The tradition continues at Homecoming 2009

FIU welcomes back alumni and celebrates blue-and-gold tradition with a week of activities leading up to the FIU-North Texas game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

By Sissi Aguila

FIU students, alumni and faculty/staff will show off their blue-and-gold pride all week in celebration of Homecoming 2009.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “The tradition continues.” Thirty-seven years young, FIU already has many rich customs, practice and beliefs that the Homecoming committee hopes will be the focus of this year’s activities and will “help FIU as it grows into this new era.”

The Panther tradition

One of those traditions is Trail of the Torch. Many in the FIU family say it is the highlight of the academic year. Held at the beginning of the fall semester, the ceremony involves a candlelight procession across Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) culminating with the lighting of the FIU torch outside PC.

Panther folklore is also plentiful. A favorite among students and alumni is the kissing bridge. Legend says any couple who kisses on the bridge leading to the Ryder Business Building will be together for life.

Less romantic and more cautionary tale is the story involving the FIU seal at the entrance of the Graham Center. Most students at MMC have heard the warning: “Always walk around the seal, never on it or else you will not graduate on time.”

Homecoming 2009 events

Building on these traditions and creating new ones, Homecoming 2009 starts Monday, Nov. 9. At MMC, there will be a pep rally in front of the Graham Center with DJ’s and giveaways. Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) will celebrate with a carnival-themed day in Panther Square starting at noon. The Panther Prowl comedy show, one of FIU’s biggest events and traditions, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the U.S. Century Bank Arena.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, BBC will have a photo booth on hand for “Picture Day” starting at noon in Panther Square. SGA BBC will hold an alumni reception starting at 5 p.m. at the Wolfe University Center balcony. And Lip Sync, a competition where students prepare their own song/dance/cheer based on the Homecoming theme, is scheduled for 8 p.m. in the U.S. Century Bank Arena.

Thursday, Nov. 12, BBC will hold a pep rally in Panther Square at noon, and a Homecoming dance in the Wolfe University Center ballrooms at 8 p.m.

This year’s Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. between the Blue and Gold Garages. Student organizations have built spirited floats, and President Mark B. Rosenberg will be the Gran Marshall.

Later that evening, FIU fraternity and sorority members who are alumni will get together for the Greek Alumni Reunion, a night of networking and reminiscing, at 6:30 p.m. at The Sports Exchange in Coral Gables. Admission is free for Alumni Association members and $10 for non-members and guests.

Students can join the school’s largest street party at FIU Ultra, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. between the Blue and Gold Garages. BBC is hosting a tailgate to the event.

Game day kicks off with the annual Interfraternity Council’s Parent & Family Weekend 5K Fun Run around MMC, followed by the fourth annual Lakeview Carnival at 1 p.m. behind the Lakeview Residence Hall.

The class of 1984 will hold its Silver Pride 25-year Reunion. The luncheon and induction ceremony begins at noon in the Stadium Club and will be followed by a group photo, campus tours and a champagne toast. Admission, which includes the Panther Pit Tailgate and tickets to the football game, is $10 for Alumni Association members and $15 for non-members.

At 4 p.m., the FIU family fires up the barbeque. Sponsored by Esserman International, the Alumni Association Homecoming tailgate features music, giveaways, dancing, face painting, activities for children and a visit by Roary the mascot and the Dazzlers.

[CORRECTION, NOV. 6] Become a fan of Esserman International on Facebook for a chance to win the ultimate tailgate. Here’s how it works: After becoming a fan, leave a message on their wall explaining why you should win the ultimate tailgate contest. It’s that simple. The winner of the ultimate tailgate for the Homecoming game will be selected Tuesday, Nov. 10. The prize includes a tent with chairs, table and linens (for the winner to keep), a chef to prepare an ultimate tailgate meal for the winner and 11 friends, and a gift from Esserman. This contest is open to all FIU students, alumni and faculty/staff.

The week of festivities all lead up to the main event: FIU takes on North Texas at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Wear your blue FIU gear to show your support and spirit at the game.

President Rosenberg, Coach Mario Cristobal, Quarterback Paul McCall and the FIU Dazzlers have a Homecoming message for you:

To read more about FIU traditions or for more information on MMC events, visit the 2009 Homecoming Web site. For BBC events, become a fan of the Student Programming Council’s Facebook page.