For years, the Lighting of the B has become synonymous with Homecoming on the Hilltop. The week started with a bang as students and alumni gathered at Founder’s Circle Oct. 15 to watch the “B” on top of Bradley Hall light up the night sky, along with a fireworks display.
After opening remarks from university President Joanne Glasser, the audience was treated to a night of fun, excitement and school spirit. The evening included various performances and presentations from student organizations such as Bradley Ballroom, Swing Dancing Club, Orchesis, Vitality and the Bradley Speech Team.
Also participating in the program were several coaches and players from the athletics department, which is a first, due to athletics normally having a bonfire/pep rally separate from the lighting ceremony.
Sophomore industrial engineering major and U-Spirit Coordinator Rachel Levine said this was a beneficial change for various reasons.
“In the past few years, the bonfire has not had the best attendance, and fire permits were also a hassle, so we combined [the events],” Levine said. “We also thought it [would] give a better environment for the Lighting of the ‘B’ itself.”
Student emcees moved the program along, helping to maintain a high level of energy within the audience.
“Being there [ at Lighting of the B] last year, it tended to be really choppy,” sophomore psychology major and U-Spirit Coordinator Will Gracik said. “We’re integrating everything together, and the emcees are both working to do fun activities so the whole night goes smoothly.”
Sophomore journalism major Jackie Myers and junior international business major James Ghareeb were chosen as emcees after going through an audition process held by ACBU. The pair invited this year’s Homecoming king and queen, senior special education major Joe Waytula and senior public relations and Spanish major Sam Pallini, to participate in short competitions in between performances.
When it came time for the “B” to be lit, students raised glow batons that were passed out among the crowd, creating a sea of red that filled Founders Circle. The countdown started and cheers rang loud as what has become a beacon of university pride was illuminated, and Homecoming 2014 officially had begun.
