‘Rock-it Back’ to UT for Homecoming
Written by Shannon Wermer | | news@toledofreepress.comHomecoming 2008, “Rock-it Back to UT: R.O.C.K. at the U of T,” will have many events for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Toledo community.
“Homecoming is very special to UT because it is our longest standing tradition, reaching its 85-year mark this year,” said Allison Lerro, Homecoming commissioner. “The week not only recognizes the nostalgia of the past, it brings the excitement of the present and the beauty of the future into one. It creates a sense of pride, tradition and family back to UT, and without it the school year would not be the same.”
The Homecoming Commission chose this year’s theme for many reasons, according to Lerro.
“We wanted to incorporate ‘Rocket’ as much as possible since we are the Toledo Rockets. The reason behind ‘Rock-it-ing’ back to UT was to have everyone come together as one, incorporating students, alumni and the Toledo community to make us feel like one,” she said. “We chose a ‘Rock’ music theme because it is something that everyone can relate to, and in many ways represents The University of Toledo. Music is ever-growing and always changing, but at the same time is familiar and comforting, much like UT.”
The week’s events on Main Campus will include:
Sunday, Sept. 28
Rocket-Palooza, 2 to 4 p.m., Centennial Mall. A community outreach event where area children are invited to campus for story time with the Rockets, chalk the walk, clothing/book drive and other fun events.
Monday, Sept. 29
Rock-Out Cook-Out, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Have a free lunch right off the grill and listen to the sounds of smooth acoustic music on the steps of the Student Union.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
Twilight Carnival, 7 p.m., Ottawa/Crossings courtyard. Sample items from Toledo area restaurants and check out games and inflatables. There’ll be carnival food and prizes.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Battle by the Fire, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. Check out the annual Homecoming bonfire and pep rally. Help get the Toledo Rockets fired up to beat Ball State Saturday night, and hear the announcement of the Top 20 Homecoming Court nominees. There also will be a battle of the bands competition, rock-a-thon community service event, car smashing and other bonfire goodies. The Student Alumni Association is providing food at this event.
Thursday, Oct. 2
Homecoming Talent Show, 7:30 p.m., Doermann Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Office of Multicultural Student Services.
Friday, Oct. 3
Homecoming Gala, Student Union Auditorium, 6 to 9 p.m. The UT Alumni Association dinner will include the presentation of this year’s Blue T, Gold T and Edward H. Schmidt Young Alum awards, as well as all college outstanding alumni awards. The cost is $30 per person. Members of the Student Alumni Association may use their free event benefit to attend. For more information call 419.530.ALUM (2586).
• Homecoming Concert, 8:30 p.m., Carter Field. See alternative band All Time Low and solo R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn at this concert sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming. The top 10 Homecoming Court nominees will be announced at the show, which will take place rain or shine. Gates will open at 8 p.m. Advance tickets cost $15 for UT students and $20 for the public. For more information, go to HYPERLINK “http://www.utcap.org” www.utcap.org or call 419.539.2256.
Saturday, Oct. 4
Homecoming Parade, 2 p.m., West Bancroft Street to Middlesex Drive to Kenwood Boulevard to Cheltenham Road and back to West Bancroft. A classic parade sponsored by Blue Key. The Homecoming parade grand marshal will be Chuck Sullivan, a 1959 graduate of the UT College of Business and retired chairman, CEO and president of Interstate Bakeries Corp. He and his wife, Jacqueline, are longtime supporters of Toledo athletics and benefactors of the University. Over the years, the couple has donated more than $12 million to the University.
• UT Alumni Association Tailgate Party, 4 p.m., tent near the Health Education Building. There’ll be free hot dogs, pop and chips, with music by Voodoo Libido.
• Homecoming Commission Tailgate Table, 5 p.m., Lot 10 north of the Glass Bowl. Stop by to pick up a free T-shirt, spirit beads, pompoms and other giveaways to show your UT pride at the game.
• Homecoming Football Game, UT vs. Ball State, 7 p.m., Glass Bowl. The Homecoming King and Queen, along with the parade float winners and decorating contest champions, will be announced. Tickets are $24 for reserved seating; $19 for general admission; $12 for children 12 and younger; half off for UT faculty and staff; and free for UT students with student ID.
For more information, contact the Alumni Relations Office at 419.530.2586 or the Student Activities Office at 419.530.7221.
