Throughout Homecoming 2007, Oct. 15-Oct. 20, the Student Government Association will take a shot at strengthening its relationship and rapport with students.
“We are trying to be more inclusive and transparent to the student body, making every effort to represent all students, not just those in SGA,” said John Lopez, SGA president.
According to Lopez, the costs of events will be approximately $25,000. This fee will include the cost of themed food for each day, a mechanical bull and a dunk tank, among other activities.
“Homecoming is a great opportunity for students and faculty to unite together in celebration of their school spirit. We rarely get the chance to come together as a community and enjoy the social aspect of college life,” said Lopez.
The overall theme for the week will be A Week Around the World, with themed-days representing an array of cultures, lifestyles and traditions.
The week will begin with African Day, Tuesday will be Southwestern Day, Wednesday will focus on the Asian culture and the week will conclude with Roman Day on Thursday. Each day will include free food for students and faculty, centered on the particular culture being represented.
According to Lopez, issues with inadequate food supply have been solved and that a sufficient amount of food will be made available for approximately three hours.
A plethora of activities will be made available to students and faculty, including an African folk dance team on Monday, music from DJ Kuzz of 94.1 FM, a mechanical bull and deep bit barbecue on Tuesday, a sumo wrestling and a Kendo (Japanese fencing) demonstration on Wednesday and a dunk tank and rock wall on Thursday.
Additionally, the annual king and queen announcements and float competitions will take place during the halftime show at the Homecoming football game, where BC will face Santa Barbara City College at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
According to Lopez, fellow students will make king and queen nominations this year, compared with previous years where campus clubs have initiated the nominating process. The dunk tank will include BC’s head football coach Jeff Chudy, Dean of Students Don Turney and BC professors Pam Boyles, Ann Tatum, Paul Dahl, Li Kang Liu and John Gerhold.
“Jeff Chudy has courageously volunteered to be in the dunk tank for an hour. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students and faculty to ‘take a shot at Coach Chudy,'” said Lopez.
According to Lopez, the primary focus for SGA this year is student participation, as well as bringing about a renewed sense of unity and school spirit. He is hoping that this goal will begin to come to fruition during the Homecoming festivities.
“I am committed to being inclusive and truly being the voice of the student body, and my doors are always open. We are here to represent all students and their interests, not just those within ‘the inside.'”