Hoosier traditions

During Homecoming, the Hoosiers come out in full force. People wear cream and crimson body paint, sing IU chants and tailgate. But many of the IU traditions have a profound meaning.

Philanthropy

Giving back to the community is a Hoosier tradition.

This year marked the third annual Nearly Naked Mile, in which students wear almost nothing more than a swimsuit to raise money for United Way.

“It’s a fun way to give back,” said Brian Smith, senior vice president of tradition of the IU Student Alumni Association. “Homecoming is the best way to get involved in IU traditions, but not just traditions that have been here forever. You can have an impact on something brand-new, and it can have a lasting impact on the whole campus.”

Each year there has also been a cornhole tournament and bonfire in Dunn Meadow.
The money raised is also given to United Way.

Two years ago, when IU played against Northwestern in the Homecoming game, students burned  Northwestern’s mascot in a bonfire. Even though bonfires are no longer allowed in Dunn Meadow, the message behind the tradition remains strong.

“It’s about rallying behind your team and going into the game with the spirit behind them,” Smith said.

The IU Student Alumni Association, which runs a Homecoming blood drive, and IU alumni are the brains behind making philanthropy a major goal during
Homecoming.

“The big mission of the IU Alumni Association and the IU Student Alumni Association is to give back,” Smith said. “It’s not just about adding to the tradition of IU, but it is also about giving back to the community.”

Themes

Almost immediately after Homecoming concludes, next year’s theme will already be in the works.

In January, 25 themes go through the IU Student Alumni Association’s leadership team for a voting process.

This year’s Homecoming theme is “Now and Then: Homecoming 2010.”

The theme stemmed from the idea of evolution and how traditions and football have changed throughout the years, Smith said.

Another reason for this theme is to recognize the 50th anniversary of Memorial Stadium, he said.

In 2008, the Homecoming theme was “Hoosier Field of Dreams,” and in 2009, the theme was “Wacky, Wild Crimson Style.”

For the Yell Like Hell event, students must incorporate the theme into their clothing.
Last year, students wore knee-high socks with red and white candy stripes on them, along with the IUSAA logo.

Returning alumni

The IU Alumni Association has 150 alumni organizations under its umbrella.

“There are many small organizations, but collectively all of the small groups create many connections,” said Mark Skirvin, senior director of outreach programs for the IU Alumni Association.

For instance, the Marching Hundred’s alumni group participates in the pregame show during the Pancakes ‘n’ Pigskin Tailgate Party from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hoosier Village at Memorial Stadium.

Though the band members have been out of practice for many years, they still have the Hoosier spirit.

“They don’t have a huge repertoire and might not remember a lot of songs, but they know the Hoosier Fight Song and have the spirit,” Skirvin said.

And many IU organizations and colleges have their own recognition ceremonies, including the I-Men dinner and the College Annual Recognition Banquet.

Thousands of alumni come to Homecoming each year to catch up with old friends and reminisce about their college days.

“They had a great student experience while they were here,” Skirvin said. “They come and ponder their great memories, and they had good positive vibes here. Homecoming recaptures that moment in time where they were young and life was still ahead of them in a lot of ways.”

Greek life

The greek community has their own set of Homecoming festivities.  

The IU Student Alumni Association has a Greek Week Steering Committee, whose role is to encourage sorority and fraternity members to come to the different Homecoming events, Smith said.

The greek houses participating in the events rack up points and the winners receive a trophy, he said.

Greek houses, however, have been more involved in Homecoming festivities in past years. Two years ago, it was more common for greek houses to create floats for the parade, Skirvin said.

Much of the greek system used to go all out when decorating their houses.

Members of the greek system are training to regain this enthusiasm about Homecoming, Skirvin said.

“In the last few years, the greek steering committee has made an effort to get the greek houses back involved,” Skirvin said. “They want their mindset to change. The truth is, students come and go, and many of the traditions come and go with them.”

Homecoming Events

Friday
52nd Annual Homecoming Parade
When 5:30 p.m. 
Where The parade begins on the corner of Seventh Street and Rose Avenue and goes to Third Street and Indiana Avenue.

Pep Rally
When 6:30 p.m.
Where In front of the Sample Gates

Hoosier Hysteria
When 7 p.m.
Where Assembly Hall

Saturday
Pancakes ‘n’ Pigskin Homecoming Tailgating Party
When 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where Memorial Stadium, located behind the south end zone scoreboard
More Info Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger.. Ages 2 and younger
are free.
Advance tickets can be purchased by calling the IU Alumni Association at 812-855-4958 or online at alumni.indiana.edu/eventforms/village/. Tickets purchased on game day will cost $15 for all ages.