21 Sep 2013 UCA announces homecoming plans
Pep rallies, golf tournaments, receptions and parties highlight the biggest celebration of the year at the University of Central Arkansas — homecoming week, Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 27.
UCA Alumni Director Jan Newcomer said the events are a year in the making and involve all of the alumni services staff and cooperation from student and alumni groups.
“This is an ongoing process and takes about 12 months,” Newcomer said. “The closer we get, the more involved it becomes. It is a campus wide project initiated by the Alumni Services Department. We involve all aspects of UCA.”
It all kicks off with a pep rally on Monday, Oct. 21, and culminates with a game between the UCA Bears and Stephen F. Austin University Saturday, Oct. 26. A breakfast reception follows Sunday, Oct. 27. In between, fraternities and sororities are re-uniting, classmates are inducted into the Half-Century Club and tailgate parties abound.
The first homecoming, which Newcomer said was in 1924, involved a Thanksgiving Day football game, a parade, coronation, some exhibits and a banquet. “Three of the things that were part of homecoming then and now are the parade, coronation and the game,” she said. “It has certainly evolved over the years into a week of activities and events.”
Homecoming activities begin with the College Square “Pep Rally” at College Square Retirement Community on Monday, Oct. 21. The rally allows more community members and alumni to be included in the homecoming celebrations.
UCA’s Director of Special Events, Don Bingham, said many alumni, retired professors and university friends reside in the community. “We’re planning a lot of fun for these residents,” he said. A cupcake parade, a visit from former cheerleader Elizabeth Farris and a demonstration by the winners of last year’s dance contest are planned.
Official UCA class rings can be ordered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Student Center Lobby, and a pep rally, sponsored by The Bear Den, closes out the day at 7 p.m. at the Farris Center.
“Grits and Glamour with Pam Tillis and Lorri Morgan” will be held at Reynolds Performance Hall Thursday.
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, Buffalo Alumni Hall will be abuzz as it transforms into the Homecoming Welcome Center. It will also be open 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The much-anticipated Alumni & Friends “Ultimate” Homecoming Party will begin at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Special Events Center. The party, featuring a show from the “Ultimate Oldies Show,” is the “perfect way to kick off homecoming weekend,” according to Newcomer. Tickets can be ordered online at uca.edu/alumni/homecoming, by phone at 501.852.2955 or in person at Buffalo Alumni Hall.
Saturday will be filled with reunions, receptions, anniversary breakfasts, teas and the Half-Century Induction of the Class of 1963.
Tailgate parties on Bruce Street begin at 9 a.m. with numerous options. Tradition will continue with a homecoming parade at noon on the UCA campus.
The largest draw continues to be the football game, this year between UCA and Stephen F. Austin University. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. at Estes Stadium, with coronation of the homecoming queen at half time. Game tickets may be purchased by calling 501.852.2234 or at ucasports.com. Parties and reunions follow the game.
The celebratory week comes to an end with the Fifth Annual Delta Zeta Homecoming Breakfast at Holly’s Country Cooking on Sunday.
Homecoming T-shirts can be purchased for $10 each. They are also available at Buffalo Alumni Hall during homecoming events, while supplies last.
“Homecoming is the most important activity and event we have on campus,” Newcomer said. “It is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to show the community and alumni what is going on at UCA and for our alumni to come back home.”
She added that the university encourages the Conway community to attend the Tuesday night pep rally, the game, the parade and the tailgating parties, with the bustling atmosphere a draw for families.
For more information on homecoming events, visit uca.edu/alumni/homecoming or call 501.852.2955.
