Homecoming week kicks off next, and this year, ACBU is deciding to switch things up. Homecoming coordinator Jacob McGiles said he is confident that the changes will be for the better.
For the first time since 2003, there will be a parade. McGiles and co-coordinator Morgan Dunham are reintroducing the parade to conclude the Homecoming Week.
With organizations already signed up for floats, the parade will begin its route on campus.
“This has not been done for quite some time at Bradley, so we are excited to see how it goes,” McGiles said. “We also are trying to get the community engaged with the parade this year. We think this will be an easy way for Bradley and the Peoria community to come together.”
In addition to a parade, McGiles and Dunham are also starting Homecoming Week off differently.
In recent years the Lighting of the “B” took place on that Monday. This year comedian Matt Bellasi will take center stage Monday and perform in the Renaissance Coliseum. Coordinators said they feel a bigger named comedian will start the week off well.
ACBU is also introducing a faculty vs. student food drive. Throughout the week, collections will be taken up for the Midwest Food Bank along with a charity trivia night.
Even with the new additions, participants can still expect some of the traditional activities.
“I’m looking forward to all the fun surprise contests and events that happen during Homecoming Week,” Imani Shamsuddin, a sophomore Television Arts major, said.
The Friday before the official Homecoming Week begins, students can participate in the Painting of the Lydias. The decorated Lydias will be displayed in various locations around campus during Homecoming Week.
However, one of the most anticipated events of the week will be held on that Friday night.
Students, alumni, faculty and the community are expected to be in attendance and fill the area in front of Bradley Hall to experience the Lighting of the “B” Friday.
Not only will the B be lit, but the sky will be too. Fireworks will take place along with the announcement of the food drive winners and the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen.
Saturday’s parade will conclude the festivities.
Most universities have a football game during homecoming. Bradley differs from most because it does not have an NCAA football team. Coordinators feel that having a homecoming with a soccer match is just as school-spirit orientated.
“People at Bradley support each other and show their pride with or without a certain team,” McGiles said. “That is what is so great about the Bradley community and homecoming here is because everyone shows support for the school that they love.”
Albert Williams, a sophomore undecided major, is especially excited for the soccer game.
“At the end of every soccer game, no matter if we win or lose, they do fireworks. They put me in the school spirit,” Williams said.
