The Observer, October 14, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 7
Homecoming spirit "bleeds blue and white" on campus
The colors of blue and white "bled" through the campus as the spirit of Spartan pride heightened in preparation for the festivities during this year's Homecoming and Alumni weekend.
A long standing tradition, Homecoming 2005 combines the new with the old and celebrates the past and future of Case. This year's Homecoming coincides with Alumni Weekend and is themed "Bleed Blue and White" to encompass the spirit of Case and the changes that it has recently gone through.
"When the homecoming committee met up earlier this year, they wanted a theme that emphasized the energy and attitude at Case. With all the changes at Case, we wanted something different and energetic," Class of 2006 Vice President Pavan Thangudu said. "So I thought the theme of "Bleed Blue and White" challenges what people usually see on campus and is something that is really different and has a lot of energy."
Homecoming and Alumni Weekend will officially start this weekend from Friday, Oct. 14 to Saturday, Oct. 15 although events such as the banner painting contest, Spot Night, and the Powder Puff football game have been held throughout the week.
A Pep Rally held at 5 p.m. today in the Mather Memorial Courtyard will bring a start to the weekend. Following the rally, Wackadoo's will be hosting a Wackin' Good Bash for the Case community. The social event precedes Dennis Miller Live and will provide dinner and beverages to students and alumni. At 8 p.m., comedian Dennis Miller will be performing at Severance Hall.
The following day's events will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the annual Homecoming Parade. The Case marching band and floats created by student organizations will parade through campus for the entire Case community. Overlapping with the parade, the tailgate party will be held at The Village at 115 stadium featuring food and drinks with special appearances by the Spartan mascot and Case cheerleaders.
The first Homecoming game on the new field against the Washington University Bears will be held at noon. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime. With an increase in game attendance in the new stadium, a record number of attendees are expected at the game.
"Personally, I can feel more school spirit this year. I think it helps to have such an amazing football field right in the middle of the NRV as well as a huge freshman class. Having the new residences and new athletic facilities are helping us appreciate how talented our athletes are, and everyone's getting really pumped up," Class of 2007 President Elyse Moretti said.
The weekend will wrap up with the Homecoming Dance at 9 p.m. in Thwing Ballroom. The dance will be presented by the University Program Board Traditions Committee and features new additions to an established tradition.
This year's dance is centered around the theme of Royalty with a photographer on site to take free pictures of couples and friends. Shortly after the dance, the pictures will be distributed with customized frames that say "Case Homecoming: Fit for Royalty."
The evening was planned to cater to dancers as well as non-dancers. "We are trying new things this year because the focus is on providing the best possible for students. This year, people can go to Wackadoo's for karaoke, tasty beverages, and great desserts provided by Bon Appetit," co-chair of the traditions committee Brittany Spencer said.
Due to the rise in campus involvement and perceived school spirit, organizers have planned for more participation from the Case community throughout the entire week. "Talking with Residential Life coordinators, it seems everyone is much more involved this year, and there is such an emphasis on school spirit that we hope that we get more people than ever attending all of the homecoming events," Spencer said.
