One week a year in Athens, those that bleed green and white return to Ohio University. It’s Homecoming Week, Bobcat fans. Get agitated.
One week a year in Athens, those that bleed green and white return to Ohio University. It’s Homecoming Week, Bobcat fans. Get agitated.
There are plenty of events scheduled for Bobcats can show their school spirit.
Most events are planned by the Campus Involvement Center or the Ohio University Alumni Association, and sometimes the two organizations work together to sponsor events.
The Pack the Pantry event scheduled for Thursday is a collaborative effort.
The event is a way for students to donate food to the Athens County Food Pantry, but with a spin allowing them to show their creative side. Organization members will be able to build castles out of their cans in an attempt to gain funds for their group. The small group winner will walk away with $200 for their organization, and large groups stand to gain $300, said Katrina Heilmeier, associate director of campus relations.
Individual students can donate food or money as well, and some business in uptown Athens will also be accepting donations throughout the week, Heilmeier said.
“We’re trying to have different ways for people to donate,” she said.
The involvement center tries to plan events for all students, such as Deck Out Day, which is happening Thursday from 6-10 p.m. in Baker University Center, said Matt Thomson, Coordinator for Campus Programs in the involvement center.
During the Deck Out Day there will be different activities on each floor of Baker Center, including crafts on the first floor and OU themed cell phone skins on the second floor.
OU apparel will also be given out during Thursday’s event.
“It’s to get decked (out); pumped for the game,” Thomson said.
The Student Alumni Board and the alumni association will again host the Yell like Hell pep-rally Friday night, but for the first time fireworks will be included.
Planning for Homecoming Week events usually starts in March, Thomson said, adding that because it’s one of the largest things the involvement center does every year, the staff needs months to prepare.
The weekly How-To Series sponsored by the involvement center is also a part of the Homecoming Week events. This week the series will show students how to make string art.
Dallas Cordle, a sophomore who is undecided, said the string art event did interest her. Cordle said she won’t be able to attend many of the other events schedule for the weekend because she has to return home for work.
“I’m bummed because all of my friends are going to be here,” she said.
OU Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones loves Homecoming Week and everything that comes with it.
“It’s wonderful to see the campus and community decorated with Bobcat spirit,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the alumni returning home.”
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