Homecoming 2001 to promote greater campus participation

Vanderbilt's Homecoming 2001 will be of an unprecedented scope, with more events planned than ever before.

Coordinators expect the incorporation of celebrities, community service opportunities and other additions will help the week of festivities to include more of the alumni and campus community. This year, more than 60 committee members consisting of students, faculty and staff pitched in to implement a plan of action and organize "Dore Daze," the theme of Homecoming 2001.

The Homecoming Committee was headed by Sean Smithey, acting assistant dean of campus student services, and Jen Mayer, assistant director of campus recreation. The two researched successful homecoming traditions at other schools to help shape Vanderbilt's.

"We needed to do something different to break the cycle of what has been done," said Smithey. "We're very fortunate that we have an administration in place that is 100 percent supportive of making these changes."

"There's been a lot of work put into this by a lot of different people," said Mayer. "The administration and students together are trying to make this a fun week."

Homecoming week began Oct. 7 with "Yell Like Hell," where students performed cheers as part of the Spirit Cup Award competition. On Oct. 8, the Vanderbilt community was given the opportunity to sign a large banner promoting spirit for Commodore Athletics.

Other festivities include two community service projects. Volunteers will build two storage sheds over three days on Alumni Lawn to donate to Habit for Humanity. A Red Cross blood drive will be held for two days during Homecoming week.

Changes include moving Accolade -- a formal gala held to raise money for the Chancellor's Minority Scholarship -- from the evening before the Homecoming football game to an event that will stand on its own next spring.

Celebrities and headlining acts have been added to promote spirit and provide entertainment. Parties will be held throughout the week featuring live music from up-and-coming bands.

Game Time and Lunch on the Lawn will be held Oct. 9 with a visit by Nashville Predators team members. Several interactive games will be held on Alumni Lawn with competition among members of the Vanderbilt community.

During Build Up Your Spirit Oct. 10, two former cast members from MTV's Real World in San Francisco, Puck and Rachael, will talk about their experiences on the popular reality show. Kathy Griffin, actress and comedienne will perform at Commodore Quake Oct.12, an event new this year. The event's name was chosen from a student vote.

A pep rally will be held during Commodore Quake, as well as speeches by Chancellor Gordon Gee and David Williams II, vice chancellor, general counsel and professor of law, as well as an appearance by football Head Coach Woody Widenhofer, the marching band and the Commodore cheerleaders. Afterwards, the band Fighting Gravity will perform on Alumni Lawn. The Homecoming Court will be announced and the Spirit Cup Award will be presented to the organization with the most points accumulated from the week's activities.

"It will be a whole evening of spirit," said Mayer.

Several alumni activities will take place Homecoming Weekend, including reunions, board meetings, leadership conferences and educational programs. The Young Alumni Bash has been added and will include members from the Class of 2002 joining the Classes of 1997-2001 at Sam's Sports Bar and Grill in Hillsboro Village Oct. 13. In 2002, Alumni Weekend will be scheduled as part of Homecoming Weekend. The Homecoming Committee expects combining the two events will dramatically increase alumni participation.

Local vendors near campus are allowing students to paint and decorate store windows with black and gold to show their support for the Commodores. Vendors have also been invited to participate in the Homecoming Parade. This year, the parade will be held at night and will feature lights on a number of the 40-plus participating floats.

"David [Williams] wanted to get out and involve the community," said Mayer.

The parade has been expanded to provide more spectator areas for the community. The Oct. 12 parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Natchez Trace, will proceed off campus past the 2525 West End Building and will wrap around to Blakemore Avenue, ending back at Natchez Trace.

"We're going about it in a totally spirited, different way," said Smithey about the new parade time and route.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Month, "Tie One On with the Chancellor" returns Oct. 12. The event will feature a bow-tying demonstration by Gee and a contest to see who can tie a bow tie the quickest. "Mocktails" will be served to promote alcohol awareness.

The game against the University of Georgia will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 12. The 2001 Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned during a traditional halftime ceremony.