A battle between the classes, a street full of floats and athletes reaching out to the community all will be part of the 2001 Northwestern homecoming.
This year’s theme, “A Whole NU World,” symbolizes NU’s emphasis on multiculturalism, homecoming co-chairwoman Anita Kalhan.
“We were debating between that and a theme about movies,” said Kalhan, a Weinberg senior. “We felt this was more unique and it also included how Northwestern’s always trying to show diversity and community.”
The parade will feature student group and Greek floats depicting various cities around the world, including Hollywood and Rio de Janiero.
Taking into consideration the terrorist attacks, the event’s planners decided to feature New York City and Washington in a professionally made float sponsored by the Northwestern Class Alliance.
“We wanted it to be tasteful,” Kalhan said.
Leading the parade will be grand marshal D’Wayne Bates, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears and a 1998 NU graduate.
“He’s a really nice guy and he’s actually going to speak at the pep rally,” Kalhan said.
Other homecoming activities throughout the week include new and old activities designed to increase campus spirit, especially among seniors.
New homecoming events this year include Clash of the Classes, in which teams from each class as well as alumni will compete in a variety of events, and Family Feud, in which the winning team will compete against a group of football players.
Back from last year is Senior Bar Night at Coaches’ Cafe, 1710 Orrington Ave., a popular event for the graduating class.
“(Admission) is free, there’s free food and they do drink specials, so it turns out to be a pretty good deal for everyone,” Kalhan said. “Monday night is when Northwestern students typically go out anyway.”
The Keg of Evanston, 810 Grove St., will be the place to go Wednesday for Royalty Night, when the 10 members of the homecoming court will be announced.
From Monday through Wednesday, students will be able to vote for homecoming king and queen online – the first year homecoming ballots can be cast on the Web. The link to vote is on the HereAndNow Web site. Last year, students voted at posts at the Technological Institute, Norris University Center and The Rock.
“There was no way we could assure people weren’t voting more than once,” Kalhan said. “There were three different lists at the different locations, so it was pretty much impossible to go through and cross off all the people that voted.”
The homecoming king and queen will be crowned Friday night at a pep rally on the Lakefill following the parade.
NU athletes also will be reaching out to the community this week. Several athletes will go to Walker Elementary School in Skokie on Tuesday to speak to a fifth-grade class about their experiences in intercollegiate sports.
Athletes also will go to the Wagner Center, a retirement center at 820 Foster St., on Monday to throw the residents a homecoming party.
Kalhan said she thinks this year’s events will be better attended then last year’s, when homecoming fell during the first round of midterms.
Many community members attend the parade, something Kalhan said is one of the nicer things about homecoming.
“This is one of the few events Northwestern has that actually does bring the community out to our campus,” Kalhan said. “All the kids come out and they’re so happy to see Willie (the Wildcat), and they get candy.”
