The University of Wisconsin will continue its tradition of Homecoming in the next week with a diverse lineup of events for students, alumni and community members to enjoy.
“Bucky’s Game Show Challenge” — the week’s theme — commences today with kickoff held on Library Mall from noon to 3 p.m.
Homecoming steering leader Kaitlin Mills said kickoff is like a big party, including free pizza, inflatable games, live music and a cardboard barge race on Lake Mendota.
Karyn Christianson, UW Homecoming co-chair, said though there are many things that are traditional during the week, such as the parade, the committee has also worked to create new events.
In particular, Christianson said a program called Wisconsin Rewind will be included in Homecoming events, where two distinguished alumni are invited to return to campus to give a lecture about their lives after college and how to continue to celebrate being Badgers even after graduation.
Christianson added the chosen individuals will also go onto the football field during halftime at the Homecoming game Saturday.
“We hope to have the program grow. Something we’re really trying to start is more alumni outreach,” Christianson said.
She added that in the past, competitors came from three categories: residence halls, student organizations and the Greek system. The committee strove to get anyone involved who wanted to be this year, thus, groups of friends can now register for team events and gain points in competitions.
With the committee’s new system of inclusion, Mill said they hope to have more students participate in Homecoming events.
In the spirit of the game show theme, Christianson said the committee has also planned a new event with The Onion. “The A.V. Club’s Jarringly Obscure Trivia” competition will take place in Great Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday night. Teams will have the opportunity to compete for prizes and boast their random knowledge.
Other major highlights include the spirit parade and “Yell Like Hell” on Thursday, Mills said. During the spirit parade, committee members run throughout campus and residence halls to charge energy in students and the community.
“It is like a mock pep rally,” Mills said. “All the committee members love the spirit parade. It is one of the coolest things that happens during the week.”
In “Yell Like Hell,” student groups take songs and change the lyrics to encompass the week’s theme, according to the UW Homecoming website.
Overall, the committee members said Homecoming week activities are a great way for students to enjoy themselves and support their school.
“Get involved because it’s a way to celebrate UW with true Badger fans. Everyone loves Madison and wants to remember the great memories they have had here,” Christianson said.
For a complete list of events, visit www.uwhomecoming.com.