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Homecoming attempting to start traditions this year

Originally published in the October 8, 2010 issue

Next weekend, Student Activities is putting a spin on Homecoming activities from those of years past in hopes of creating a few new traditions.

“Homecoming should be about things that get you excited,” said Director of Student Activities Michelle Whited. “[Alpha Epsilon Pi] has already started that with their foam party and we want to build off of them and other organizations and work with what they have done so far.”

Returning to campus after Fall Break, Whited said students can expect to find the campus dressed in red and white.

“We are transforming the campus physically over Fall Break,” she said. “We will be utilizing spray chalk and yard signs, and the Christmas lights on the trees will be on. The campus will look a lot different than it does now.”

Whited said three events she hopes to see carry on from year to year are the Lighting of the ‘B’ Celebration, The Homecoming Bonfire and the Tailgate Party.

The Lighting of the ‘B’ Celebration is one that has taken place on campus for several years during Homecoming, but this year it is receiving a facelift.

In years past, the Lighting of the ‘B’ was poorly attended and consisted of electrically lighting a large ‘B’. This year, the ceremony will actually include flames, and every student will be able to participate, as opposed to just standing and watching.

The first 50 students from each academic college will receive a free T-shirt, and free food will be provided by Famous Dave’s.

“The ceremony will be short and sweet, and quick to the point. It will be a nice way to kick-off the week,” Whited said.

The Tailgate Party, like the Lighting of the ‘B’, has been a Homecoming activity for several years. Whited said she hopes that more students will attend, partake in the games and activities provided and have a fun time.

“I think Homecoming is a good way to express school spirit, and alums and recent graduates have said they have enjoyed their time at Bradley,” she said. “Homecoming is a great time to express that pride and create a common bond with students.”

For the first time ever, a 10’ by 10’ Homecoming bonfire will be hosted Oct. 15 at Meinen Field. To accompany large flames, there will be a pep rally for the soccer team, to boost morale for the next game.

“The bonfire will create an atmosphere that will get people excited about the rest of the weekend,” Whited said. “It is also a very relaxing way to end the night.”

Students will also be able to take part in breaking a world record during Homecoming weekend.

Students will be gathering at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 on Baker Quad to take part in “Bradley Breaks a Record.”

ACBU is going to attempt to break a Guinness World Record with a “tandem push-up,” which is basically one large push-up.

“Breaking a Guinness World Record is one of those things that are just typically college, you can’t gather a few friends at home and say, ‘Hey lets set a world record,’ ” ACBU Special Events Coordinator Bryant Au said. “College gives us a unique opportunity to try something like this and at the same time it’s a really cool chance to bring Bradley some unity it lacks.”

Au said students will line up in push-up formation, and put their legs on the person behind them, creating a chain, so there is only one pair of legs on the ground at the end of the line.

Whited said putting together Homecoming was a cross-campus effort and that all of the ideas for the week were student driven.

“Without all of the students who have helped, we would have never been able to have the things and events we have planned,” she said.

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