First published in Around the O on October 26th. Homecoming has a long history of alumni reconnecting with classmates on the campus they once shared, and at the University of Oregon it also coincides with Fall Family Weekend, when parents and families reunite with their students.
“Homecoming is a chance for our campus to celebrate the community that forms our past, present and future,” said Amy Quiring, director of major student events. “This year’s theme ‘Shout Oregon!’ helps us remember and highlight our campus traditions and pride through events and activities like painting the Skinner Butte O and Friday’s parade and pep rally.”
Homecoming week will run Oct. 29-Nov. 4, with the bulk of activities happening alongside Fall Family Weekend.
The homecoming parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Decorated floats and marchers will represent residence halls and UO student organizations.
All of the UO community — including faculty members, staff, and visiting families and alumni — are invited to line the parade route. The procession will begin at Kincaid Street and East 13th Avenue, head east to University Street, and turn right at the Erb Memorial Union. From there, the parade will loop around the south end of the building to the pep rally on the EMU Green.
The pep rally is slated for 6-7 p.m. and will feature a variety of student performers, including musicians and dancers. Light refreshments will be available, courtesy of University Catering and Falling Sky.
Between acts the emcees will highlight the university’s expanding food security initiatives — known as Feed the Flock — which have evolved out of the nationwide conversation about food security and hunger during students’ college years.
“Bringing together students, families, alumni and our community in this celebration allows us to elevate the visibility of this year’s innovative Feed the Flock food security programs,” Quiring said. “It is a great opportunity for our community to be a part of something bigger: Ducks supporting Ducks to contribute to student success.”
Quiring added that the UO Student Alumni Association will provide bins at the pep rally for accepting nonperishable food items for the student food pantry.
In addition to the Ducks flocking in for homecoming, about 3,800 parents and family members have registered for Fall Family Weekend. Taking place Nov. 2-4, the weekend provides opportunities for families to visit campus, participate in activities and reconnect with their students.
“We especially encourage the parents and families of our first-year students to attend,” said Tiffany Fritz, acting director of parent and family programs. “The weekend occurs at the end of the sixth week of classes, which is an important point in their student’s transition to the UO. It’s a way for families to celebrate their student’s success and to get a glimpse of Duck life.”
Other homecoming happenings include football, volleyball and women's soccer games throughout the week, haunted campus tours Oct. 30 and 31 and Run with the Duck on Sunday, Nov. 4.
A full list of events can be found on the homecoming website.
—By Colleen Schlonga, Student Services and Enrollment Management