The theme of Northwestern’s 2003 Homecoming, Building on Tradition, may seem appropriate for the college as it expands by building new facilities. However, the theme refers to more than the campus infrastructure.
Karen Woudstra, Director of Parent and Alumni relations, said that Homecoming is a time for alumni to “build new memories and renew old friendships.”
It is also a time for students to take advantage of the activities and make some memories of their own.
Students can start Homecoming week with a little friendly competition by cheering on their dorms’ bowling teams.
To begin this new Homecoming tradition, students from different dorms will gather at Premier Lanes this Sunday night to bowl for a trophy. Current and former residents of all six dorms will join together to bowl and gain points for their team. The dorm that finishes with the most points will win possession of the trophy until Homecoming of next year.
On Monday the 6th, the first Medallion Hunt clue will be available in the cafeteria or the SAC office. Students can check for new clues each day and attempt to locate the NW medallion hidden somewhere on campus. Whoever finds the token may return it to Lisa Burch for a $50 prize.
A Fun Food Night is planned for Tuesday at 8:30. Courtesy of SAC, students can enjoy discounted snacks at the snack bar.
The festivities will continue Wednesday with the Roommate Game. The “Newlywed” style game begins at 9:30 p.m. in the snack bar.
Coronation will take place Thursday at 8:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel. Students wishing to participate in the election process should cast their final vote by Monday the 6th.
Friday morning’s Homecoming Chapel will be led by alumni Jim Daniels and Brian Keepers from the class of ’98.
Later Friday evening former students will not only be attending the Distinguished Alumni Dinner but also the Young Alum Gathering.
For the second year, recent graduates will be invited to the Snack Bar to catch up and chat. Students from the classes of ’98 to ’03 are invited.
Air Band will conclude Friday’s festivities. All are welcome the RSC Gym at 9:30 p.m. Many students and faculty members rank Air Band as one of their favorite Homecoming activities.
Junior Emilee Severson said the event is fun to watch because it allows you to “see students from a different view”.
Saturday morning will begin early for alumni wishing to play in the golf tournament at Landsmeer Golf Club.
Many NW students will also be up early to join alumni in the 10th Annual Raider Road Race which begins at 8:30 a.m.
Alumni baseball players will begin their game at 10:00.
Morning on the Green starts at 9:30 a.m. and will be open until noon. The Green will be filled with booths, children and an inflatable jumping house. Lunch will be served on the Green as well.
The proceeds from the booths benefit the organizations that sponsor them, and money earned from the jumping house will be split between organizations.
Money spent at the bookstore during this time will be donated to Spring Service Projects.
Students will have a chance to participate in a Welcoming Contest, in which they can welcome alumni as they head toward the football field for the 1:30 football game.
After the game, the Drama Ministries Ensemble will be performing the new September 11 play September Bears, written by Prof. Jeff Barker, in the Bogaard Theatre.
Then, while many alumni will be attending their reunion, students have time to gather their friends for the annual Homecoming Dance. The dance begins at 9:00 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and this money goes to fund other student activities this year.
The Alumni Worship Service will begin at 10:30 Sunday morning in Christ Chapel. Alumni Rev. Dave Vander Laan will give the message to conclude Homecoming weekend.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to take part in all the festivities, make memories and help “build on tradition.”
