Countdown to Homecoming Day kicks off with pep rally

The countdown to Homecoming kicks off Wednesday, July 6, with a pep rally for students, faculty and staff at noon in the GC Pit. Homecoming Day is Saturday, Oct. 1.

Roary, the Dazzlers and football players will be on hand at the pep rally as the Homecoming Committee reveals this year’s homecoming theme. There will be t-shirts giveaways and free pizza.

“The pep rally is for everyone,” said Homecoming Committee chair Mercy Lavado, a senior psychology major. “Homecoming is a time when we can bridge the gap and everyone can be one FIU.”

This year’s Homecoming Week events will include a live concert, step show, a variety show at BBC, the Homecoming dance and a lip synch/talent show. The Monday, Sept. 26 comedy show “Panther Prowl” will feature the Wayans Brothers. Marlon Wayan recently tweeted his FIU appearance, giving FIU lots of publicity, Lavado said.

On Homecoming Day Oct. 1, there will be a parade and a variety of alumni reunions before kickoff at 6 p.m. The Sun Belt Champion FIU Panthers will play the Duke Blue Devils.

At Wednesday’s pep rally, packets will be available for faculty and staff who are interested in participating in Homecoming Week activities.

Last year’s Homecoming was a breakthrough with the biggest crowds in FIU history. Lavado says part of the success was the involvement of faculty and staff, and she hopes to see even more this year.

“We’ve been hearing from a lot of teams that want to participate,” she said. “Everyone is super excited about Homecoming this year.”