NAU’s Homecoming festivities begin next week with a theme that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the NAU Alumni Association’s founding.
The week’s events run the gamut—from Tuesday’s dedicatee banquet honoring residence hall director Georgia Totress to Thursday’s Traditions Day carnival at Observatory Field, followed by the annual Mr. Lumberjack Pageant and bonfire across the street at Hilltop Field. Of course it’s not Homecoming at NAU without the parade downtown and a football matchup against Sacramento State.
A complete Homecoming schedule, including various college events and other reunions, is available online. Among the highlights:
Tuesday, Oct. 26
Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet
6 p.m., High Country Conference Center
Georgia Totress, a longtime residence hall director at NAU, was selected Homecoming Dedicatee by leaders of student organizations from across campus for her dedication to providing exceptional service to the university and students. The campus community is invited to a banquet in her honor, where the 2010 Homecoming king and queen also will be announced. Tickets are $8 for students and $15 for non-students. Contact the Associated Students of Northern Arizona University at (928) 523-4971, or visit the ASNAU office on the second floor of the University Union for advance tickets.
Thursday, Oct. 28
Homecoming Traditions Day Activities
1-9 p.m. Observatory and Hilltop Fields
A jousting match takes place between friends as the 2009 Traditions Day carnival. Carnival on Observatory Field, 1-5 p.m.
Free fun for students featuring Eurobungee, human bowling, mechanical bull riding and more. Bring your NAU ID.
- Tug-of-war contest, 5-6 p.m. Hilltop Field
- Sodexo Chili Cookoff, 5-6 p.m. Hilltop Field
Teams from NAU/Sodexo Campus Dining and the High Country Conference Center will compete to win the palates of a panel of judges. The winning team receives a hand-crafted championship prize belt and an official Sodexo Certificate of Chili-Cooking Superiority. Students can enjoy free samples until the chili pans are empty.
- Mr. Lumberjack Pageant, 6 p.m. Hilltop Field
For nearly four decades, the NAU Kayettes have hosted this Homecoming tradition where student contestants take the stage to show their school spirit. Contestants compete in arms, talent and question-and-answer categories. The winner receives a prize package that includes a variety of gift certificates from local businesses and earns a spot with the Kayettes in Saturday’s Homecoming parade through downtown Flagstaff.
- Bonfire, 7:30 p.m. Hilltop Field
Saturday, Oct. 30
- Café au Louie, 9 to 11 a.m., Zane Grey Ballroom at the Hotel Weatherford
Join NAU alumni for breakfast and meet this year’s inductees to the Blue and Gold Club and the 2010 Alumni Award winners. Adults $9, children $5. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (888) 628-2586 or alumni@nau.edu.
- Homecoming Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Flagstaff
The perennial favorite starts at the corner of Elm and Beaver with the theme “Bring Back the Classics.” - Tailgating and Football Game, Skydome
The Lumberjacks take on the Hornets from Sacramento State in a key Big Sky Conference matchup. Kick-off is 3:05 p.m. Contact NAU Central Ticket Office at (928) 523-5661 or visit nau.edu/cto.