This week marks the annual Saint Louis University Homecoming, packed full of activities for students, faculty and alumni.

“True Blue-Billikens Come Home” is the theme this year.

Several changes were made this year to allow for more student involvement. In the past, the events planned throughout the week usually ended up with primarily Greek participation.

“We wanted to get more people involved this year,” said Laura Gleason, Student Activities Board homecoming chair.

Homecoming week kicked off Monday with Sidewalk Spirit chalking in the Quad.

Gleason said, “We modeled the event after the art department sponsored one last year.”

Yesterday afternoon, professional stylists cut hair in the Quad. The profits from “Clips for Chemo” will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

SAB Research and Development Vice President Mike Rozier said, “We had so many people who wanted to get their hair cut that we didn’t have enough available appointments.”

Rozier estimated approximately the event raised $340.

Last night, hypnotist Tom DeLuca performed his magic and mystery in front of a full crowd in the Saint Louis Room.

The Red Cross is also sponsoring a Blood Drive today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Simon Recreation Center.

Friday is Blue and White Spirit Day, so students are encouraged to wear the school colors to show their support for the Billikens.

A True Blue Barbecue will be held in the Quad from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. During this time, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of games, including a water-balloon toss and a pie-eating contest.

Friday night concludes with the annual Homecoming Dance. The semi-formal dance this year will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Union Station. Buses will run all night starting at 9 p.m.

The cost of the dance is $10 per ticket. Tickets are on sale all week in the Student Life Office in the Busch Memorial Center.

Saturday begins with a 3K-run/walk that begins at 8 a.m. A tailgate party will be held in Koenig Plaza from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a beer garden, as well as free pizza.

The Homecoming golf cart parade will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Student organizations, departments, and for the first time, former Homecoming Queens and Kings will parade through campus on golf carts turned into floats.

“The golf cart parade is such a good tradition that we have here,” Gleason said.

After the parade the men’s soccer team will take on Southwest Missouri State University. The game begins at 7 p.m. at the Billiken Sports Center.

During half-time, the coronation of the 2000 Homecoming King and Queen will take place.

Rozier added, “It’s nice that we’ve changed coronation to the soccer game-more students and alumni will see it.”

The evening will end with a bang, as fireworks will be shot off the Olive-Compton Garage following the soccer game.