THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

PRESENTS
tration by summer bradshaw illus

Monday, September 26, 2011

HOMECOMING 2011
SPEcial SEcTioN

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thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

editors note

Returning even better during homecoming

By Emily Glover
eglover@kansan.com

braska. Ironically, the one place that actually felt like home was one of the few places I never lived: Lawrence. A few times every year, my family made a big trip to Lawrence to visit my grandfather or see my dads old friends. To me, no visit was complete without a trip to the University of Kansas campus.

rowing up, I was basically a geographical orphan. I lived a few years in Michigan, a few years in Ohio and a few years in Ne-

Im going to go here someday, I told anyone who would listen. In 2008, as I entered my freshman year at the University, that dream came true. Now, three crazy years later, it is hard for me to believe my time as a KU student is coming to an end. I must admit, though, that I am excited about experiencing homecoming as an alumna. I am already looking forward to tailgating with a flat-screen TV, similar to the one Salman talks about on page five. I also plan on carrying on

some treasured KU traditions, although its weird to think some of our rituals may fade away. Then again, it would also be strange if we still celebrated Hobo Day, which KU students in the 1920s did for Homecoming Week. Read more about that and other failed traditions in Angelas story on page four. Although I dont know where Ill go from here, one thing is for sure: Traveling back to Lawrence will always be a homecoming for me. Its just even better during Homecoming Week.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top 6 things to know about homecoming Failed traditions Tricked out tailgates Returning home again Food, friends and drinks make tailgaiting central to game Homecoming schedule of events Students sacrifice sleep for perfect floats Homecoming floats present challenge, chance to socialize Relationships arent always easy during Homecoming Week Big 12 homecoming traditions Week isnt just for the Greeks What are you doing for Homecoming Week? Legacy means more to some than others Homecoming traditions evolve over the years 3 4 5 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 13

Tweets: How do you feel about Homecoming Week at the University? 14

6TH & NEW HAMPSHIRE D O O R S O P E N AT 9 P M 18 TO ENTER, 21 TO DRINK O N LY O P E N T H U R S D AY N I G H T S

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

toP 1 2 3 4 thINGS 5 6
MoNDAY, SEPtEMBER 26, 2011
this years homecoming is the universitys 99th annual celebration. that makes it one of the oldest and most prestigious Ku traditions. Students can get involved in homecoming week by attending events set up on wescoe and around campus. certain organizations compete for points throughout the week. the schedule for homecoming week is available on the Ku Alumni Associations web site. the homecoming Steering committee, which is made up of 16 students and school administrators, planned the events for this years homecoming week.

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Although the game isnt until Saturday, homecoming week festivities kick off on Sept. 25. the week ends with the Ku vs. texas tech football game at memorial Stadium on oct. 1.

close to 20 events are occurring throughout the week. one of the biggest is Jayhawk Jingles on Sept. 28 from 6 - 8 p.m., where student groups perform songs and skits while local vendors provide free samples. the homecoming parade, which will go down Jayhawk boulevard, occurs three hours before the football game kickoff on oct. 1.

this years theme is from Lawrence with Love. it was chosen because it celebrates the Lawrence community. Kreigh said Lawrence plays a large role in making the Ku experience unique.

to KNow

hoMEcoMING

ABoUt

SourceS: Andy Kreigh, A Senior from LAwrence And homecoming pubLicity co-chAirmAn, And www.KuALumni.org

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Failed traditions
ANGELA hAwKINS
editor@kansan.com

PhotoS CoURtESY SPENCER RESEARCh LIbRARY

As this is the Universitys 99th homecoming celebration, many traditions have developed in time. Erin Rossiter, a senior from Omaha, Nebr., said she thinks this is part of what makes the University great. KU is more than just a place where people teach and go to school, Rossiter said. The traditions stay alive because without them wed just be any other school. However, for better or worse, some traditions have faded to oblivion. Heres a look back at some of the Universitys failed homecoming traditions.

There used to be massive concerts in Allen Fieldhouse for students to enjoy the week of the big game. In 1971, Student Union Activities brought Bob Hope to perform in Allen Fieldhouse.

Concerts in the Fieldhouse

RIGht: Bob and Delores Hope talk with students at Allen Fieldhouse in 1971.

Students gather for Doc Yaks medicine show in 1946.

Back in the 1940s, Homecoming Week featured an event called Doc Yaks Medicine Show. For it, an actor dressed as an old-fashioned doctor handed out sugar pills that he claimed would boost the school spirit in KU students and ensure a win in the homecoming football game. A candidate for homecoming queen rides into Memorial Stadium in 1965.

Doc Yaks medicine Show

In 1922 the first annual Hobo Day was celebrated. For it, students dressed in clothes resembling those of a hobo. Students also brought along old clothes to sell or exchange. In a 1928 Hobo Days celebration, students in two vegetable trucks on campus had a vegetable fight. The event was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but eventually faded away.

hobo Day

The University crowned its first homecoming queen in 1925. The tradition continued on an annual basis between 1933 and 1969. However, by the early 1970s, anti-Vietman War sentiments overshadowed the tradition and the University stopped crowning homecoming queens. At the same time, sororities and fraternities

homecoming Queen

were encouraged not to decorate their houses for homecoming. Eventually, sororities and fraternities got back into decorating their houses, but homecoming queens have not been crowned since. Now, the University celebrates two students leadership, service and academic efforts with the Ex.C.E.L. Award.

In 1935, students tried to orchestrate duck race on Potter Lake. Reports show that there was a good student turnout at the event, but the morning was pretty chilly and the ducks just huddled in the middle of the lake. Eventually the Marching Bands duck crossed the finish line but it wasnt enough to save the tradition.

Duck Race

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thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN Football

MoNDAY, SEPtEMbER 26, 2011

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MoRGAN LAFoRGE/KANSAN 2008 alumnus Jordan Wurth throws a bean bag while playing bean bag toss across the street from Memorial Stadium earlier this season. Wurth said his favorite part of tailgating was being able to see friends he went to college with.

Tricked out tailgates

some its a relaxing and laid-back activity. Usually we do a lot of people Tossing around a football, play- watching or play a few games of ing lawn games and feasting on hot beer pong or washers, said Nick Renard, a junior from Rusdogs or burgers: sel. Saturday we spent the These are just a afternoon few of the acpicking tivities that help I saw someone roasting o bn ox i ou s KU students a pig at the game versus bugs out of know its footour beverball season. Northern Illinois. ages. With the arAndrew rival of homeJeNNIFer allee coming, tailgatassistant athletics director for L i c k e r t , fan experience video diing provides rector of students yet Rock Chalk another opportunity to show school spirit and Video, enjoys the at home atmosphere fans often create at tailgate celebrate the homecoming game. Tailgating is a way for fans to parties. Ive seen multiple generators unite together before a game, said Jennifer Allee, assistant athletics with two flat screen TVs, full on director for fan experience. Its a grills, a variety of games, heat lamps chance for them to come together as and roasting, Lickert said. Although some fans come to tailJayhawk fans and show their spirit for their school while celebrating in gate parties to relax, others come to a fun and safe manner. entertain and some fans go to Many students get involved with great extents to capture the attentailgating as a pregame festivity. For tion of by passers by.

SALMAN hUSAIN
editor@kansan.com

I saw someone roasting a pig at the game versus Northern Illinois and that is definitely a dedicated tailgate, Allee said. Those fans, who called themselves the Jayhoggers, roasted the hog at the KU home game on Sept. 10. They were also briefly on the Jumbotron as the tailgate of the game. Im very impressed with the variety of food that I see and the extent they go to celebrate being a Jayhawk, Lickert said. Tailgating during the homecoming game especially encourages students to get energized and excited about the game and contributes to the culture of KU football. I definitely appreciate the chance to socialize with friends and new folk in an outdoor setting, Renard said. Occasionally you run into someone you havent seen in a blue moon, and no matter if you care for the person or not, you still find something to talk and laugh about. Edited by Emily Glover

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thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN blast from the past

MONDAY, SEPtEMBER 26, 2011

PAGE 7
Annual membership: $55 single or $65 joint. Recent grad: $25 single or $30 joint! Recent grad memberships are available for the first five years after completion of the last KU degree. Jayhawk Generations: $15 annually. Sign up your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews for this annual program. We'll follow your fledgling from birth to high-school graduation and send him or her KU goodies along the way. Jayhawk Society: $100 single or $150 joint. Jayhawk Society is a premium level of annual membership. For their additional commitment to the Association, Jayhawk Society members receive additional benefits. Life membership: $1,000 single or $1,500 joint. Life membership is a premium level of membership. For their exceptional loyalty to the Association, life members receive additional benefits. Life members can also further their commitment by joining Jayhawk Society as well. Life membership installment plan: $83.33/month single or $125/month joint, in 12 easy payments. Student membership: $25 for a one-year membership or $75 for four years (a savings of $25). Future alumni can join the Association as well. Student members join at reduced rates and enjoy their own benefits and discounts. Retired faculty and staff: $25 single or $30 joint. The Endacott Society allows retired University faculty and staff to enjoy the benefits of Association membership at reduced rates. Endacott Society members gather weekly for book clubs, potlucks, gardening clubs, continuing education programs and more. Gift membership: Give a gift you know they'll love. Memberships make perfect gifts.

Returning home again

StELLA LIANG
editor@kansan.com Homecoming is a tradition that involves both alumni and students. Both groupsplan and participate in it collectively. However, although each group participates in the same week of festivities, their attitudes and emotions are often very different. Alumni who participate generally have sentimental reasons. Homecoming is still a special time for alumni because of the chance to see old friends, visit favorite spots on campus and in Lawrence, and soak up the energy of campus life in the midst of the busy fall months, said Jennifer Jackson Sanner, the senior vice president of communications for the KU Alumni Association. Some alumni use this week to reflect upon enjoyable memories from college. Obviously nostalgia is a huge factor for alumni, Sanner said. For students, Homecoming is just one example of the traditional college experience that makes KU so appealing. For many students, Homecoming is not as emotional. A student attends the game or makes a float simply because its part of the college experience. I went to the Homecoming game once, said Caylor Scrizner, a junior from Hoyt. It was fun, but otherwise, I dont do much. For some students, the college experience includes participating

for alumni, homecoming offers chance to see old friends

in some of the activities of sororities and fraternities. Im in Gamma Phi Beta so Im going to be participating in making the float and anything else that my sorority decides to do, said Hanna Curtis, a freshman from Overland Park . Its fun to get to know everyone since it is such a big school. Whether someone participates just for fun or for nostalgic reasons, homecoming is enjoyed by many people in both groups. Its impossible to determine whether alumni or students enjoy homecoming more, Sanner said. The tradition is important for many different reasons. Edited by Sarah Champ

membership

kualumni.org

KicKing bacK

food, friends and drinks make tailgaiting central to game

Alumni to be given special seating for Homecoming game against Texas Tech
ELISE REUtER
editor@kansan.com Football. Floats. Tailgating. Homecoming is a week of celebration in the tight-knit University community that brings together fans, both old and new. Several events have been set in place for returning KU alumni. The tailgate, which takes place three hours before the football game, brings in between 400 and 500 alumni on average. Most alumni usually go to the parade or the Alumni Association Tailgate. They have a tailgate for every game, home and away, said Coordinator of Student Programs Stefani Gerson. For those interested, food and drinks will be provided at the Adams Alumni Center. Tickets are $10 before the event and $15 on the day. Alumni will also be provided with special seating at the game on Saturday against Texas Tech. Other events that are open to both alumni and the public include a $5 pancake breakfast four hours before kickoff and the homecoming parade on Jayhawk Boulevard, three hours before kickoff. Although Saturday holds many of the main events, there are many others open to alumni the week before the game. Stuff the Bus provides an opportunity to reach out to the Lawrence Community, which is one of the central themes of this years Homecoming, titled From Lawrence With Love. Canned food donations from the event will be given to the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation, which helps local low-income families. Alumni play a huge role in keeping the traditions of KU alive. They bring school spirit theyve had since their time at KU. Many alumni can recount Homecoming week from when they were students and enjoy partaking in it as an alumni as well, said Beth ONeill, a senior from Topeka and homecoming publicity co-chairwoman. Edited by Stefanie Penn

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

sUnDaY, september 25
stuff the bus 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dillions on 23rd street letters from lawrence with love 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dillions on 23rd street Jayhawk Jingles auditions Jayhawk Jingles auditions 5 - 9 p.m. adams alumni center

monDaY, september 26
homecoming tabling 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach monday funday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach punt, pass & Kick preliminaries 4 - 6:30 p.m. memorial stadium 3 vs. 3 basketball tournament 5 - 11 p.m. student rec fitness center

tUesDaY, september 27

homecoming tabling 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach resculpture/recycling Drive 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach 3 vs. 3 basketball semifinals/finals 5 - 9 p.m. student rec fitness center punt, pass & Kick finals 5:30 - 7 p.m. memorial stadium magician mike super sponsored by sUa 7 and 9:30 p.m. Woodruff auditorium, Kansas Union

WeDnesDaY, september 28

office Decorating judging 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. participating offices homecoming tabling 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach chalk n rock 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach Jayhawk Jingles dress rehearsals 6 - 8 p.m. adams alumni center

thUrsDaY, september 29

homecoming tabling 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach mural contest 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach free pizza provided by pizza hut 12 - 1 p.m. Wescoe beach homecoming food fest/Jayhawk Jingles 6 - 8 p.m. adams alumni center

friDaY, september 30
homecoming tabling 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach crimson and blue Day 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wescoe beach appearance by turner gill 12 - 1 p.m. Wescoe beach

satUrDaY, october 1
pregame pancakes ($5 per person) 7 a.m. adams alumni center parking lot homecoming parade 8 a.m. Jayhawk boulevard KU vs. texas tech football game 11 a.m. memorial stadium ex.c.e.l. and homecoming awards halftime presentation memorial stadium

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SPENCER RESEARCh LIbRARY a group of sorority members work on constructing a float for homecoming in 1965. That years theme was Hawkers History.

Students sacrifice sleep for perfect floats

NAtALIE PARKER
editor@kansan.com

Before many students even realize that its Homecoming Week, members of some campus organizations are already hard at work on plans for their floats. A few weeks before the parade, the Homecoming chairwomen of sororities meet with members from

their partner fraternities. Together, the groups start planning the design of the float and discuss how it will fit the years homecoming theme. This year, floats will be based on the theme From Lawrence, With Love. As a parade chairwoman, Chelsea Stieb, a senior from Sringfield, Mo., helps create the parade line-up and approves float designs submit-

ted by the participating organizations. Because there arent any rigid guidelines for the theme, Steib said that most floats get approved. Danielle Fuhrman, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., and a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority homecoming committee, said brainstorming is a large part of the planning process. We all just throw out ideas and

decide together what we think would stand out, Fuhrman said. We dont want to do something that a lot of other groups might do. Fuhrman also said she appreciates that the theme is open to interpretation, which provides an opportunity for organizations to show their creativity. I think its good that they leave

the theme kind of open-ended because the floats probably wont be similar, Fuhrman said. Its interesting to see how people perceive the theme and make it theirs. After that, Fuhrman said the chairmen and women delegate much of the work based upon the skills people have. Two committee members with whom Fuhrman is working are

studying architecture, which made them very valuable while sketching the float design. We know whos good at building, whos good at designing and just try to get a lot of people involved, said Fuhrman. After plans are drawn, the chairmen and women obtain a trailer, which is usually borrowed. Around the same time, members order supplies, including many colors of pomps. They are kind of like tissue paper and you fold them and fluff them out, Fuhrman said. The group begins work by shaping the chicken wire into whatever object they have decided to build. In the past, they have crafted Baby Jay, Big Jay, the Campanile and, for last years road-trip theme, a Jayhawk driving in a car. After the main object is shaped, wood is often used as a base. The last step is to make sure every space in the chicken wire is filled in with the pomps. Although organizations cannot start working on building the floats until the Monday of Homecoming Week, members make the most out of the time they have. Last year during Homecoming Week, Fuhrman said members from her sorority worked every weeknight before the parade and stayed up until 4 a.m. on Saturday to perfect their float. The week is completely dedicated to homecoming, Fuhrman said. I wont skip class, but Ill be up all night. Katelyn Cook, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., saw the parade once before and plans on attending this year. Its amazing that a group of people spend that much time on something, Cook said. I think it really shows the sense of unity here at KU. Edited by Alexandra Esposito

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN Floats Greek

MoNDAY, SEPtEMbER 26, 2011

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Homecoming floats present challenge, chance to socialize

Everyone knows what everyone else is doing. Some houses even have peoFor the KU Greek commu- ple on watch duty at night to nity, Homecoming Week is the make sure their float remains culmination of months of plan- unharmed, because there have ning, working and competing. been issues with vandalization Before any festivities begin, in the past. On Saturday, after both a fraternity and soror- a long week of hard work and ity must reach an agreement preparation, the real fun begins. to work together on a float The day starts with teams putthroughout Homecoming Week. ting the finishing touches Representatives from houses on their floats to ensure the contact each other to negotiate floats will be in top shape for a possible partnership. Once the parade. Then, starting at two houses come into contact, the Oread Hotel, the parade members hold housewide votes of floats travels down Jayhawk to decide whether they can to Boulevard, giving everyone a enter official agreement for the chance to see creations that week of Homecoming with a were put together during the specific fraternity or sorority. past week. Its a great The floats way to come Its a great way to come are evaluated together with together with other by a panel of other houses, judges, which houses. said Jessica is chosen Mills, a sophoat random JessIca MIlls more from always a sophomore from overland park but Overland Park includes the in Kappa Delta student body sorority. president. The week begins with the After a winning pair is purchase of a trailer to hold the declared, the tailgating parties float. Next, supplies are pur- for each house pair begin. chased to help build the float. Its a perfect time to talk Every night, sorority members to alumni and catch up with go to their partner fraternity everyone, Tokic said. house to work on the float, Eventually, most people make which is typically kept at the their way into the game to enjoy fraternity. the football game along with Throughout the week, soror- other Homecoming festivities. ity and fraternity members con- Finally, the house pairs get stantly work on the float in an ready for their social events to attempt to get a competitive cap off the week. edge on their opponents. Theres no other week like [The house] is always loud Homecoming Week, Tokic because people are constantly said. planning and working on the float, said Sean Tokic, a sopho Edited by Emily Glover more from in Phi Psi fraternity. editor@kansan.com

JoSh KURELAc

Fraternity and sorority students construct a float for the homecoming parade in 1965. Fraternities and sororities have collaborated during Homecoming Week for years.

SPENcER RESEARch LIbRARY

Relationships arent always easy during Homecoming Week

Homecoming Week collaborations can result in new friendship or new enemies
SIERRA PALLER
editor@kansan.com
Each year, the Greek community divides into pairs and conquers the task of nonstop nights, competitions on Wescoe Beach and the homecoming float parade. Glitter, glue, chicken wire and hard work fill the nights as each sorority and fraternity pair competes to build the best float in the spirit contest. Although every chapter is allowed to pick another pomping once during the week, chapter to partner with, the pair- said Ashley Farha, a sophomore ings may not always work out from Leawood, who belongs to Chi Omega. We as planned. In werent really some cases, with great friend- the first thing that comes friends our partners Pi ships are to my mind when I think Kappa Phi, but it formed and of homecoming are the was fun to meet new study budguys I probably dies are found. floats. wouldnt have But others are stepHanIe taylor otherwise. not so lucky. a senior from Wichita In general, the Everyone hopes fraternities are in to have a week of fun events planned, but if the charge of constructing the floats houses dont mesh as well as theyd and the sororities help to pomp hoped, the week becomes work or decorate them. The first thing that comes to instead of fun. Each night the houses pomp, my mind when I think of homeor get together to construct and coming are the floats. For many decorate their floats, some stay- organizations on campus it is a ing up all hours of the night to tradition to spend homecommake sure their float structure and ing week pomping and perfecting their float. I like pomping decorations look perfect. When I was a freshman I went because it doesnt take a lot of

effort so I can talk with friends while working at the same time, said Stephanie Taylor, a senior from Wichita and president of Alpha Gamma Delta. Building a float is not only a tradition at the University, but it provides a fun atmosphere during homecoming week. My favorite part of homecoming is the parade. All the floats are usually centered around the homecoming theme but it is neat to see how they all are so unique and different, Taylor said. Any student group is allowed to build a float and participate in the parade. The fun atmosphere that comes with Homecoming provides a week where students can focus less on their studies and concentrate on keeping an old tradition alive. Edited by Emily Glover

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Big 12 homecoming traditions

MoRGAN SIMPSoN
editor@kansan.com

Even with the turmoil in the Big 12, various schools traditions have managed to stick around for dozens of years. Heres a look at how homecoming is handled at a few universities around the conference.

UniverSity Of miSSOUri
This year, the Missouri Tigers take on the Iowa State Cyclones on Oct. 15th. Missouri boasts the largest student run homecoming in the nation. Events include a parade, spirit rally and blood drive, which has previously been recorded as the largest blood drive on a campus. There is also a talent competition that last three nights throughout the week where any student can show off their unusual talents.

UniverSity Of texaS texaS tech UniverSity

Since 1954, Texas Tech has held an election for homecoming queen. There is also a parade, float competition and pep rally, which is called the Rowdy Raider Rally and is held on the Friday before the football game. This year Texas Tech plays K-State on Oct. 15 for homecoming. Although individual schools within the University of Texas host homecoming events, the university does not host an official homecoming game.

iOwa State UniverSity

Up in the Hawkeye State, the first official homecoming for the Iowa State Cyclones was in 1912. This year, the Cyclones will play Texas A&M on Oct. 22. The school also hosts a fireworks display and cheerleading competition. During the week, hundreds of students also volunteer to build a house for Habitat for Humanity.

OklahOma State UniverSity baylOr UniverSty

Baylor University claims to have the oldest and largest homecoming parade in the country. Every year, the parade works its way through town and up to the Baylor campus. The university also hosts a singing competition, which is called the Singspiration and honors generations of Baylor alumni, students and families. This year, the Baylor Bears are battling it out on Nov. 5 against the Missouri Tigers. Similar to many schools, the Oklahoma State hosts a homecoming parade through campus. For a more unique tradition, there is also an annual Legacy Coloring Competition, where children are invited to help Pisto Pete decorate for Americas Greatest Homecoming Celebration. This year, the Oklahoma State University Cowboys take on the Baylor Bears for their homecoming game on Oct. 29.

kanSaS State UniverSity

Down I-70 west in Manhattan, the Kansas State Wildcats will take on the Oklahoma Sooners for their homecoming football game on Oct. 29. At Kansas State, sororities and fraternities dominate most homecoming-related festivities. The houses are paired up and make signs to show Wildcat spirit for the homecoming theme of the year. Another tradition is a 5K race to benefit a local organization. This year, all profits will go to Shepherds Crossing, which provides resources to impoverished people. There is also a sidewalk chalk contest the week of homecoming.

Homecoming coverage
go to www.kansan. com to check out photo galleries of this years Homecoming Week festivities as well as coverage of the football game

FREE
SUSHITROLLS SUNDAY HURSDAY
W th Street www.kobeatlawrence.com

Friday September 30, Saturday October 1, & Sunday October 2!

the UNIVeRSItY DaILY KaNSaN Campus

MoNDaY, SepteMbeR 26, 2011

page 11

Week isnt just for the Greeks

KIRSteN SeLStaD
editor@kansan.com Every year, sororities and fraternities lead a parade of skillfully crafted floats down Jayhawk Boulevard in tribute to the Kansas greek system. Possibly because of this display, the general perception on campus seems to be that Homecoming at the University is only for those in fraternities and sororities. However, according to collegeboard.com, only 18 percent of women and 13 percent of men on the KU campus participate in Greek Life. I went to the homecoming parade last year, said Brandon Peper a sophomore from Jefferson City, Mo. There werent any non-Greeks there at all. It was pretty sad. The students in the Homecoming Steering Committee are striving to change this perception. The idea that homecoming is exclusive to Greeks is something we are working hard to combat, said Beth ONeill a senior from Topeka and publicity cochairwoman of the Homecoming Steering Committee. Our parade chairs have done a wonderful job reaching out to student organizations across campus about getting involved. ONeill said that some of the other organizations participating this year are the All Scholarship Hall Council, the Engineering Student Council and the Student Union Association, which is sponsoring magician Mike Super to perform on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Even those who are not involved with anything can still come to free events, said Bryan Do a junior from Wichita and the steering committee campus outreach chairman. Last year, the non-Greek participants were some of the best Ive seen. Amidst the battle to combat the perception comes a burden to make this year a bigger and better homecoming. We are hoping this year, being our 99th celebration, will be the biggest one yet, ONeill said. To help more students find a way to get involved, information about student homecoming activities and a list of events can be found on the KU Alumni Association website. Everyone should participate in homecoming, Do said. Its for all to enjoy and is a celebration of the University. Edited by Mandy Matney

beN pIRotte/KaNSaN fILe photo

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What are you doing for hoMECoMING?

by anna wenner
Sammy Setter FreShman Overland Park Im in a sorority so I will do the float thing. We have pancakes at 7 at the Alumni Center and then the parade. And I will be at the game.

katie GriFFith FreShman leaWOOd The whole week prior to it we are going to be making the float, pomping the tissue paper, then go to the parade and then the game I love the game. Then well have something at our sorority house for alumni.

kriStina BOuddhara FreShman Garden city Im planning on going to the game with my friends.

kamerOn mack SeniOr Wichita I am president of the Black Student Union and we are having the BSU homecoming pageant on Monday at 7:30 in the Union.

madiSOn cleland SeniOr Garden city I wish I could go (to the game) but I will probably be working.

thE UnIVErSIty dAILy KAnSAn Alumni

MondAy, SEPtEMbEr 26, 2011 TrAdiTiOnS

PAGE 13

Homecoming rituals evolve throughout the years

JACKSon SUMP
editor@kansan.com Homecoming in lawrence has been a highly regarded tradition since it began with a 1912 football game against the missouri Tigers. in time, many traditions have developed. For instance, the unique Jayhawk themes were not a part of homecoming festivities until 1954 when the homecoming steering committee came up with its first theme: Show Your Spirit. Even then, the themes were nothing more than lawn decorations at fraternities, sororities and residence halls. Since that time, it has became common to see lawrence business windows covered in homecoming pictures and slogans. local stores also get on-board with homecomingrelated merchandise, such as victory tags, which are shirts with slogans such as Beat nebraska.

Students wave the wheat as Kansas scores its first touchdown versus mcneese State university on Sept. 3. Kansas defeated mcneese State 42-24.

MorGAn LAForGE/KAnSAn FILE Photo

Legacy means more to some than others

SAChA SInCLAIr
editor@kansan.com In 1912, the Jayhawks took on the Missouri Tigers in the Universitys first homecoming game. In the time since then, thousands of KU students have experienced homecoming at the University. For some, homecoming takes on a whole new meaning when they have alumni status. Rich and Judy Billings graduated from the University in 1957, but have attended every single homecoming game since then. In 2007, this won them the Universitys first Spirit of 1912 award, which has since honored two other couples dedication to the University. Throughout their years of attending homecoming, the Billings have seen many changes. It used to be a much bigger celebration, with more floats, awards and prizes, said Rich. Yet, the couple keeps coming back because they love to see the parade and the game. It is like a reunion, Rich said. As we moved to Colorado, we have little opportunity to see our friends, so homecoming is a chance to see everyone. Judy said she enjoyed returning to see new students who are, a wonderful group of people to carry on the tradition of KU. Although the Billings have attended dozens of homecoming games, their son Jim, a 1981 KU graduate, said homecoming is not as significant to him. Not many of our friends were able to make it back for Homecoming because of their own families, Jim said. Even current some KU students say that homecoming is not that important to them. Jerrica Washburn, a sophomore from Wichita, said she does not get involved in Homecoming. Nonetheless, she said it will be more important to her in the furure. I do want to come back for homecoming after Im finished at KU, Washburn said. Edited by Emily Glover

The season in picTures

go to www.kansan. com to check out football photos from Kansas first three games this season.

A look back ...

Even though activities are offered throughout Homecoming Week, the focal point is always Saturdays football game at memorial Stadium. Here are homecoming game statistics from the last five years. yEAr: dAtE tIME oPPonEnt SCorE AttEndAnCE 2010: October 23 6:00 p.m. Texas A&m l 1045 44,239 2009: October 10 11:30 a.m. iowa State W 4136 48,203 2008: October 25 11:00 a.m. Texas Tech l 21-63 50,125 2007: november 3 11:30 a.m. nebraska W 76-39 51,910 2006: October 7 11:00 a.m. Texas A&m l 18-21 (undocumented)

Check out whats going on for Homecoming 2011!

Sunday, September 25 Stuff the Bus Letters from Lawrence with Love Jayhawk Jingles auditions Monday, September 26 Homecoming Tabling Monday Funday Punt, Pass & Kick preliminaries 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament Tuesday, September 27 Homecoming Tabling Resculpture/Recycling Drive 3 vs. 3 Basketball seminals/nals Punt, Pass & Kick nals Magician Mike Super Sponsored by SUA Wednesday, September 28 Office Decorating judging Homecoming Tabling Chalk n Rock Jayhawk Jingles dress rehearsals Thursday, September 29 Homecoming Tabling Mural Contest Free Pizza Provided by Pizza Hut Homecoming Food Fest/Jayhawk Jingles Friday, September 30 Homecoming Tabling Crimson and Blue Day Appearance by Turner Gill Homecoming Reception (invitation only) Saturday, October 1 Pregame Pancakes ($5 per person) Homecoming Parade KU vs. Texas Tech football game Ex.C.E.L. and Homecoming awards 11 a.m.4 p.m. 11 a.m.4 p.m. 59 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 46:30 p.m. 511 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 59 p.m. 5:307 p.m. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 68 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Noon1 p.m. 68 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Noon1 p.m. 5:307:30 p.m. 4 hours before kickoff 3 hours before kickoff Kickoff TBA Halftime presentation Dillons on 23rd St. Dillons on 23rd St. Adams Alumni Center Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Memorial Stadium Student Rec Fitness Center Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Student Rec Fitness Center Memorial Stadium Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union Participating offices Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Adams Alumni Center Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Adams Alumni Center Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Wescoe Beach Kansas Room, Kansas Union Adams Alumni Center parking lot Jayhawk Boulevard Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium

www.homecoming.ku.edu

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moNDAY, SEPtEmbER 26, 2011

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

What do you think about homecoming at KU?

@UDK_News I think it was lame in high school and its still lame in college. #movingon

KatieStoovy

@UDK_News Its become such a Greek thing that its hard for other groups to really get involved and enjoy it that arent Greek.

melanieRR

@UDK_News i enjoy it because its just another tradition, not like High School where they treat it like the second coming of Christ.

plrappel