By Meredith O’Donnell
Events and festivities will spark celebration across campus, during Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 15 through the 17.
“The theme this year is ‘fairs and festivals,’ which is original and unique,” Denise Harrison, assistant director of Student Activities, said. “Student Government Association (SGA), Resident Student Association (RSA) and the Greek community, are among the campus organizations that have gotten involved in making the floats, so homecoming is becoming part of their tradition, instead of being just for the alumni.”
President Heather Gibbons of SGA, described her enthusiasm for winning the contest for most spirit and members in attendance.
“All of our senators will be in the homecoming parade,” Gibbons said. “We want to support the Pride football team.”
SGA collaborated on their float with RSA and the Newman Club, the campus organization dedicated to uniting Christian students.
The festivities will begin on Friday afternoon with a tour of the arboretum, outside sculptures and indoor exhibition areas.
The Family Weekend Welcome Reception held at the University Club on Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., offers the opportunity to converse with University administration and faculty over hors d’oeuvres.
A more spirited party will take place from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. at Hofstra USA, with Hot 97’s DJ Camilo.
The annual Parade of Floats will begin on the North Campus at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Other highlights include a street fair and tailgate, which will commence at 11 a.m. opposite Shuart Stadium’s main entrance.
“With a fun atmosphere and carnival to get everybody ready for the game,” Harrison said.
Laura Divergilio, senior assistant director at Alumni Relations said, “The outside street fair will include games, great food and a performance from the popular cover band Renegade.”
The main attraction, the Pride’s Atlantic 10 game versus University of Delaware, begins at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, at Shuart Stadium, with a pre-show at 1 p.m.
The presentation of 2004’s Homecoming Court and crowning of the King and Queen, will take place during the halftime show. As always, students presenting a valid University ID card will be admitted free, otherwise adult tickets are $8 and children’s are $4.
Following the game at 6:30 p.m. there will be a dessert social at $5 per person at Café Bistro in Monroe Hall.
The primetime event of the weekend will take place at John Cranford Adams Playhouse at 8 p.m. with the University’s seventh annual Cabaret, featuring the conclusion of the Hofstra Idol competition.
“It will be a weekend full of exciting, fun, festive activities for family and students to enjoy and get involved with, because the theme this year is more inclusive of students,” Pat Montagano, senior assistant dean of students and director of recreation and intramurals, said. “It should be the best homecoming yet.”