Saint Louis University’s Homecoming 2001 is almost here, and it will be nearly impossible to miss. From Monday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 29, SLU’s campus will be inundated with Homecoming festivities organized by the Student Activities Board.
Homecoming week kicks off on Monday, Sept. 24, with a sidewalk chalk drawing contest from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. This contest will be held in Quad I, and a $25 prize will be awarded to the winner. Those interested in participating, whether as individuals, large groups or organizations, need to show up in Quad I ready to draw anything related to Homecoming.
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Laclede Avenue between the Marchetti Towers and the Robert R. Hermann Stadium will be closed, to provide the SLU community with some musical entertainment. Three bands will be performing throughout the afternoon: Colony, 3 to 3:30; Brand New Immortals, 4 to 4:30; Better Than Ezra, 5:30 to 7. Barbecue will also be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Clips for Chemo will be set up in the student commons of the Busch Memorial Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. Each haircut will cost $7, and all proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Later that evening in the Saint Louis Room of the BMC at 9 p.m., comedian Tom DeLuca will return to entertain the SLU community once again.
Immediately following DeLuca’s show, the Athletic Department and SAB will be co-sponsoring a bonfire/pep rally in the sculpture park at the intersection of Laclede and Vandeventer Avenues. The Pep Band and the Baby Blues will perform and get the crowd excited, then the soccer team will be introduced, as well as the Homecoming nominees.
Friday, Sept. 28, will be Blue and White Spirit Day throughout the University. Later that evening, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Homecoming dance will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Union Station. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at all the Homecoming events, and tickets can also be bought at the Hyatt on Friday night.
Saturday, Sept. 29, starts off with the alumni-sponsored Run/Walk. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., and the race is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. There will be a tailgate party from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday in Quad I. Free pizza will be served, and a beer garden will be open to students of legal drinking age with a valid ID.
The Golf Cart Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., traveling through campus past the tailgate party and will end at the soccer field. The judging will take place in front of the Griesedieck Complex. The Golf Cart Parade is a much-enjoyed tradition at SLU, sparking spirited competition between organizations and departments, students and faculty.
In the past, those groups interested in participating in the parade have had to pay a fee to use a golf cart, but this year University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., will sponsor the golf carts. This means that groups only have to pay for the costs they incur while preparing their golf carts.
If your organization or department is interested in entering the Golf Cart Parade, pick up a registration form in the SAB office in the BMC. The form must be filled out and returned by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, and along with your form, you must submit a drawing of your proposal cart for approval. Organizations can begin decorating their golf carts on Friday, Sept. 28, and may do so until the parade begins on Saturday. The carts will be under the Department of Public Safety’s supervision throughout the night of the 28th. The men’s soccer game against Texas Christian University begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29.
During halftime, the Homecoming Court will be announced, as will the winner of the Golf Cart Parade. Immediately following the soccer game, there will be a fireworks display off the top level of the Olive-Compton Garage.
All of the organizations are required to clean up their golf carts after the fireworks.
Michelle Davison and Sarah Keller, co-chairs of Homecoming 2001, are rather excited about next week’s festivities.
“The goal is to get more people involved, to increase school spirit, and to have fun,” said Davison.
The week-long events provide students with ample opportunities to get involved and support SLU.
Lisa Bausano homecoming chair for the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, said, “I am really excited for the Golf Cart Parade. We’ve been working really hard on our cart, and hopefully we will win. I think that Homecoming week truly brings out our school spirit.”
