Football, fireworks and festivities highlight Homecoming
UIU’s 150th Homecoming, Oct. 12 & 13FAYETTE, Iowa (September 27, 2007) – Upper Iowa University welcomes home the Peacock family with a special celebration held Oct. 12 and 13. “Something Old, Something New, 150 Reasons We Love UIU” is the 150th anniversary Homecoming theme. To commemorate the milestone in UIU’s history, a series of special events is planned throughout the week, starting Oct. 7.
Student activities will begin with a Beta Theta Omega sorority fashion show on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the East Cafeteria. On Oct. 8, a game of laser tag will take place from 3-7 p.m. in Grace Meyer Square; the annual “powder puff” football game will be played on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. at Eischeid Stadium; and on Wednesday, students can receive henna tattoos from 5-8 p.m. in the Snack Bar and attend the Student Organization Fair from 8-10 p.m. in the Recreation Center. The fun continues on Thursday with horse and carriage rides from 3-9 p.m., followed by a comedian entertainer at 7 p.m. and coronation of the Homecoming queen and king at 8 p.m. at the Fayette Opera House.
Friday begins with Homecoming registration/reception for alumni and friends from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Events that day include the rededication of Edgar Fine Arts Hall at 3:30 p.m., the Alumni Art Show open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and a 3:30 p.m. dedication of the Peacock Walk in front of Edgar Hall. An alumni tennis match will be at 4 p.m. at the UIU tennis courts with registration beginning at 3 p.m. On Friday evening, the annual Hall of Fame Banquet will be at 7 p.m. in Garbee Hall, beginning with a 6 p.m. social hour. The 2007 Hall of Fame recipients in the athlete category include Doug Guilford class of ’74, Vincent “Vinc” Horton class of ’19, and Travis Mueller class of ’97. Mike Olson, former UIU football coach from 1966-1970, will be recognized in the coaching category. The bonfire/pep rally is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. in the Recreation Center south parking lot with a grand fireworks show finale at 9:45 p.m.
The second annual Peacock Homecoming Alumni Golf Bash will take place on Friday at Big Rock Country Club. Open to all alumni, the golf tournament will begin at noon.
Oct. 13 kicks off with the Peacock Club breakfast at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Dorman Gymnasium. Registration and reunion gatherings begin at the Alumni Center from 9-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m.
The annual Homecoming parade through downtown Fayette is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by a beard judging contest on Main Street. The Alumni Art Reunion begins at 11:30 a.m. in Edgar Fine Arts Hall, and a tailgate party will be at the north end field zone from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with Crystal Axe performing.
The NCAA Division II football game against Southwest Minnesota State University begins at 1 p.m. in Eischeid Stadium. Halftime highlights include the presentation of the 2007 UIU Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, Former Hall of Fame members in attendance and the Homecoming Queen and court, plus many other surprises for the fans. The football game will be followed by the annual goal post party with more live music at the north end field zone.
The Alumni Banquet in Garbee Hall will conclude Homecoming week, with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Alumni Award recipients are Jim Day class of ’67, Service to the University Award; Jacquelyn McTaggart class of ’64, Community Service Award; Vic Miller class of ’69, Professional Accomplishment Award; and Matt Snitkey class of ’01, Young Alumni award.
Tickets may be purchased for the tailgate and alumni banquet by contacting Sue Felder at (563) 425-5235 or alumni@uiu.edu. The public is encouraged to join the 150th anniversary celebration during Homecoming, as well as visit the UIU themed Maize Maze at the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area in Elgin through October.