The University of Indianapolis held its annual Homecoming Parade at 4:00 p.m., Oct. 3, on Hanna Avenue. Despite the cool weather, students came outside to watch the parade.
Representatives from the Campus Police, Marion County Sherriff’s Office and the Indianapolis Fire Department led the parade. They were followed by several new Camaros from Ray Skillman automotive.
The UIndy pep band played the school song, and UIndy cheerleaders made an appearance, followed by the school mascot, Ace and a float with the homecoming king and queen nominees. Several UIndy alumni also took part in the parade.
Floats made by representatives of campus organizations and residence halls followed an ocean theme. The floats ranged from ships, such as the U.S.S. Roberts and the Warren Submarine, to creatures, such as the UIndy Gamer’s Club’s Magikarp and a golf cart transformed into a jellyfish by the Biochemistry Club. One float was even decorated to look like SpongeBob Squarepant’s Pineapple.
Freshman nursing major Brittany Koors said she came to the parade out of curiosity. She said that she liked Roberts Hall’s float, the U.S.S. Roberts, the best of the ones she remembered.
Freshman nursing major Lindsey Bowers also enjoyed Roberts Hall’s float, but liked East Hall’s as well.
“East’s was cool. They all had shark outfits on,” Bowers said.
In addition to the residence halls, a variety of campus organizations were represented by floats, including the UIndy Honor Student Association, the Chemistry Club, College Mentors for Kids and the Study Abroad office. There also were a pair of clowns and a second, smaller band marching toward the end of the parade.
Representatives from the University Heights Neighborhood Association brought up the end of the parade, handing out candy and pausing to talk to students.
Freshman exercise science and pre-occupational therapy major Kendra Voth enjoyed the parade but found it difficult to tell which floats represented which on-campus organization or residence hall, because not all the floats were labeled.
The winner of the float competition was the Biochemistry Club’s float, designed to look like a jellyfish.
