- Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2011 offers something for everyone
Valparaiso University’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2011 brought thousands of people to campus for a number of events and celebrations.
Prayer services, a silent auction, campus tours, lectures, reunions and other engagements kept visitors busy throughout the weekend, along with the homecoming football game and other athletics events.
“It's been wonderful to hear all of the positive feedback about Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2011 -- we are so pleased that everyone seemed to have a great time,” said Kellie Fields, associate director of alumni relations.
The University honored 26 alumni award recipients, as well as the 50th reunion class, which is the class of 1961.
“It's always fun to meet alumni who haven't been back to campus in decades, and to see them taking in the Valpo of today, while still reminiscing about what things were like when they were students,” Fields said. “It's an emotional experience for them, and to see them celebrating and reconnecting with old friends makes all of the hard work so worth it.”
Students' Perspective
Students began Homecoming 2011 festivities the week before the Homecoming weekend celebration itself with fun activities and philanthropic efforts. Not only were the homecoming nominees participating in commemorating the decades, the students were involved in many themed events and activities provided on campus.
Between roughing it out during tug of war, and eating delicious treats made by those competing to be the next king or queen, the week was filled with compelling events to reflect the trends of those decades.
“Some rope burns were involved, but it was worth it for homecoming,” said sophomore Margo Banakis, of Palatine, Ill., after participating in the tug of war. The events brought students and members of the Greek community together to participate and or watch each event unfold.
Students were entertained by the singing talents and laughter from those who sang karaoke, and other peers who strutted their stuff on the runway during the fashion show.
Along with the entertainment and activities promoted by the University Programming Council, students raised money by donating pennies to contribute to the winner’s philanthropy of choice. Phi Sigma Kappa was the winning organization from the penny war competition, and will be providing a $235 donation to Special Olympics.
With more than 275 students present at the Coronation BBQ the Friday of Homecoming weekend, this year’s newest king and queen, seniors Jacob Defassio and Alex Moulchin, were crowned.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayerThe University Guild celebrated its 80th anniversary with a reception. Another high-profile event was the Saturday afternoon Symphony Orchestra performance with special guest Yuan-Qing Yu, assistant concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, who is an artist-teacher in music at Valparaiso University for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Among popular events over the course of the weekend were the ice cream social on Friday night and Oktoberfest on Saturday. And the worship service on Sunday morning at the Chapel of the Resurrection provided a fitting capstone to the weekend.
