Purdue seeks community involvement in Homecoming

September 7, 2005

Purdue seeks community involvement in Homecoming

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Homecoming celebration has always been a popular event for alumni, students and football fans. But this year, the event's leaders are issuing a call for the community to take part in the festivities.

Margie Stoltz, program adviser for the Purdue Student Union Board, said there are many opportunities for local residents to get involved.

"We've not had significant community participation in Homecoming in years past, but this year we'd really like to change that," she said. "With the earlier kickoff time, there are family-friendly activities scheduled the day of the game, but there will be a series of events the week leading up to Saturday. These events will depend on not just campus participation, but also the support of the community at large."

The Homecoming game is noon Saturday, Oct. 15, against Northwestern.

Activities begin Wednesday, Oct. 12, with a campus-wide blood drive, and a carnival and pep rally on Slayter Hill on Thursday. A fireworks display also will follow Friday's parade.

On Saturday, a series of events by Purdue colleges, schools and departments will take place from 9-11 a.m. on the Purdue Memorial Mall.

Stoltz said one area she would like to see increased community participation is in Friday's parade.

She said there are usually about 10 floats, which in the past have been organized by student organizations. They would like to not only increase that number, but invite other groups to take part. Both profit and non-profit local organizations can build floats. They are also seeking business sponsorship of floats, as well as donations of cash, food and materials. Additionally, businesses can sign up to set up a booth on the side of the parade route to distribute information about the business or products.

"We welcome any community participation in the parade, whether it's from businesses, organizations or individuals," she said.

Design proposals for floats must be submitted to the Purdue Student Union Board by Sept. 23.

Stoltz said they are also seeking campus-area businesses to work with student organizations for a window-painting contest. Student groups will be paired up with businesses in the Chauncey Hill and Village area, where students will paint windows according to this year's theme, "All Eyes on Purdue: Purdue Mascots Starring in Your Favorite Movie." Each organization will choose a movie and then must include one of three Purdue mascots in their designs: Purdue Pete, Rowdy or the Boilermaker Special train. She said organizations will also carry over the same theme if they choose to build a float or participate in the Homecoming banner competition.

Businesses also are being sought to purchase space on the back of the official Purdue Homecoming T-shirt, which will be given out at the Oct. 12 blood drive and at other events during the week.

Downloadable registration forms for campus and community organizations and businesses are available on the Purdue Student Union Board Web site. Those interested may also contact Stoltz at (765) 494-8907 or mcstoltz@purdue.edu.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Margie Stoltz, (765) 494-8907, mcstoltz@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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