In breaking with a long tradition, the IU Student Alumni Association has decided to forego a theme for Homecoming week.
“I and the students I work with and the Alumni Association decided that it would be better to focus on IU spirit as much as we could,” said Victoria Culver, graduate adviser for IUSAA.
Instead of prom-like themes such as last year’s “Lights, Camera, Action,” IUSAA and the IU Alumni Association have set “Welcome Home” as the static theme for the coming years.
Alumni were first encouraged to come back to IU for Homecoming in 1909 with “Gala Week.”
The next year, Homecoming would become the official title.
During the last decade, the themes have varied from “Show your true colors” in 2002 to “The Legend of Old IU” in 2005 to “Wacky Wild Crimson Style” in 2009.
Culver said having a theme for the week separate from the rest of Homecoming was distracting.
“We’re trying to present a more recognizable look that will be used for several years,” said Mike Mann, alumni program officer for spirit, pride and tradition for the IU Alumni Association.
“So when people come back to Bloomington as an alum or as a fan, whatever, they will recognize the look, the brand.”
Despite the lack of an overarching theme this year, IUSAA has put a theme to the Homecoming parade: Screaming Crimson.
“Instead of running away from Homecoming being right next to Halloween, we’ve embraced it,” said senior Austin Isaacson, vice president of Homecoming for the parade.
The parade was missing from last year’s Homecoming and was revived this year after receiving support from fans.
The parade will feature more than 16 student groups.
Participants have three different categories: walking, a float or a decorated car entry.
Homecoming Week will also feature new activities for alumni including being able to take a class on campus with IUAA’s new “classes without quizzes.”
“We want people to realize that when they’re in town for Homecoming that it’s actually homecoming,” Mann said.
