Celebrate UIndy
Kelley Sprinkle
Staff Writer
University of Indianapolis Homecoming Week 2008 featured traditional and new events held by Indianapolis Student Government and Campus Program Board.
The homecoming festivities opened with a packed Ruth Lilly Fitness Center for the pep rally on Sept. 29. All fall sports teams were introduced with coaches giving updates on respective seasons. The UIndy dance team did a routine and the cheerleading squad performed to the large crowd of students and faculty. Also, the king and queen candidates were announced for each residence hall and commuters.
John Rush, known as the “human iPod”, performed after the pep rally. Known as Rush performed many songs from different genres and decades, interacted with the crowd and even inserted some names from the crowd in his songs.
Jessica Nickoson, student activities coordinator, said that involvement from the student body improves events.
“Student participation is really important to show pride for your university,” Nickoson said.
The Campus Program Board also held a t-shirt swap in the Schwitzer Atrium during the week. Students brought in gently used college t-shirts in order to receive a new UIndy shirt. On the first day of shirt swapping, were 80 shirts were donated for children with disabilities.
Ashlyn Shaffer, a Campus Program Board member, said the program made a positive impact.
“I can remember when I was younger and it was cool to wear a college t-shirt,” Shaffer said. “It was a good cause to give to kids who do not have any to wear.”
The midpoint of the week brought the second annual battle of the powder puff football teams held at Smith Mall. Team B.A.M.F. went against team The O.C. The game was close, but team The O.C. prevailed with a big win. Each team was awarded with new hats, and the winning team won a trophy for their efforts.
CPB hosted a Foam Dance Party Friday, Oct. 3 on the lawn of Smith Mall. Beach towels were passed out to the first 100 attendees.
During the Homecoming football game on Oct. 4 against Northwood University, different organizations displayed their Greyhound pride around the track in a golf cart parade. The carts and riders were decorated in the theme ‘Celebrate UIndy.’ Sigma Zeta, a math and science fraternity, won the parade with a mad scientist decor.
Freshman Kenneth Taylor and senior Mary Luisi were named Homecoming king and queen during halftime of the game.
Joanna Huff, Campus Program Board president, said she set some goals for the success of homecoming. This was the first year a designated Homecoming committee was created to come up with events and activities.
“The end to a great Homecoming week would to be able to see the stands filled with students waving their pom-poms and shouting into their microphones cheering on the Greyhounds,” Huff said.
