The 2010 UA Homecoming, to be held in October, will have major changes from previous years. It will cater more to older alumni, and there will not be alcohol permitted west of Cherry Avenue.Beer will no long be sold within the “”Tents on the (UA) Mall,”” and only those with a permit can consume alcohol east of Cherry Avenue; otherwise, they will have to go to off-campus bars or restaurants.
“”This is something you see at many universities across the country, whether they’re public or private: Alumni come back, and they get to experience the university’s homecoming. The experience is the game, the pre-game experience, but it’s also the campus showcase concept,”” said Chris Vlahos, UA Alumni Association president and executive director,.
Some students are taking the change in stride.
“”Homecoming’s going to be a good time no matter how old you are and whether there’s alcohol there or not,”” said Jake Mazza, a pre-business freshman.
Pat Larkin, a pre-engineering freshman, disagrees.
“”I’m not really a fan of that, isn’t (alcohol) one of the big parts of football tailgating?”” Larkin asked.
According to a press release from the UA Alumni Association, Shelton called the move “”an important step to help ensure a family-friendly environment at Homecoming. Alcohol will still be permitted in approved tailgating areas, but this action makes alcohol a less dominant part of our celebration, and that will help make it a better event for everyone.””
The “”Tents on the Mall”” area west of Cherry Avenue will be a spot where the fraternities and sororities will participate in the second annual tent-decorating contest, which will also showcase their philanthropic work.
Vlahos said Homecoming this fall will “”reflect a new experience for UA graduates and friends, showcasing the best of the UA’s academic and cultural resources while building on the alumni reunion spirit and activities of this annual event.””
“”Chris went to the Presidents Forum, where all the presidents from the different chapters meet, and he shared, and I know he shared that as one opportunity that they can showcase what they’ve done for dollars raised and all that,”” said Johanne Jenson, director for Fraternity and Sorority Programs. “”I know we’ll be helping the alumni to promote that.””
New events include alumni campus tours, a “”collegiate showcase”” series, a “”campus showcase”” series, reunion activities specific to graduation years and the Homecoming 2010 All-Class Luncheon.
The “”Collegiate Showcase”” series will host lectures and discussions from UA’s academic colleges. The theme of the series is “”Research, Breakthroughs and Perspective.””
Vlahos said the College of Public Health, for example, might have a debate on the health care reform for their portion of the “”Collegiate Showcase”” series.
The “”Campus Showcase”” series is similar to the “”Collegiate Showcase”” series, except the presenters will be UA Athletics, Admissions and Student Affairs.
Reunion activities are for the silver anniversary of the Class of 1960. Special recognition will also be given to those celebrating their decade or mid-decade anniversaries — those who graduated in years ending in 0 or 5.
The Homecoming 2010 All-Class Luncheon is on Oct. 21 and will feature UA President Robert Shelton.
“”I’d want to come back if I were an alumni,”” Mazza said. “”(Homecoming) is a perfect way to keep people involved.””
Jordan Davison agreed, saying it would be a chance for alumnus to “”relive their glory days.””
According to Vlahos, there will be a wider array of food and beverage options. He said there will also be several activities designed for families and the Tucson community, such as musical and performing arts entertainment.
Homecoming this October coincides with the university’s 125th anniversary and is themed “”One for the Ages.””
