Religion professor Rod Spidahl flips a pancake at the SGA’s 2008 Morning on the Green booth.
Northwestern will welcome back old traditions and celebrate a few new ones during the homecoming festivities this weekend.
Sporting Events
Friday night at 7:30 the Raider varsity volleyball team will take on Dana College in the Bultman Center.
Saturday at 1:30 p.m. the Raider football team will kick off against Concordia University on Korver Field. Also on Saturday, the Raider varsity volleyball team will host Midland Lutheran at 5 p.m. in the Bultman Center.
Morning on the Green
Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until noon, homecoming staple Morning on the Green will once again take place. More than 15 booths representing different student organizations and dorms will offer games, food and other fare to visitors and students.
Beginning at 11 a.m., a homecoming picnic will be held in Jaycee Park for returning alumni and current NW students.
Other Events
Besides football, volleyball and Morning on the Green, there are many other events happening this homecoming weekend.
Friday at 9 p.m. students will be able to attend NW’s first Battle of the Bands in the RSC mini-gym.
Registration for the 16th Annual Raider Road Race begins at 7:30 a.m. by Christ Chapel for those who have not pre-registered. The race, which begins at 8:30 a.m., follows a 5-kilometer course around Orange City and is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels.
The homecoming dance will take place at 9 p.m. in the white alumni tent at Jaycee Park. Students and alumni are invited to this semi-formal dance. It costs $2 and refreshments will be served.
This year’s homecoming theme is “Gratefully Red.” Jenny Neuhauser, director of alumni relations, explained the meaning behind it: “Basically last year when we were charged to come up with a theme, we asked a group of students ‘what about NW are you grateful for?’”
From her own experience as a NW alumna, Neuhauser said she has grown in her appreciation of NW and the impact it had on her while she was a student.
“The longer I was out I realized the profound impact NW made on my life,” Neuhauser explained.
“The theme Gratefully Red— not to be confused with the Grateful Dead—is a way to put an attitude of gratitude front and center of homecoming.”
Neuhauser hopes students will take full advantage of this homecoming weekend, not only by attending the events but by meeting some alumni.
“If you see people you don’t recognize this weekend,” Neuhauser explained, “they’re probably alumni. Say hello to them and thank them for coming back. Be good hosts and hostesses.”
