New Activities Will Highlight Homecoming 2000 Weekend

Several new programs will join traditional events for Homecoming 2000, which will be held during the weekend of October 13–15. A comedy show, an alumni-student networking brunch, and an expanded tailgate party are among the activities designed to bring members of the Ithaca College community closer together.

"We have added some events and revamped others to get the maximum benefit out of the weekend for our graduates as well as for our current students," says Gretchen DeBolt, assistant director of alumni relations. "We think it is an appealing mix that will help increase participation in Homecoming by providing a variety of interesting and exciting experiences."

The weekend kicks off on Friday with the first "Alumni in the Classroom" program. Nearly 20 alumni have signed up to be guest speakers in classes in such areas as marketing, finance, writing, and photojournalism. Faculty members who would like information on participating in the program next year should contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 274-3466.

The Campus Center quad will be the site of a barbecue picnic on Friday evening, with dinner available for both students on meal plans and those who want to pay on a cash basis. Everyone is invited to stick around to show their Bomber spirit at the Homecoming bonfire and pep rally, slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. and featuring live music as well as appearances by members of Ithaca’s athletic teams. The action will move inside the Campus Center at 9:00 p.m., with a free comedy show in the pub/coffeehouse showcasing the talents of stand-up comic Mike Capozzola ’92, the Ithaca College Student Comedy Club, and headliner Rich Voss, whose credits include appearances on Late Show with David Letterman and The Rosie O’Donnell Show.

On Saturday each of the College’s five schools will hold informal open houses from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Alumni can take a look at what’s new and improved in campus academic facilities by touring the Center for Health Sciences, Center for Natural Sciences, Roy H. Park Hall, Smiddy Hall, and the James J. Whalen Center for Music. The Offices of Alumni Relations and Career Services will host a free alumni and student networking brunch from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Klingenstein Lounge, Egbert Hall. This informal gathering will offer students and graduates the opportunity to talk about their work experiences and career paths.

From 11:00 a.m. and leading up to the 1:00 p.m. football kickoff against St. Lawrence in Butterfield Stadium, the F lot parking area will be the site for sports booster tailgating and the alumni tent. People are invited to get some lunch from the concession stand and sign up at the tent for prize giveaways, including a kayak, mountain bike, and the chance to kick a halftime field goal and win a car. A "moon bounce" and slide will help keep the kids entertained.

In addition to the football game, the weekend’s athletic events include a women’s soccer game against Oneonta and alumni softball, wrestling, and men’s and women’s lacrosse contests. The annual Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Emerson Suites; for ticket information call 274-3194.

Other Homecoming activities on Saturday will include

• 11:00 a.m.: Dedication of the Don E. Collins Computer Lab in the School of Business, in memory of the late associate professor of accounting; first floor foyer, Smiddy Hall
• 4:30 p.m.: Dedication of the "millennium garden," the class of 2000 senior class gift; main entrance traffic circle
• 5:00 p.m.: Dedication of the "pathway to the future," including formal recognition and acknowledgment of contributors to the brick pathway; by Muller Chapel entrance
• 5:00–6:30 p.m.: Student leader reception, sponsored by the Student Alumni Association, to recognize current and former leaders of student organizations; Clark Lounge, Egbert Hall

For more information and a complete schedule of Homecoming 2000 activities, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 274-3194 or visit the Homecoming Schedule on the Web.