Sept. 17, 2007 – Homecoming week at the University of Utah continues its tradition of stimulating social events, humanitarian efforts and festive fund raising as celebrations kick off September 24 with the traditional House Decorating contest and culminate September 29 with the Utah vs. Utah State football game at 1 p.m. in Rice-Eccles Stadium, followed by the student dance at 9 p.m. The week is packed with activities for students, alumni and other Ute fans (see below for a full schedule, or visit http://www.alumni.utah.edu/homecoming for more information).
Longtime Ute supporters and alumni Lou Ann B. Jorgensen and Howard A. Jorgensen are this year’s Homecoming Marshals. Lou Ann, a member of the College of Social Work for 27 years, has made significant contributions to her field, while Howard, as president and owner of Jorgensen & Associates, has made his mark during an accomplished career in public relations. Both have contributed greatly in service to the University and to local communities.
This year’s Homecoming celebration starts Monday with the traditional House Decorating competition on Greek Row. On Tuesday it takes a humanitarian twist when the Bennion Center hosts its annual Hunger Banquet, aimed at raising awareness of homelessness and hunger in the community.
An Emeritus Reunion midweek will give alumni who graduated from the U 40 or more years ago a glimpse of the present campus with a tour of the new Warnock Engineering Building, followed by dinner and a pep talk by new head basketball coach Jim Boylen.
On Thursday, Songfest will jazz up the already energized campus groups, as they perform song-and-dance routines which are judged for creativity and presentation. Also on that evening, the Student Alumni Association Reunion will bring together members of the group in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
The second annual 18-hole Homecoming Scholarship Scramble golf tournament, which benefits the student scholarship fund, tees off on Friday at Bonneville Golf Course.
Friday’s Homecoming events at the Olpin Union will be more vibrant than ever by combining the traditional Pep Rally and the students’ Friday night party, Crimson Nights. The evening will serve to pump up pre-game spirit, with the help of football coach Kyle Whittingham’s pep talk, free food and appearances by the players, the Ute Marching Band, cheerleaders and Swoop.
Runners of all ages will gather at the Alumni House on Saturday morning for the popular 5K Run/Walk/Stroll, which has added a Kids 1K Fun Run this year so that there’s a good time for the entire family. The event is organized by the Young Alumni Board to raise scholarship funds for students. Each year, prizes are awarded to participants in various categories, including fastest male/female runner, those wearing the most red and demonstrating the most school spirit.
The final day of activities kicks off with a Tailgate Party and Barbecue just prior to the football game against Utah State, after which students will boogie the night away at the Homecoming Student Dance.
Monday, September 24
- House Decorating
Greek Row, Noon
Greek Row and other sites on campus decorate their spaces.
Info: 581-2788
Tuesday, September 25
- Bennion Center Hunger Banquet
Union Building, 6 p.m.
Help the Bennion Center raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in our community.
Open to the public. Ticket info: 581-4811
Wednesday, September 26
- Emeritus Reunion
Alumni House, 5:30 p.m.
Tour the new Warnock Engineering Building at 4:00, followed by dinner and speech from new head basketball coach Jim Boylen. $25 per person
Reserve online or call: 581-3719
Thursday, September 27
- Songfest
Union Ballroom, 6 p.m.
Fraternities, sororities and other campus groups perform song-and-dance. Routines judged for their creativity and presentation.
Open to the public. Free admission. Info: 581-2788
- Student Alumni Association Reunion
Alumni House, 6:30 p.m.
Join other members for the 20th anniversary of the Student Alumni Board. $15 per person
Reserve on-line or call: 581-3709
Friday, September 28
- Homecoming Scholarship Scramble
Bonneville Golf Course, 8 a.m.
The 2nd annual tourney at Bonneville Golf Course. Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund. $100 per person
Open to the public. Sign-up online or call 581-6995
- Pep Rally at Crimson Nights
Union Building, 8:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
A Homecoming version of this campus student favorite. Meet Coach Whittingham at 9 p.m. Crimson Nights admission free with U student ID.
Info: 581-7658
Saturday, September 29
- Young Alumni Scholarship 5K & Kids Run
Alumni House, 7 a.m. registration
8:30 a.m. start, 5K: $25 & $22, students $18
9:30 a.m. start, Kids K: $12
Silent Auction & race proceeds benefit the Young Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Open to the public. Sign-up on-line or call 585-9012. More details
- Pre-Game Tailgate Party
Guardsman Way & 500 South, 11 a.m.
Admission: $20, $15 students, kids under 6 free.
Open to the public. Sign up on-line or call: 581-6995
- Football Game: Utah vs. Utah State
Rice-Eccles Stadium, 1 p.m.
Open to the public. Tickets: 581-UTIX (8849)
- Homecoming Student Dance
Rice-Eccles Stadium & Towers, 9 p.m.
U students dance the night away.
Admission: $10 singles/$15 couples
Tickets: 581-2788
For more information or to reserve events on-line, visit http://www.alumni.utah.edu/homecoming.