What to look forward to during UW-Madison’s homecoming week
U-Rah-Rah Wisconsin
For 106 years, the University of Wisconsin has been celebrating the school’s rich traditions and school pride. This year, the Badgers will face off against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini but not before a week of Homecoming events to get the community excited and bursting with badger pride.
I sat down with Hannah Blum, the Marketing Director of Homecoming Committee, to talk about this year’s Homecoming Week. The first event people can get excited for is the RED Talk, Homecoming’s twist on the much loved TED Talks.
UW grad Anders Holm, well known for his role on Workaholics and the Mindy Project, will be coming to campus and speaking on November 5. “It’s exciting that we were able to get someone that so many people know who has so many reaches on this campus,” Hannah said. Holm was on the swim team and majored in history at UW-Madison. Tickets are free and can be reserved here.
Next, students can catch a free Acapella Showcase on November 6, featuring almost all of UW-Madison’s incredible acapella groups. Homecoming Week’s official kick off is on Monday, November 7. Students can find Bucky, music, and lots of free prizes and food from around Madison. Pepsi, Qdoba, Insomnia Cookies, Fresh Market, Eatstreet, and Dunkin Donuts are just a few foods you will find at the Kick-off celebration.
On November 8, students can test their knowledge with Trivia Night and try at a chance to win a Qdoba chips n’ queso party for fifty people!
On November 9, there will be the exciting Badger Games, where students can compete for the glory of being crowned champion of bubble soccer and several other games. “It’s a fun way to get together and blow off some steam with your friends at the SERF!” Hannah explains. The following night, there will be the Light of the Moon 5K Race. Participants get a free shirt, free breakfast after the cool, night-time race. There are 1000 spots available and you can register for the race here.
On November 10, Homecoming Committee with throw a spirit parade and march around campus with the band and lots of dancing to get students amped. Throughout the week, the committee will be partnered with the American Red Cross and will be hosting three blood drives, November 8, 9, 10, in Ogg Hall where students and the community may donate blood. Lastly, the week will culminate with the much anticipated parade on State Street, where the community will come together to celebrate the Badger tradition.
Hannah said although the entire week is exciting, her favorite part from last year’s events was going to the American Family Children’s Hospital and spending time with the kids. Committee members will do the same thing this year. “It’s also great to watch [committee members] step into their shoes and connect with each other to put on an incredible week,” Hannah said.
The week is packed with exciting events, and the craziest part is that it’s put on by a bunch of students! With generous support from the Wisconsin Alumni Association, this dynamic group of forty individuals work for an entire year on making the week perfect for the community and campus, which sets UW apart from other universities.
“Being involved with Homecoming Committee is a great way to meet people from all areas of campus and learn from them,” Hannah told me, “Watching the week go from the planning stages to completion is such an awesome feeling.” And Homecoming Committee is always looking for eager students to get involved, adding members to their ranks each Winter.
If not for the free food and prizes, come out for the sheer pride of being a part of the Wisconsin Idea. “It’s the perfect way to see the spirit of UW and observe people who are truly passionate about being a Badger.”
And I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.