Homecoming is approaching fast, and it's crunch time for all of the event's organizers and participants. This year's Homecoming, which takes place this weekend, is especially unique, however. The year 2000 marks the 75th anniversary of Homecoming at Tufts as well as the 125th anniversary of the first intercollegiate football game in United States history, when Tufts beat Harvard six to zilch.
Some changes were made to the structure of Homecoming this year. In the past, the alumni association takes control of most of the festivities, but this year association members decided to include a great deal of undergraduate involvement in coordinating and running the week's events. Tufts University Spirit Coalition (TUSC), co-chaired by senior Paul Fridman and sophomore Randi Wiggins, took on the challenge to make this year's Homecoming as spectacular as it can be. They also received support from various other campus organizations to put on a diverse selection of Homecoming activities during this year's spirit week.
Another big change this year was the increased amount of student input in the Homecoming parade, which will take place on Saturday. TUSC members decided that the parade's theme will focus more on Jumbo pride and school spirit. The choice of grand marshall of the parade was also left up to the TUSC, which received several nominations for the title. The TUSC members then voted on the candidates and chose Dot McAveeney, office manager for the Office of Student Activities.
To help raise more student participation in the parade, TUSC also decided to change the parade's route and will begin it later in the day than in past years. This year, the parade will start at 12 noon behind Miller Hall, and an outdoor breakfast will be served beforehand for participating students. Fridman noted that there is "an impressive lineup of clubs this year" for the parade, and student participation has been impressive.
Clubs who take part in the parade either make Homecoming floats or banners, which will be judged by the alumni. Awards will be given for best banner, best float, and most spirited organization; additionally, President DiBiaggio presents his own award.
Homecoming events begin on Wednesday with Concert Board's rock show, featuring Dispatch and Princes of Babylon at 9 p.m. in Dewick. After the concert, seniors can head to pub night at the Aquarium in Davis Square, beginning at 11 p.m. It's also a night to decorate the campus, and TUSC members will scour the hill, spreading spirit and getting students pumped for the weekend's events. Anyone who wishes to participate in decorating can join in the fun. Homecoming King and Queen elections will also take place in the campus center all day Wednesday.
The pep rally will take place on Thursday night, and this is TUSC's main event of Homecoming weekend. Beginning at 9 p.m. in Dewick, spirited Jumbos can cheer on the school's athletic teams and get psyched for the games this weekend. There will also be tons of free giveaways for all of those who attend, including tickets to the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus, which will be raffled off. Immediately following the pep rally is the Homecoming dance.
On Thursday and Friday, watch out for TUSC members driving around campus passing out special toilet paper with imprinted with the words "wipe yourself with Williams." This year, Tufts will play their Homecoming football game against Williams, whose mascot is the purple cow.
"This year our opponent's mascot is easy to make fun of and has been a great aid [in spirit]," Fridman said. Friday's events include the Inter-Greek Council's Block Party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fletcher field, the Leonard Carmichael Society's Homecoming semi-formal dance, and a screening of The Twilight Zone by Film Series. There will also be a Club Hotung that night as well as two a cappella concerts featuring the Mates, the Jills, and the Bubs, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in Goddard Chapel.
The Athletic Department kicks off Homecoming weekend on Friday night with their 2000 Distinguished Achievement Awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in Cohen Auditorium. Honorees are soccer player Kristine Lilly and Dan Duquette, the executive vice President and general manager of the Boston Red Sox. Seven student sports award recipients will also be recognized during the ceremony.
Saturday is the big game day, and after the parade at noon, the football game starts at 2 p.m. Before the game, though, Tailgater's Village will be hopping. This year the number of cars allowed into the Village has been reduced, but there will be increased space for students to roam around and enjoy themselves. A large tent will be set up and a band will provide entertainment for the tailgaters this year. Students are encouraged to stop by the alumni associations' tents where free food will be given out.
During the game, more free giveaways are planned from several student organizations. The Homecoming King and Queen will also be crowned during halftime. Several other games will be played throughout the day as well.
Homecoming looks to be a huge success this year, due in large part to the great amount of student involvement. "It's going to be extremely successful this year. We already have a really high turnout with floats and banners, and our Web site has had many hits. Students are also expressing interest," Fridman said.
Wiggins said that they are expecting a larger alumni turnout for this year's Homecoming than in past years, because 60 percent of last year's graduating class lives in the Boston area.
"Everyone should come support Homecoming," Wiggins said. "It's not just about athletics. It's about the unity of the student body and taking pride in the University."
For more information about Homecoming events, visit the TUSC website at ase.tufts.edu/tusc.
