DECADES OF PRIDE
2006 HOMECOMING TO FEATURE REUNIONS, TRADITIONS, FUN
By Michael Hammett

This year Arizona State University’s Homecoming is going back in time – 10, 20, 30 and 40 years to be exact – to celebrate the graduating classes of ’96, ’86, ’76 and ’66. The ASU Alumni Association will host simultaneous reunions for the four classes during the FestDevil Block Party on the morning before the big game, as part of its mission to honor the past, celebrate the present and advance the future of ASU.

“We are really excited about the reunion events,” said Jennifer Holsman, Homecoming chair. “We haven’t done anything like this before.”

Alumni Association officials hope to capitalize on Homecoming’s popularity to introduce alums to what’s new at ASU. The event has a draw that can be matched by few other events on the university’s calendar.

“Homecoming is one of the easiest, most convenient times for alumni to reconnect with ASU,” said Christine Wilkinson, president of the Alumni Association.

“Homecoming is one of ASU’s, and certainly the Alumni Association’s signature events,” she continued. “It’s a chance for alumni to recapture memories, as well as to see how the university is progressing.”

The big homecoming game is Saturday, October 21, when the Sun Devils take on Pac-10 rival Stanford – but there are many other festivities leading up to the big event.

“There’s something for everyone – football, parades, family fun and informational booths and activities at the FestDevil,” Wilkinson says.

Pre-game activities on Friday include a Tempe Chamber of Commerce Gala Event and the Lantern Walk up A Mountain, a long-standing Homecoming tradition that concludes with a spirited pep rally atop the famed butte.

During the day Friday, alums can drop in on “Classes without Quizzes,” a series of entertaining lectures by some of ASU’s top professors – and as the name implies, it’s all fun and 100 percent quiz-free.

Game day events include the Homecoming parade, which will feature Sparky, the ASU cheer squad and ASU’s Marching Band. The Devil’s Advocates will hold a reunion for past members. In keeping with the reunion theme, the class of ’66 will have a major role in the parade. ASU’s alumni chapters will also be part of the fun, carrying banners for each of the more than 50 chapters, clubs and affiliates associated with the Alumni Association.

Holsman is confident all of ASU’s Homecoming volunteers would produce a homecoming that recharged the alumni spirit.

“Our goal is to create a positive and fun experience,” Holsman said. “And this year you will see more about reconnecting with the traditions of the university.”

Wilkinson reminded potential attendees that Homecoming was an experience, not just a game.

“I hope that people are encouraged to visit campus for at least one activity during Homecoming week,” Wilkinson said, adding, “and we are going to trample Stanford, so come to the game and cheer the Sun Devils to victory!”

Details about the reunions and other Alumni Association activities can be found at www.asu.edu/alumni.