By: Joshua Robles, A&E Editor
Homecoming week is just around the corner: It begins Monday and ends on Friday, Feb. 25.
Throughout the week, there will be different events and contests for students to participate in as well as prizes for the winners.
“Homecoming is filled with events, and it should be a lot of fun with staff, faculty, and students,” said Vanessa Rials, Newman’s Director of Multicultural Engagement and Campus Life.
The first big event, a banner competition, happens on Monday. Anyone can pick up banner materials in the Student Life office if interested to enter into the competition. Participants will create banners using the given supplies and at the end, the group or person with the most creative banner will win a prize.
On Tuesday, students will be challenged to dress up as their favorite Newman staff or faculty member. Those participating should stop by the Student Life office in Dugan to have their photos taken and be entered into the competition to win a prize.
“It’s going to be interesting,” Rials said. “I’m excited to see the creative styles people come up with.”
Wednesday is pajama day, and students, staff, and faculty are invited to come to campus dressed in their night wear. Wednesday night, the Lip Sync Battle will take place at 9 p.m. in Fugate Gym. Admission is free, and so are the walking tacos that will be served.
“We really encourage faculty, staff, and students to participate in the events,” Rials said.
Battle of the Dorms will be the first of three events on Thursday, Feb. 24. Each dorm will be assigned a color and whichever dorm has the most students wearing their assigned color on Thursday will win.
The women's homecoming basketball game will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday followed by the men’s at 7:30 p.m. During the halftime of the women’s game, the winning team from the Lip Sync Battle will perform, and during the halftime of the men’s game, the homecoming king and queen will be announced. The final list of nominees was not yet available at press time.
“We just really want to encourage everybody to participate and attend the games, not only for the games but also to see the Lip Sync winners perform and see the homecoming king and queen,” Rials said.
The week will conclude on Friday, Feb. 25, with Jet Friday, which will have coffee, doughnuts and music. It will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Student Life Center in Dugan. There will also be a prize for the group or person who is wearing the most Newman gear.
Finally, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, the Sloppy Joes will perform improv at the Black Box Theater.
“There has been a lot of planning that has gone into this week and we encourage everyone to get involved in the events,” Rials said. “It’s a break from your classes, to come together and meet people you haven’t met yet or even just hang out with friends.”
Photo: Courtesy Photo, University Relations
