Despite the rain last week, “Homecoming 2002: The Billiken Project” continued, with a few minor changes.
The Duck Derby for charity, held at the Clocktower water fountain Wednesday afternoon, raised more than $150 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Due to rain, the Sister Hazel concert was moved to the lobby of Griesdieck Hall, where it entertained audience members with an acoustic performance. Sister Hazel members said it was a blessing that the concert had to be moved inside because they were able to be closer to the fans.
“The Sister Hazel concert was really cool inside Gries lobby,” said Kristen Goehausen, co-chair of Homecoming 2002. “It made it more personal.”
More than 600 tickets were sold for the dance held at Windows Off Washington Friday night. “There were a lot more people there then I thought there would be,” said Goehausen. “We had to order more busses that night to accommodate everybody.”
The golf-cart parade Saturday afternoon took a different course this year due to construction. The parade began at Vandeventer Avenue and headed up West Pine Mall to Grand Boulevard. From Grand the carts turned onto Lindell Boulevard toward McDonald Douglas Hall, ending at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
Roughly 50 various student organizations and departments participated in the parade.
The winner of the best student organization was the Beta Theta Phi fraternity for their construction of a blue bulldozer with “Billiken Project” on the front. The Department of Student Development won the best department cart for their tool-kit-themed cart.
Before the men’s soccer team took the field Saturday night, Homecoming King and Queen were announced. Luke Young, Delta Sigma Phi, was crowned king and Katie Whiting, Alpha Delta Phi, was crowned queen.
During halftime, a 10-minute firework display was launched, featuring an exploding fleur-de-lis.
“SAB wanted to make Homecoming different this year,” said Goehausen.
“We tried a lot of new events this year, such as the statute-making contest and duck derby. Our biggest drawback was the weather,” she added.
Homecoming went very well this year, and more students were involved this year than in years past said Sarah Keller, SAB member.
Keller added, “SAB is excited to start plans for next year’s homecoming, looking for improvements and ways to get students more involved.”
