Author: Gaby Keane
Ah, homecoming. A time to put on your most spirited Big Red gear, reconnect with alumni who have finally returned “home” and reestablish your connection to Cornell pride (which sometimes slips away after eight assignments, three prelims, and nine club meetings…in one week).
But what exactly doeshomecoming weekend have to offer besides a chance to live and breathe Big Red? For most students, it’s tailgates, the Big Red Fan Festival in the Crescent parking lot (free stuff, anyone?), and a football game vs. Bucknell on Saturday afternoon, followed by a big name Barton concert in the evening. But you’d be remiss to pass up the multitude of other homecoming events offered this weekend. Read on to find one for you and your friends!
1) The Inauguration of Elizabeth Garrett, 13th President of Cornell University
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 10am
Location: Arts Quad
This event is unique to Homecoming 2015–it’s not every year our University gains a new president (and the first female president, at that). Come to the Arts Quad early to snag a prime seat (specifically, a Cornell-red folding chair), or follow the procession from Ho Plaza to the Arts Quad.
blogs.cornell.edu
2) Men’s Soccer vs. Duquesne
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 7pm
Location: Berman Field
Though the football game tends to take the spotlight on homecoming weekend, what better way to show Cornell pride than to cheer on one of our other fantastic varsity teams? The Men’s Soccer team matches up against Duquesne this weekend, offering another opportunity to yell “Go Big Red” as loud as you possibly can.
ezramagazine.cornell.edu
3) Women’s Volleyball vs. Binghamton
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 7pm
Location: Newman Arena, Bartels Hall
Not a soccer fan? Never fear! Come watch the Women’s Volleyball team take on Binghamton before heading over to the laser light show at 8pm. The ultimate Cornellian may even spend some time at both Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Soccer – before exploding in a red cloud of pride.
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4) Fireworks and Laser Light Show
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 8pm
Location: Schoellkopf Field
You’ve probably heard of this Homecoming tradition, featuring live music, special guests, and an exciting finale, but maybe never considered it worthy of attending. Well, think again! The show is truly a spectacle to behold, with lights and fireworks worthy of an Olympic opening ceremony. No tickets are required to attend, and doors open at 7pm.
news.cornelll.edu
5) Homecoming 5k
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 8:30am-9:30am
Location: F.R. Newman Arboretum, Cornell Plantations
Counteract the homecoming treats you’re sure to indulge in this weekend (Dinosaur BBQ at the Big Red Fan Festival, I’m lookin’ at you) by running in the 5K at the Plantations. Beyond enjoying the beautiful 3.1 mile course that loops through the Arboretum, you’ll be showing Cornell pride as well as donating to the United Way of Tompkins County with your race registration fee ($20).
upload.wikimedia.org
6) “150 Ways to Say Cornell” Exhibit
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Carl A. Kroch Library, Level 2b
This special exhibit began last October to mark the 150th anniversary with a self-guided tour through Cornell history, featuring original documents including the original charter, photographs, and artifacts. Rare documents and artifacts associated with president Lincoln are on display as well, featuring Cornell’s manuscript of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This exhibit closes on September 30, 2015 – so catch it before it’s too late!
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
7) Touchdown Sculpture and 1915 Plaza Dedication
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 11:30am-noon
Location: in front of Teagle Hall
You can’t miss this dedication of the Touchdown the Bear sculpture, commemorating the four live Touchdown bear cubs that each spent time as the football team’s mascot in 1915, 1916, 1919, and 1939. Eventually the University realized a live bear cub may pose some danger, and replaced it with the Touchdown mascot costume we all know and love. The site of the sculpture will also be dedicated to the 1915 football team in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of that national championship. Every time you walk by the sculpture, you’ll remember being a part of this special event.
news.cornel.edu
8) Cornell Glee Club Homecoming Concert and 50th Reunion of Glee Clubbers from the 1966 Southeast Asia Tour
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 8pm
Location: Bailey Hall
Watch the Cornell Glee Club take the stage and unveil its new fall repertoire, as well as traditional favorites and some Cornell songs. What makes this year’s Homecoming Glee Club concert even more special? It will feature returning Glee Clubbers from the 1966 Tour of Southeast Asia, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their 12-week tour of nine countries. Tickets are 15$ for adults, $5 for children and can be purchased at the door.
upload.wikimedia.org
9) “Democracy and Inequality” Faculty Panel
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Location: Bailey Hall
Though Homecoming is usually a time for carefree cheer and school pride, this panel is an opportunity to connect with the University by digging deep into these prevalent issues with esteemed faculty who are scholars in the field of global inequality. Moderated by President Garrett, this panel will provide new ways to think about how to take on the challenge on inequality.
