Homecoming Guide Fall 2015

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

2

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

SUPPLEMENTS STAFF SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR ABRAR AL-HEETI ASSISTANT SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR VICTORIA SNELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN JONES MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING DECLAN HARTY MANAGING EDITOR FOR ONLINE MIRANDA HOLLOWAY CREATIVE DIRECTOR KELSIE TRAVERS ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR NATALIE GACEK COPY CHIEF SUSAN SZUCH ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF LILLIAN BARKLEY PUBLISHER LILYAN LEVANT Email supplements@ dailyillini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

3

YOUR VOICE

If you were an alumnus coming back for Homecoming, what would you do on campus, for old time’s sake?

COMPILED BY ISABELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER

“Go to the football game.

A lot of my cousins and family went here, so it would be fun if we all went down together.”

“Go on a barcrawl.”

CHRIS WOLFE, sophomore in AHS

“Get a burger at Joe’s (Brewery).”

JAMES DOAN, freshman in Business

“The football game, the parade and definitely the bars.”

AHLYSHIAH MAHAN, junior in ACES

“Go to the bars – Brother’s specifically.”

JOEY MARSEK, senior in LAS

NATHAN STABLES, senior in LAS

ijackso2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

4

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Planning for Homecoming festivities

BY SAMANTHA SKIPPER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Student Alumni Ambassadors know there is a lot to be excited for in the week leading up to Homecoming.

This year, SAA is running the Homecoming 5K — for which it partners with the Illini Union Board and Greeks Support Homecoming — Spirit Day and Block Party before a parade and large pep rally.

Bridget O’Brien, senior in Engineering and SAA’s vice president of Homecoming, said SAA hopes to expand the programs.

“We are trying to target students, alumni and community members,” she said.

Different events, however, target different groups.

“Spirit day is solely for the student body — we’re out on the Quad all day, and we give out gifts to the student body,” O’Brien said. “Whereas in some of the other events, like the 5K, we reach out to community members; it’s kind of a joint community member and student body population that comes.”

She said the block party and pep rally feature a mix of students, alumni and community members.

As the vice president of homecoming, O’Brien plays an extensive role in orchestrating the week’s events.

“I have two codirectors for each of those events, so I help them do all the planning and logistics for each event, and they kind of get to choose what they are doing and how they are going to market it,” she said. “And I kind of deal more

with the campus administrators and all of the parties that are interested.”

Many of SAA’s responsibilities revolve around planning and making sure events run smoothly.

O’Brien said they have to work with several parties in order to accomplish that.

“We’re the ones who do the planning and actually put on the events. We just deal with all of the logistics and the moving pieces,” she said.

Emma Levine, sophomore in LAS and co-director of Block Party, described it as a pre-event to the parade and pep rally.

“And it’s targeted toward the community members, toward families — we are really trying to spread Homecoming even beyond the campus.”

The Block Party will take place on Friday at 5 p.m. between Henry Administration Building and the English Building.

Levine is responsible for managing the logistics of Block Party as well as assisting in other Homecoming events.

She said she looks forward to decorating the windows of Ikenberry Commons and buildings on Green Street.

“We’re getting paint pens and just trying to orange out all of campus,” Levine said. “Everyone should be excited for all of Homecoming because it’s just a really spirited fun week.”

Rikka Skillrud, junior in AHS, has been involved in SAA for about two years.

She has also put time into planning for various Homecoming events. Skillrud is working for the 5K, pep rally and Block Party, is decorating a float for the parade

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIDGET O’BRIEN

Attendees partake in last year’s Homecoming pep rally in front of Foellinger Auditorium.

Student Alumni Ambassadors are in charge of organizing the event, as well as various other Homecoming events, such as the 5K and Block Party. and working on the Quad on Wednesday for Spirit Day. “There’s so much to get excited for,” she said. “I’m really pumped.”

One of SAA’s goals for Homecoming week is to share the experience with the campus.

“I think people should be most excited for the game on Saturday — but also for Friday,” Skillrud said. “I think Friday is the culmination, but every day there is something special going on that can really interest people.”

O’Brien said planning Homecoming week has been a huge time commitment, but she’s excited to see her hard work come to fruition.

“I am most looking forward to the pep rally as the grand fi nale weekend,” she said. “To see those fi reworks go off in front of Foellinger at the end of the week is going to be such a cool experience — to know that I’ve helped plan the entire week, to make it all happen.”

FIND YOUR

skipper2@dailyillini.com

APARTMENT

WITHYOUR THE FIND

DAILY ILLINI DAILY APARTMENT ILLINI SEARCH APARTMENT

WITH THE

APARTMENT

SEARCH classifieds.dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

5

The basics of Homecoming at UIUC AMINAH KOSHUL Staff writer

I

t’s late October and Homecoming festivities are upon us. School spirit is at an alltime high as students and alumni gather to exhibit some Illini pride.

For many, the concept of Homecoming is a familiar one because it is an enduring tradition in most American high schools.

For others, however, Homecoming is a strange and unfamiliar word that holds little meaning.

Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming alumni back to campus.

It takes place in the fall and is often centered around specific events such as a football game.

The University prides itself on over 100 years of Homecoming traditions. This year, a wide range of cultural and sports-related events will be held from Oct. 18 to 25.

One of the simplest and most common ways to celebrate Homecoming is by wearing Illini gear. Participating in Wear Orange Wednesday, for example, is one way of demonstrating school spirit. An added bonus is that you’ll earn discounts from local businesses.

Speaking of local businesses, one of the best ways to experience Homecoming and abate nostalgia is by visiting restaurants on Green Street.

Alumni can take advantage of the fact that Homecoming is one of the few times during the year in which Green Street takes on a relatively family-oriented atmosphere by enjoying a nice lunch or dinner with their children.

It’s also possible to participate in

Homecoming events on a much larger scale. The pep rally and parade are two events that exemplify the spirit of Homecoming by leading up to the football game with a festive atmosphere. Both include guest speakers as well as memorable performances, and are a must-see for anyone looking to engage in some lllini pride.

Homecoming creates an extremely social and welcoming atmosphere, which is exemplified by the various cookouts and tailgating parties held around Memorial Stadium. People meet up with old friends and make new ones in the spirit of sportsmanship.

The great thing about Homecoming is that it has a little something for everyone. If the loud, large-scale events aren’t of interest to you, there are a number of quieter, more artsy events to look forward to.

For instance, the Illini Union Art

Gallery will host an exhibit, and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will be giving free tours throughout the week that provide a sneak peek at the production process behind their performances.

A number of colleges will hold Homecoming celebrations specifically for their alumni as well.

It’s important to bear in mind that Homecoming does not take place in isolated events. It is the campus-wide celebration of alumni revisiting the University.

Students should strive to partake in Homecoming events, which are usually free of charge or relatively cheap, so that they’ll have a basis for comparison when they revisit the campus years later as an alumnus.

Essentially, Homecoming is the ideal time to reflect on old memories and create new ones.

akoshu2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

6

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Gayl Pyatt honored with Lou Liay Spirit Award

BY ISABELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER

Some of Gayl Pyatt’s fondest memories at the University include walking across the cold, windy Quad and hearing the bells in Altgeld Hall ring, the four years she spent living in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority house, the excitement of cheering on the Illini football team in the Rose Bowl her senior year and many days attending classes and lectures. This weekend, she is returning to campus to receive the Lou Liay Spirit Award for the 2015 Homecoming.

Pyatt, a member of the class of 1964, embodies the spirit of the award, which, according to the Alumni Association’s website, is given to an alumnus who has shown exemplary loyalty and service in support of the University.

Pyatt said she has been a supporter of the University her entire life, thanks to her father, aunt and uncle, who were all alumni.

In her own time at the University, Pyatt gained skills that would benefit her in her career as an attorney and former member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“I really had to learn to study and work hard,” Pyatt said, “Doing so taught me that if I wanted something badly enough and worked hard enough, I could probably manage it.”

Pyatt said she is honored to receive the award, both because of the number of other deserving nominees and because she worked

with Lou Liay, the namesake of the award, on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We shared alumni trips to bowl games, alumni travels, and local events. Wherever the University of Illinois had a presence, Lou Liay was there,” Pyatt wrote in an email.

“I have known Gayl for many years and her love of the University is contagious to everyone...”

GALE BICKEL

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Pyatt has remained involved with the University through her work as the first female chair of the University of Illinois Foundation and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.

She said she keeps the University a priority because of her passion to preserve and protect the elements that make this school great.

“It goes back to how much I care about the University,” Pyatt said. “I’m proud of it, its

2 0 1 5

T uesd ay

OCT 20

Mr. & Ms. U of I Pageant 22 7-9:30 PM, Illini Union Courtyard Café Hosted by Illini Union Board Wed nesd ay

OCT 21

Illinois Spirit Day 22 All day, Campus Show your spirit on Wear Orange Wednesday.

Hosted by Student Alumni Ambassadors

BBQ & Showcase 22 4-6 PM, Washington Park Hosted by Greeks Support Homecoming

Fr id ay

OCT 23

Illini Block Party 22 5-6 PM, Wright Street

S at urd ay

OCT 24

Hosted by Student Alumni Ambassadors

Illinois vs. Wisconsin Football Game 22 2:30 PM, Memorial Stadium

Homecoming Parade 22 6-7 PM, Campustown Hosted by Greeks Support Homecoming

African American Homecoming Party 22 11 PM-1:40 AM, Campus Rec Center East (CRCE)

Homecoming Pep Rally 22 7-8 PM, Main Quad

Hosted by Illini Union Board

Hosted by Student Alumni Ambassadors

Bowling Through the Decades 22 8-11:30 PM, Illini Union Rec Room Hosted by Illini Union Rec Room

#ILLINOIShomecoming HOMECOMING.ILLINOIS.EDU

faculty, its students, its traditions.”

Gale Bickel, executive assistant to the president and CEO of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, said that Pyatt is incredibly deserving of the award.

“I have known Gayl for many years and her love of the University is contagious to everyone she comes in contact with, and she is so deserving of the Lou Liay Spirit Award. A wonderful cheerleader for the University and the Alumni Association!” Bickel wrote in an email.

Nicholas Tarleton, senior in ACES, is a member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors and organizes some of the largest Homecoming events. He said Homecoming is important because it thanks alumni for their support and for the traditions they started.

“They show how much Illini pride they still have for their alma mater, which promotes me to cherish these times as a college student,” Tarleton wrote in an email. “Reflecting on their professional careers, how much they have grown, their willingness to help others and how involved they want to be in current University of Illinois students inspires me to pay it forward to my colleagues now and when I become an alum.”

Pyatt said she is excited to return to campus for Homecoming weekend. She is eager to see her son, Jonathan Pyatt, a member of the Illinois class of 1994, who is flying back

PORTRAIT OF GAYL PYATT COURTESY OF CHERYL SCHNEIDER

from Washington, D.C., for the event. And, of course, she is hoping for good weather and an Illini football win.

ijackso2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

7

Forging conncections with alumni ARIEL ROH Contributing writer

S

ome students have never participated in any of the Homecoming events the University hosts because they’d rather spend the time with fellow students rather than getting to know alumni.

But opting for the latter option will prove to be much more valuable in the long run, as it could potentially lead to employment opportunities, or at least provide some guidance in a student’s professional path.

Several of the University’s events are open to the public to promote community involvement and participation.

However, some of the events are

more exclusive, such as the Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni and Harold Scharper Awards Ceremony. This event is intended only for AHS students and faculty.

Events such as this can serve as golden opportunities to connect with alumni and forge connections

It’s harder to connect with alumni at the larger events the University hosts, such as the block party, parade and 5K. Department and college events bring together people from the same field who share the same interests, which can facilitate fruitful discussions.

Students can attend these smaller

During Homecoming events, students should make the effort to reach out to alumni and start a conversation. that will last beyond Homecoming week. After all, networking and connections are everything, and students looking to get ahead in their careers and futures should take advantage of being in the same vicinity as successful alumni.

group events and listen to alumni experiences, which, in turn, helps them plan for their future careers.

Students can also find Homecoming events hosted by sororities and fraternities that aren’t necessarily included in the

University’s Homecoming schedule.

The events are oftentimes not limited to members of Greek life.

For example, Alpha Rho Chi, a professional and social co-ed fraternity for architecture students, organizes Alpha Rho Chi Homecoming events for the weekend in its house. The event is open to friends of Alpha Rho Chi members as well.This event and other Greek events could also serve as valuable opportunities to connect with alumni.

In order to forge connections with alumni during Homecoming, it’s also important to be proactive.

During Homecoming events, students should make the effort to reach out to alumni and start a conversation. Don’t expect anyone to approach you — you have to take that first step if you want to be remembered.

jroh5@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

8

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE Sunday, Oct. 18

Food, beverages, games and prizes will be available.

9 a.m.

Illinois Homecoming 5K The race will take place at the University of Illinois Arboretum. The price is $20 for individuals and $60 for a group of 4, which includes a t-shirt. A portion of the proceeds will go to the University of Illinois Emergency Dean fund.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Homecoming Parade The parade starts at Sixth Street and Taft Drive, travels through Campustown, turns south on Mathews Avenue and ends at the Quad.

Monday, Oct. 19

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Law Reception Law Building Alumni and friends are all welcome.

7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

IUB The Dormancy of Dusk The Illini Union Art Gallery will exhibit poetry and photography by Bryan Warsaw.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

IUB Lunch on the Quad Free lunch will be provided while supplies last.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

10 a.m.

Spirit Day There will be various spirit-filled activities on campus, special performances on the Quad and a Homecoming gift.

Wear orange on Wednesday to receive discounts at select local businesses.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Greeks Support Homecoming BBQ and Showcase All are welcome at Washington Park — Frat Park — to enjoy free food, prizes and entertainment. Free shirts will be awarded to the first 700 guests.

Friday, Oct. 23

7 a.m.

IUB The Dormancy of Dusk The Illini Union Art Gallery will exhibit poetry and photography by Bryan Warsaw.

Noon to 1 p.m.

Law Vacketta- DLA Piper Lecture and Reception Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, will give a lecture that is free and open to the public at the Law Building. Registration is required at law.illinois. edu/homecoming.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni and Harold Scharper Awards Ceremony The event will take place at 2001 Khan Annex, Huff Hall, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign.

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Krannert Center For The Performing Arts Tour The tour allows the public to “learn about the history, design and operation” of the center.

7 p.m.

Homecoming Pep Rally In commemoration of the 105th Homecoming at the University, guest speakers, the Marching Illini and the Homecoming Court will be in attendance. To end the night, fireworks will be let off outside of Foellinger Auditorium.

7 p.m.

School of Social Work Homecoming Reception School of Social Work Entry is $5 per person and includes hot dogs, popcorn, salads and drinks after the parade.

8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Campus Observatory Open House Observe the sky at the Campus Observatory, located at the south end of the Quad.

8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Illini Union “Bowling Through The Decades” Illini Union Rec Room Bowl and listen to music from various decades, starting from the 1950s. All customers will be charged a student rate.

Saturday, Oct. 24

7 a.m.

IUB The Dormancy of Dusk The Illini Union Art Gallery will exhibit poetry and photography by Bryan Warsaw.

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Ag Comm Huddle Reunion ACES Library, Information and Alumni Center There will be free coffee, doughnuts and stories from the agricultural communications faculty, students and staff.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Annual Homecoming Party Alice Campbell Alumni Center There will be refreshments, a cash b ar, music and giveaways. Annual or life members of the UI Alumni Association will get a free swag bag.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Research Park Homecoming Alumni Tour Alumni will have the opportunity to explore the advancements the University has made at the Research Park.

10 a.m. to noon Student Affairs Reunion Charge is $10 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Alumni who were part of Student Affairs units will have the opportunity to talk to other alumni and current students and staff.

5 p.m.

Block Party Henry Administration Building sidewalk

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

LAS Homecoming Celebration ARC

Charge is $20 per person, and children 5 and under are free.

Event includes a lunch buffet, entertainment and prizes.

Registration ended Oct. 16.

Noon to 2 p.m.

Law Pregame Homecoming Tailgate Law Building Register at law.illinois.edu/homecoming.

Noon Mathematics Homecoming Party In front of Altgeld Hall Complimentary food and beverages will be available 12:30 p.m.

Business Bash Sixth Street Lawn Cost is $15 per adult and $10 for kids 12 and under. Food and entertainment are included. Football tickets are $63, and registration ends Oct. 20.

2:30 p.m.

Illinois vs. Wisconsin Homecoming Football Game Memorial Stadium Tickets range from $53 to $63, and are $25 for University students.

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Krannert Center For The Performing Arts Tour The tour allows the public to “learn about the history, design and operation” of the center.

6 p.m.

Illinois vs Northwestern Women’s Soccer Game Soccer and Track Stadium The event is free to the public.

6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Law Class of 1965 Reunion Dinner Law Building 7:30 p.m.

Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Hayden’s the Creation Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Ticket prices range from $5 to $40. CUSO will play Haydn’s oratorio and will be accompanied by the UI Oratorio Society.

11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

IUB African-American Homecoming Party Campus Rec Center-East A dance party featuring a DJ playing the latest hip-hop and rhythm-and-blues music.

Sunday, Oct. 25 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

IUB The Dormancy of Dusk The Illini Union Art Gallery will exhibit poetry and photography by Bryan Warsaw.

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Krannert Center For The Performing Arts Tour The tour allows the public to “learn about the history, design and operation” of the center.

Compiled by Lauren Martens lmarten2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Nicholas Tarleton: freshman year

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

9

Tarleton: sophomore year

Tarleton: junior year

Tarleton: senior year

Seniors reflect on their Illini, Homecoming spirit

BY SENAIT GEBREGIORGIS STAFF WRITER

Name: Nicholas Tarleton Senior in ACES What made you choose Illinois?

I did a research program with the College of ACES during my sophomore and junior year of high school, and I really found it to be pretty interesting.

Ever since then, applying to 61 schools and eventually knowing that I was going (to Illinois) out of it all was pretty cool.

When you arrived on campus, what made this place feel like home?

The people, really; a lot of people really took me under their wings. Especially being a first-generation college student, too — everything was just really new, but the people were really welcoming.

I was involved with CORE, which was a mentoring program, and then the Office of Minority and Student Affairs really helped out, too. So that really helped me with my transition from high school to college.

Homecoming is coming up. What are some of the traditions or activities you partake in when the event comes around?

I’m involved with Student Alumni Ambassadors, and we put on Homecoming week — everything from the pep rally to the parades and spirit day.

We do a lot of things throughout that one

Freshman year: Jorden Riggs (left)

week to really get current students excited for Homecoming – to have them pull out their orange and blue, and help them kind of remember why they’re here.

I’ve also been involved with the Comeback program too … Seeing alums come back and learning why they chose Illinois and having them spread that awareness to current students is something that I really enjoy and really look forward to every year.

What is one of your favorite memories that you made on campus so far?

Being crowned Mr. University of Illinois, thanks to the Illini Union Board. My freshman and sophomore year, I applied and dropped out because I was kind of scared.

It was just really cool to see everybody wave back to me when I was in the Corvette in the parade.

Just seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces really helped me take in that moment and just learn how to get back to the University and keep the pride that I have for the University of Illinois.

Fun fact?

I’m an only child, so that’s why I know a lot of people, and that’s why I give them hugs and embrace them. So I’m looking for a little brother or sister in college.

Name: Jorden Riggs Senior in Business What is one of your earliest memories

Sophomore year: Riggs (right)

before arriving to Illinois?

A few days after I accepted Illinois, I emailed Barry Houser, who is the director of Marching Illini.

I was like, “Hey, I’m really late and I know all the other auditions are over, but can I please still audition for the color guard?”

He emailed me back and he was like, “Oh yeah! If you come tomorrow, sure you can just audition, it’ll be fine.” So I did that, and I made it and I’ve been on the guard for four years now. It’s been fantastic.

What has helped you transition smoothly from high school to college at Illinois?

Definitely being in the band. Not only did I know 26 people before we moved in, but then we had band camp a week before everyone else moved in and I met tons of people there. I got to learn a few things about campus and see where things are.

I made all these friends from the band, and I would see them in my classes because we would all have the same matching sunglasses.

With Homecoming coming up, what are some of the things you always look forward to?

For band, obviously, we have the Homecoming game, and on Friday night we have the Homecoming pep rally … it’s a phenomenal time — we have a lot of fun, we goof off.

With me being in the color guard, we

give our squads gifts, and it’s really nice because we only do that maybe four times a season. I’m actually making my (squad) orange and blue hair bows that they can wear for every day of the week.

When you leave campus, what are some of the things that you’ll miss most?

I’m going to miss knowing everybody. I know people from across campus, not just in the College of Business.

I realized why people say college is the best four years of your life. It’s the easiest place to be exactly who you want to be.

You can wear anything … you can do and be anything. I completely reinvented my personality my sophomore year, and I’m exactly who I want to be right now.

When I go off to work in the real world, I won’t be able to wear orange t-shirts every day — I’ll probably have to wear suits. I’m going to miss being able to do exactly what I want all the time.

Fun Fact?

I got to paint my room last year — my landlord was like, “Sure, who cares.” I have a vaulted ceiling, so I painted the flat surfaces orange with glitter in the paint. I painted the vaulted parts dark blue, and it is phenomenal, I must say. I also have my friends write quotes on one of the vaulted parts — it’s awesome.”

Junior year: Riggs (middle)

Senior year: Riggs (right)

gebregi2@dailyillini.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLAS TARELTON AND JORDEN RIGGS

Top: Nicholas Tarleton has participated in Homecoming events each year since his freshman year. Bottom: Jorden Riggs, a member of the color guard, looks forward to Homecoming events each year.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

10

On Campus

Now Delivering in CU! 217.954.1572 701S. Gregory St. Suite F, Urbana, IL

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

11

Exhibit draws inpsiration from fall, farming in the form of appreciating every season and every season’s unpredictability Many places exist on campus that are in what it may bring.” little-known to students. Nestled in the “The Dormancy of Dusk” is a colleccorner of the Illini Union is one of them: tion of Warsaw’s photographs, poetry, — The Illini Union Art Gallery. paintings and metalwork, all inspired The gallery displays a new exhibit by that period of time between day and each month by local artists for students night. and the community to see. This month’s “In the evening I just feel rejuvenatexhibit, “The Dormancy of Dusk” by Bry- ed and energetic, and as the world slowan Warsaw, captures the essence of the ly shuts down, there’s this whole other realm awakening,” he said. “There’s this fall season.

Warsaw, a research specialist in hor- side to us that we may not realize is there ticulture, helps manage three of the all the time, but we realize it more at that time of day. It’s a magiUniversity’s research farms. His work here, cal time.” as well as on other famMany of his pieces in ily-owned farms, has this collection are left intentionally untitled greatly influenced his artwork. because he does not “The whole farming, want the title affecting rustic life, I love it,” he how viewers perceive said. “I can see sunsets, the art. sunrises, storms, the “Everyone will have stars at night. It’s just their own take on it. Art freedom to me.” should be for everybody, Kati Rakestraw, a BRYAN WARSAW and they should get ARTIST OF “DORMANCY OF DUSK” something out of it,” he close friend of Warsaw’s, also attributes said. his farm life as one of Because of this, interhis greatest artistic influences. pretation of individual pieces could dif“Farming and the lifestyle that comes fer greatly from individual to individual. with it has been a large part of the foun“When I first came in, the first thing I dation of who he is, as it is the backdrop thought was some of the things gave me he has had since birth,” she said in an an ‘American Horror Story’ kind of vibe,” e-mail. “He is still actively involved in said Katherine Rola, senior in NRES. the field and this influence manifests “There are certain pieces in the gallery itself in his work not only obviously, but which I think are absolutely, fantasticalBY MILI PANDYA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Art should be for everybody, and they should get something out of it.”

POTRAIT OF BRYAN WARSAW BY RYAN FANG THE DAILY ILLINI

ly adorable, like the iron statues. They remind me of the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ video game,” Rola said.

“But there are certain pieces that really evoke deeper, beyond-comfortable emotions, which I think is interesting because then you get to think about, ‘Why do I feel this way about this?’”

The gallery is free to all visitors and is open Sunday through Thursday from

7 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Warsaw’s collection will be on display until the end of this month.

“He is in there, telling you a story with each image,” Rakestraw said. “See if it can find you; maybe you will find your own place in it.”

mpandy3@dailyillini.com

Congratulations to our Homecoming Guests!

Join us!

Comeback Guest Reception Honoring Jim Sparks Friday, Oct. 23 ● 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Dommermuth Conference Room Student Services Center, Gregory Hall Parade Watch Party to Celebrate Grand Marshal Bill Geist and Comeback Guest Jim Sparks Friday, Oct. 23 ● 5:30 p.m.

West side of Gregory Hall on the Homecoming Parade Route Bill Geist ’68 Journalism Correspondent, CBS News

College of

media

Jim Sparks ‘77 Advertising Founder, The Sparks Group

media.illinois.edu DI ad 2015.indd 1

STREAM AT WPGU.COM 10/15/2015 4:04:49 PM

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

12

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015 HOMECOMING COURT Compiled by Rabia Ilyas rilyas2@dailyillini.com

Mitchell Dickey

Jazmyn Thomas

Major: Political Science and Economics Hometown: Bourbonnais, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Bangkok Thai Greatest experience of the past year: Introducing Vice President Joe Biden to campus for the It’s On Us campaign

Major: Human Development and Family Studies Hometown: Peoria, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Bombay Greatest experience of the past year: Helping with International Student Orientation

Maxwell Elliott Colon Major: Psychology and Spanish Hometown: Mt. Prospect, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Mia Za’s Greatest experience of the past year: Facilitating the packaging of over 150,000 meals to for those in need.

Nicholas Leighton Tarleton Major: Food Science and Human Nutrition Hometown: Westchester, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Zorba’s greatest experience of the past year: Being crowned Mr. University of Illinois 2014

Oluseun Kayode Arowolaju Hometown: Matteson, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Maize Greatest experience for the past year: Being able to really explore and get involved on the Illinois campus, and meeting new people every day

Yitian Tang Major: Economics and Statistics Hometown: Wuhan, China Favorite restaurant on campus: Basil Thai Greatest experience of the past year: Spent the summer of 2015 interning

Nia Green

Razyeeh Mazaheri

Major: Kinesiology Hometown: Matteson, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Caribbean Grill Greatest experience of the past year: Being able to represent the U of I and my chapter in Washington, D.C.

Major: Animal Sciences Hometown: Vernon Hills, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Zorba’s Greatest experience of the past year: Transferring to the University of Illinois

Matthew Hill Major: Political Science and Communication Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Which Wich Greatest experience of the past year: Snapping a selfie in Vice President Joe Biden’s limo when he visited to promote the It’s On Us campaign ALL PHOTO COURTESY OF HOMECOMING COURT MEMBERS

Marc Allen Fabros Chua Major: Economics, with a minor in business Hometown: Gurnee, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Joe’s for half-priced burgers Greatest experience of the past year: Working as a consultant with Mandalay Bay in the Willis Tower

Alex Nathan Kahn Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Maize Greatest experience of the past year: Competing across the country with Illinois Men’s Volleyball

Michael John Fassler Major: MCB Hometown: Sterling, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Cactus Grill Greatest experience of the past year: Being elected to represent the UIUC Greek community on the Interfraternity Council

Illyanna Lopez Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Elgin, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Joe’s fo halfpriced burgers Greatest experience of the past year: Traveling around Thailand for three weeks

Hannah Taylor

Kendall L. Herren Major: Agricultural Communications Hometown: Somonauk, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: La Bamba Greatest experience of the past year: I think the best part of this past year has been spent with my sorority sisters

Deneen Amanda Holmes Major: Community Health Hometown: Calumet City, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Maize Greatest experience of the past year: Hosting Wake-Up Call 2015

Ashley S. Moy Major: Bioengineering Hometown: Barrington, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Cravings Greatest experience of the past year: Spending winter break on the Illinois Ski and Snowboard Club trip

Bridget O’Brien

Major: Materials Science Major: Civil Engineering and Engineering Hometown: Chicago, Hometown: Pawnee, Illinois Illinois Favorite restaurant on Favorite restaurant on campus: Maize campus: Black Dog Greatest experience of the past year: Greatest experience of the past year: Helping plan several Homecoming events Meeting Dee Brown

Krishna Somayajula Major: Industrial Engineering and Economics Hometown: Portland, Oregon Favorite restaurant on campus: Antonio’s Pizza Greatest experience of the past year: Attending the Big Ten on the Hill Conference in Washington, D.C.

Jaylin DaVon McClinton Major: African-American Studies and Political Science Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Favorite restaurant on campus: Maize Greatest experience of the past year: Winning my student trustee election and meeting Hillary Clinton

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

13

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

A brief history of UI Homecoming DAILY ILLINI STAFF REPORT

N

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ARCHIVES

TW I T T ER YO!

WE O

Throughout the entire course of the University of Illinois’ history, one thing has remained a constant each year: Homecoming.

Homecomings date back for over a century after towns in the United States began hosting them to annually welcome back former residents. However, the University claims to be the first to create a collegiate homecoming, according to the University of Illinois archives.

The annual event is geared toward alumni and centers around a home football game. In 1910, the first Homecoming took place after Clarence Foss Williams, class of 1910, and W. Elmer Ekblaw, class of 1910 and 1912, wanted to find a way to give back to their Alma Mater.

The date was set for October 15, when the Illini football team were slated to play against their rival the University of Chicago Maroons. They had not beaten the team in seven years. However, other events planned for homecoming included the freshmen and sophomore pushball game, fraternity initiations, class reunions and a performance by the Hobo Band.

Over 12,000 alumni and students attended the football game to see the Illini win and the tradition stuck. Each year, the University has held a homecoming except for 1918 when an influenza epidemic broke out on campus.

Homecomings then spread to other campuses, including Wisconsin and Missouri in 1911 and Arizona in 1914.

Located at 50E. John St., Champaign, IL, 60473

Where we do Hookah right Pricing starting at $12.99 with specials all month *2 people per hookah*

@thedailyillini

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

14

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

15

Homecoming kicks off with 5K

BY BROOKS BERISH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year’s Homecoming 5K is on track to surpass last year’s race with even more entertainment, food and fun as Homecoming week kicks off to a healthy start.

“Everybody’s dressed in blue and orange, so even if you don’t like to run, it’s still a cool experience,” said Annalisa Roncone, codirector of the Homecoming 5K and sophomore in LAS. “Everybody’s very enthusiastic and helping out. It was a lot of fun.”

Roncone didn’t consider herself a long-distance runner, but she still found last year’s race to be a very rewarding experience. She ran alongside other students, alumni and members of the community who also attended the 5K. Each runner paid a $20 fee to participate. This year, there was also the option to sign up as a group of four for $60.

Approximately 90 people showed up to last year’s race, amounting to almost $2,000 in proceeds. The Student Alumni Association hoped to attract more people and exceed that number this year.

“We’re really trying to target (in addition to) students, community members. (We’re) putting it out on their running clubs, park districts — getting the word out,” Roncone said.

A portion of the proceeds from the event is used to buy t-shirts for participants, and the remainder is given to the Emergency Dean’s Fund.

Angela Dimit, student affairs chief advancement officer, assists with the effort to raise money for the fund, which offers emergency financial assitance to a small amount of University students who may be unable to cover essential expenses due to an emergency.

For example, the fund may provide monetary assistance to a student if there was a death in the family and the student has to fly home. The fund will financially support students in the case of an unexpected emergency who wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for such expenses.

“I can’t think of a better way to support students in immediate need than through giving to this fund,” said Ken Ballom, dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student affairs.

The race began at around 9 a.m. Sunday morning, but participants showed up before that to enjoy the early entertainment and to get their t-shirts.

Students, faculty and community members begin their run at the Homecoming 5K on Sunday morning.

No Comment, a student a cappella group, sang the national anthem and a jazzed-up version of the Illini Fight Song before the race, which is one of many newly-established traditions the Student Alumni Association hopes will continue in years to come.

and Lincoln avenues. Participants ran approximately two laps around the Arboretum.

The top three winners of the race didn’t receive any trophies or prizes.

However, Rory Johnson, codirector of the Homecoming 5K and sophomore in

“Everybody’s dressed in blue and orange, so even if you don’t like to run, it’s still a cool experience. Everybody’s very enthusiastic and helping out.”

ANNALISA RONCONE CODIRECTOR OF HOMECOMING 5K

“I loved how they started the race with the a cappella group performing,” said Julie Holdener, member of the Law School Running Club and participant at the Homecoming 5K. “(It) really set the tone.”

The racetrack was located at the Arboretum, on the corner of Florida

Education, said winners are offered somewhat of an alternative prize: bragging rights.

“We are basically just going to post the top three winners on our Facebook page,” Johnson said.

Prizes were, however, awarded to both the team and the individual with

BEN LASH THE DAILY ILLINI

the best Illini Spirit.

During the race, there were markers along the track to let the participants know how far they’ve run.

Enthusiastic Student Alumni Association members dressed in blue and orange were stationed along the track cheering everybody on and even cracking a few jokes to keep the whole experience light-hearted and fun.

“It was really great, the enthusiasm that the SAA and the other volunteers had,” Roncone said. “We’re just trying to get the Illini spirit going as soon as possible.”

After the race, hungry participants unwound with refreshments including Gatorade, water and bagels.

There was also a photo booth with a backdrop highlighting the 5K, allowing racers to remember the great time they had running to support their fellow students.

berish2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

16

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

GEAR UP

FOR FALL 2016 now leasing GET A $250 GIFT CARD!

STUDIO, 1 BEDROOM, 2 BEDROOM & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE PET FRIENDLY • INDOOR/OUTDOOR PARKING • PRIVATE BATHROOMS ON-SITE GYM • THEATER ROOM • UTILITIES INCLUDED 217.239.2310 • BURNHAM310.COM • 310 East Springfield Ave. • Champaign, IL 61820