2005 Homecomming Festivities Taking Place This Week

Jami Schaffnitt
coordinator of student activities at the Nebraskan Student Union, 308.865.8523

The 2005 homecoming festivities are underway this week at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Teams from each of the residence halls are competing in various activities to earn points for the sweepstakes championship. Activities include a limbo contest, spirit competition, trike race, lip sync contest and lawn display judging. Each team is awarded points based on their performance in each event. The scores are tallied, and the team with the most points will be named the 2005 Sweepstakes Champions.

On Friday, Sept. 30, the Dr. Gary Thomas Distinguished Alumni Award luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union. Later that afternoon, the College of Education Outstanding Alumni Centennial Reception will take place at 3 p.m. in the College of Education Building Atrium. Also on Friday, the Swimming and Diving Team alumni will meet at 6 p.m. at the Cushing Pool.

The Centennial Gala banquet will take place at 6 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union beginning at 6 p.m. The banquet is $20 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, individuals should contact the UNK Alumni Association, 308.865.8474.

On Saturday, the homecoming parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Central Avenue and Railroad Street. Gov. Dave Heineman will serve as the grand marshal.

The UNK Pride of the Plains marching band will be the featured band in the parade, which will conclude in front of the Nebraskan Student Union. The UNK vs Adams State game will begin at 1 p.m.

Jami Schaffnitt, coordinator of Student Activities, said, “We’ve had numerous entries for the parade so far, including boy scout groups, UNK student organizations and area businesses.”

The Sweepstakes Champions for the student competitions during homecoming week will be announced before the game. The Homecoming King and Queen, elected by the UNK student body, will be honored during half-time.

The schedule of additional activities taking place on Saturday includes:
8 a.m. – Coffee and rolls at the UNK Alumni House (Free)
11:30 a.m. – Loper Luncheon at the Alumni House ($5 per person)
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Open House for Case and Ludden Halls
6 p.m. – Post-Game Celebration and Centennial book signing at the
Ramada Inn
6 p.m. – Local chapters of Greeks and Friends Reunion at the Holiday Inn                  ($20 per person).

Contact the UNK Alumni Association, 308.865.8474, for more information.