craig Johnson said. "Virginia is a great place and they're excited to be able to get back there."
Homecoming festivities will begin Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at Madison Bowl. Mel's Cafe and Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar will provide free food. Additionally, student performances, a pep rally featuring an address from football coach Al Groh and the Sister Hazel performance will take place.
Other activities will include student competitions, which consist of field day-like activities. Groups of five can sign up on the Lawn to compete. The first, second and third place winners will receive prizes of $500, $250 and $100, respectively, University Programs Council member Kristin Tracz said.
Before the game on Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a Fan Fest featuring the University cheerleaders and the mascots as well as activities such as inflatable and interactive events, which will take place at Nameless Field. Big Jim's BBQ will provide food.
Tracz said all the events are free of charge.
While in the past Homecoming has not been a major event at the University, Tracz said the Homecoming Committee, comprised of the eight groups mentioned above, wants to establish Homecoming as a significant occasion.
"The effort to revise Homecoming has been off again, on again for the last five years," Tracz said. "Last February a group of [representatives from the eight groups] got together to talk about bringing together alumni, community members and current students."
Homecoming is funded in part by the recent Seven Society donation of $10,777.77 and the Imp Society's $1,000 contribution.
Council Athletic Affairs Committee Chair Brigette Hoyer said the Homecomings events hope to create a sense of community.
"We really feel [Homecoming] has a place because the University has so much tradition already," Hoyer said. "Also, it will foster relations between students and alumni, and students and the community."
After this year's event, Hoyer said she would like to establish Homecoming as a lasting tradition.
"We would like to see [Homecoming] move to a week long [event]," Hoyer said.
Cozart said he also would like to encourage Homecoming traditions.
"I think it would be very valuable to try any and all options to build a viable week," Cozart said. "It would be great to promote and build a strong tradition."
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