URI’s newly-designed Homecoming
Nationally-ranked Ram gridders to tackle N.H.’s Wildcats
KINGSTON, R.I. — October 3, 2001 — Music, a hotly-contested Chili Challenge, and a 5-kilometer Rhody Ram Race are all part of the University of Rhode Island’s newly designed, alcohol-free Homecoming on October 20. Chili won’t be the only thing that’s hot this year. URI’s nationally-ranked Ram football team is bound to sizzle.
For the first time, music from four stages will fill the air. Beginning at 10 a.m., URI student musicians from the Musicians’ Guild will perform live on one stage. On another stage, DJ Poo, one of URI’s favorite DJ’s will play the latest and hottest hip-hop. On still another, J7, who hails from dance floors of New England, will bring the heaviest in jungle/drum and hard house/trance music, an updated techno sound. It’s a loud heavy style for people with loud dancing hearts. For people who like it a little toned down, Rick Lataille will play classic rock, WRIK Entertainment’s very own tunes of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s on the fourth stage. Giveaways include Frisbees, footballs, airbrush tattoos, photo key chains and more.
Also for the first time, fraternity and sorority chefs, as well as chefs from the Rainbow Diversity House, will mix up batches of chili to compete in the first-ever Homecoming Chili Challenge. You can sample some for charity and vote for your favorite chef. If tasting hot chili leaves you cold, the Rhody Pride Food Court will have chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, and more for sale.
Alumni and friends who are athletically inclined can make tracks to the Rhody Ram Race, which returns after a lengthy hiatus. The race kicks off at 9 a.m. from the Quad and makes a 5-K loop around campus. Walkers, runners, and kids are welcome. Profits will fund student scholarships.
However, if the idea of running loops isn’t in your exercise plan, there’s plenty of other day and evening activities to chose from including Festa Italiana, an Italian dinner sponsored by the Italian Alumni Chapter for those interested in Italian culture, food, and language.
The centerpiece of Homecoming, of course, is football and this year’s game promises not to disappoint fans. The URI Marching Band joined by some alumni band members will build game excitement at 11:50 a.m. and at noon he undefeated URI Rams will take on the University of New Hampshire Wildcats.
At half time, two teams of URI students will compete for the “Homecoming Dash for $500 Cash” sponsored by the Student Alumni Association (SAA).
The dash tradition began last year to celebrate Homecoming for an entire week instead of just one day. This year $500 was added to sweeten the pot. Student teams earn points during a series of weeklong activities including a “Survivor”game, a variety show, and a scavenger hunt, a Homecoming bonfire and dance. The two teams with the highest point totals compete for the $500 during half time.
Also at half time, two round-trip U.S. Air tickets to anywhere in the continental United States donated by Donovan Travel, will be given to a lucky ticket holder.
There are also a cornucopia of special reunions including a first-ever reunion for alumni who served as residence assistants as well as a reunion for former Heathman and Hutchinson Hall residents. Alpha Chi Omega sisters plan a pre-game gathering as well as a 10-year-reunion for the class of 1991 (and ’90, and ’92) in the evening.
“The decisions that have been made about this year’s event represent hundreds of hours of deliberation, debate, public forums, and fact finding,” said Fran Cohen, dean of students who chaired the Homecoming overhaul. “Two committees with more than 30 members have worked since last fall to create an event that will be safer and more enjoyable for all members of the University’s extended community. Students and alumni have been well represented in these deliberations. We urge all alumni and friends to try this year’s Homecoming and see for yourself.”
To find out more about URI’s Homecoming contact Rebecca Brosnan at the URI Alumni Office at 874-2242 or rbrosnan@advance.uri.edu or click on www.advance.uri.edu/alumni/homecoming/.
For Information: Fran Cohen, 874-2101, Jan Wenzel, 874-2116