Campus organizations are preparing for Homecoming Week.
The theme this year is Unite, and will honor the Class of 1965’s 50-year anniversary.
“The theme this year will be fun,” said Jacob Overling, business administration senior. “It will take a campus that is already a family and make them have a stronger bond.”
Festivities will be Oct. 28 through Nov. 7, ending with the season-opening basketball game.
Homecoming Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. Competing organizations will have spirit banners completed and hung in Freede on Oct. 27.
“We really want to encourage everyone to get engaged with Homecoming this year,” said MaryAnn Grover, SGA vice president for student activities.
There will be window painting outside the caf in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center for all participating organizations. Students not participating are welcome to view the work and enjoy music and snacks.
Uptown 23rd Street Night will be Nov. 4 and promotes some store discounts in the area. Members of competing organizations should bring their student ID cards to score participation points for their teams.
Constructed spirit structures may be placed at 3 p.m. Nov. 5, but at least before 3 p.m. the next day. These are 10 by 10 foot grass plots on the Quad between the University Center and the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center, which are decorated according to the theme.
The final contest will be Lip Sync performances to recorded music. These 10 minute routines will be performed in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
Winners for the four events will be determined by faculty judges. Consideration also will be placed on the spirit and conduct of teams throughout the week. First, second and third places will be determined for each individual contest, and overall place winners will be announced after the men’s basketball game against Southwestern Oklahoma State Nov. 7 in Freede.
Last year’s overall winning organization, Alpha Phi sorority, is looking forward to this year’s competitions.
“The bar is set high, but it’s all fun and goofiness when you think about it,” said Jessica Strohmyer, dance management senior and member of Alpha Phi.
Participating organizations also can submit a member of any class to be named to the Homecoming court ballot. Student activities leaders are considering requiring nominees to complete an alumni interview to allow alumni to be more active in the selection process. Voting by students will be done on OrgSync.com, and a king and queen will be announced at halftime of the basketball game.
Organizations are not required to participate in all or any of the events. They can take part in select events and opt out of any event they choose. A separate spirit winner will be recognized as the organization with the greatest participation numbers and OCU spirit and enthusiasm throughout the week.
Alumni will participate in events during the week, including a picnic and a distinguished alumni dinner organized by alumni relations.
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