Come for the camaraderie, stay for the game

For a top research university that annually awards thousands of degrees, regularly earns national rankings for its academic offerings and plays an integral role in boosting the local economy by ushering young professionals into key roles, FIU sure has a lot of fun.

Anyone on campus this week will see the full life of the university in action as the community participates in an exciting schedule of Homecoming events to celebrate achievements and collectively enjoy each other’s company.

“FIU’s connection with our over 320,000 alumni and between our thousands of students, faculty and staff is strong,” President Kenneth A. Jessell says. “During Homecoming festivities, we see how important the bonds between Panthers really are.” He invites the entire Panther Nation to come out.

Students
The youngest Panthers got things off to a roaring start with events over the weekend, among them a talent competition at MMC. Their next chance to engage in a university tradition is at the Homecoming court crowning ceremony, Monday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m., GC Ballrooms.

Alumni
The longest-existing Panthers – graduates of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s – get their due at a reunion just for them. Networking, nostalgia and noshing are on the menu as these alumni, who for decades have embodied what it means to be a member of the FIU community, gather to reconnect at the Throwback Bash (tickets required), Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6-9 p.m., Chili’s in the Graham Center.

Faculty and staff
Employees who happen to be alumni can tout their unique status as their special brand of loyalty and ongoing contributions to their alma mater will be recognized with giveaways, entertainment and light bites at the Double Alumni Appreciation Event, Friday, Sept. 20, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Graham Center Room 243.

One community
Panther Nation has two opportunities to assemble en masse this week. In a leadup to the big game, the all-university pep rally begins with the Trail of the Torch, a tradition no one should miss, and continues with a carnival atmosphere that includes rides, games and the all-important faculty and staff royalty announcement at the Uncaging, Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:45 p.m., on the Graham Center Lawns.

At Homecoming, Sept. 21, pre-event parties bring together Panthers of all backgrounds for a showing of pride and support. Students will gather on the Tamiami Hall patio for music and freebies, and alumni are invited to purchase tickets to Roar Lounge, where delicious food and craft drinks will get everyone in the mood for a 6 p.m. kickoff in Pitbull Stadium, where FIU will play Monmouth University. Students enter by simply presenting their One Card (and can secure a guest ticket, at no charge, weekdays at the box office on the west side of the stadium); all others can purchase tickets online in advance or at the stadium box office window on game day.