‘Come On Down’ for UW-Madison Homecoming 2009
Bucky Badger is calling your name — jump around and “Come On Down!” for Bucky’s Game Show Challenge during Homecoming 2009.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 9, the UW–Madison, the Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Alumni Association invite all students and alumni to celebrate with a variety of entertaining events.
“Everyone on the Homecoming Committee has worked hard preparing this year’s Homecoming week celebration,” says Homecoming co-chair Karyn Christianson. “We want all students and alumni to show some school spirit while having a great time at all the activities we have planned.”
Homecoming will get started on Oct. 9 with the kickoff event at noon on Library Mall. Students are invited to come enjoy free pizza, live performances and a cardboard barge race on Lake Mendota.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, UW–Madison student teams are invited to participate in Bucky’s Quest, which will take participants on a scavenger hunt around campus.
The festivities continue with the 24th annual Homecoming Charity Run/Walk on at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Registration is $20 for adults ($15 for UW–Madison students) and includes an official event T-shirt. A free, kids’ One-Mile Fun Run with Bucky will begin on Library Mall at 10:30 a.m. After the race, runners can join Bucky for a Wisconsin-style cookout, refreshments and awards. Participants can register online at http://uwhomecoming.com or on Library Mall on the day of the race.
Proceeds from Homecoming events benefit the Dean of Students Crisis Fund, which provides short-term loans to students with an emergency financial need.
In a new addition to this year’s Homecoming week, a program called “Wisconsin Rewind” will bring two notable alumni to campus to talk with students about the experiences they had after their tenure at UW–Madison. Tim Miller, a 2006 graduate, and Abigail David, who graduated in 1996, will also be honored during halftime of the Homecoming football game and meet distinguished alumni and faculty.
During the week leading up to the Homecoming football game, a variety of events and competitions will be held for students, including a blood drive, air band competition and Onion AV: Club trivia game.
At 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, all are invited to join the UW Spirit Squad, the UW Band, and, of course, UW–Madison’s own game-show host, Bucky Badger, as they make their way on down State Street in the Homecoming Parade, followed by a fireworks display (weather permitting) at the Memorial Union Terrace.
The week concludes on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the Wisconsin Alumni Association‘s traditional Badger Huddle pregame tailgate at the UW Field House before the Badgers prepare to take on Iowa.
A full list of student and community Homecoming events and merchandise is available at http://uwhomecoming.com.
The UW Homecoming Committee is a nonprofit, student-run organization sponsored by WAA. The committee of 50 volunteer members plans a week of Homecoming events for students, alumni and the Madison community.
