Homecoming 2004 reflects Buckeye tradition, American pride
COLUMBUS – While honoring past and present Buckeye traditions of the university, Homecoming 2004 will have a patriotic flare as The Ohio State University community celebrates the American spirit with the theme “Red, White and Buckeyes.”
This is the first year that Homecoming will extend the entire week, from Monday (10/18) to Sunday (10/24) in venues all across the Ohio State campus.
“We want to use homecoming as an opportunity to recognize the events that are going on around the nation and the world,” said Nicole Mazur, student co-chair of Homecoming 2004. “The ‘Red, White & Buckeye’ theme gives us the flexibility to include diverse programs that are both educational and fun.”
In fact, some of this year’s events will focus on the upcoming presidential election. During “Patriotic Buckeyes: How to Rock the Vote in 2004” the Ohio State community can learn more about the presidential candidates and the various issues surrounding the November election. Also, Ohio State will host the “Election Debate 2004” where Gov. Howard Dean and Sen. Bob Dole will discuss 2004 election issues, including: funding for higher education, war in Iraq and the economy (TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT).
In addition to the political events, Homecoming will reflect the importance of volunteering and community service.
An annual Ohio State homecoming tradition is the “Stefanie Spielman Homecoming Walk/Run for Breast Cancer” where all proceeds will benefit The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. This year participants can either walk one mile or run five kilometers. During “Buckeye Baggin:’ Create a Craft for Kids” participants can help assemble bags that will be donated to patients at Columbus’ Children’s Hospital. The bags will include coloring books, crayons, stickers, notepads and beads.
Another homecoming tradition is the annual pep rally, where the university community can show Buckeye pride and also enjoy appearances by Archie Griffin, former Buckeye football great and Ohio State Alumni Association president/CEO, Olympic athletes Blaine Wilson and Katie Smith, members of the Ohio State football team and the Homecoming Court.
“Homecoming is a great opportunity for all students, faculty, staff and alumni to come together and celebrate the ongoing traditions that make Ohio State so unique,” said Kai Landis, coordinator of student involvement at the Ohio Union.
For more information on Homecoming, visit http://ohiounion.com/homecoming/
Monday (10/18)
·The Gift of Life Red Cross Bloodmobile and Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the High Street entrance of the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center, 153 W 12th Ave.
Tuesday (10/19)
·Buckeye Baggin:’ Create a Craft Kit for Kids, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor (outside Exposures Art Gallery) of the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. Faculty, staff and students can help assemble craft bags for kids. The bags, which will include coloring books, crayons, stickers, notepads and beads, will be donated to Columbus’ Children’s Hospital.
·African Homeland Acrobats: Simba WA Nyiks, 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St. Simba WA Nyiks will combine acrobatic steps derived from the Chinese with dancing from their homeland in Kenya.
Wednesday (10/20)
·Floats Under Construction Part I, 5 p.m. to midnight in the south stands of Ohio Stadium.
·Election Debate 2004, 7:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St. During this event for Ohio State students, Gov. Howard Dean and Sen. Bob Dole will discuss the 2004 election issues, including: funding for higher education, war in Iraq and the economy (TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT).
Thursday (10/21)
·Patriotic Buckeyes: How to Rock the Vote in 2004, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Ohio Union West Lawn, 1739 N. High St. This is an opportunity for the Ohio State Community to learn more about the presidential candidates and the various issues surrounding the November election. Along with food and refreshments, participants can sign a banner thanking veterans for their service.
·Floats Under Construction Part II, 5 p.m. to midnight in the south stands of Ohio Stadium.
Friday (10/22)
·Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m., at Ohio Stadium. The Homecoming Parade grand marshals will lead more than 100 student organization floats, the Homecoming Court, President Karen A. Holbrook, the Ohio State Marching Band and Brutus the Buckeye to the South Oval. After beginning at Ohio Stadium, the parade will travel north on Cannon Drive, east on Woodruff Avenue, south on High Street and west on 12th Avenue.
·Pep Rally, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the South Oval (Rain site: The Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St.). Archie Griffin, Olympic athletes Blaine Wilson and Katie Smith, the Homecoming Court and members of the Ohio State football team will show Buckeye pride in preparation for the football game.
Saturday (10/23)
·Homecoming Football Game, 12:10 p.m., at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State takes on Indiana University.
Sunday (10/24)
·Stefanie Spielman Homecoming Walk/Run for Breast Cancer, Registration begins at 2 p.m. followed by the five-kilometer run at 3 p.m. and the one-mile walk at 3:15 p.m. at Fred Beekman Park, corner of Lane Avenue and Kenny Road. Proceeds of the walk and run will be donated to The James Cancer Hospital.
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