THE SHORTHORN
Monday, February 21
HOMECOMING 2011 UTA growing up From traditions, names and buildings, UTA has come a long way since its first Homecoming celebration. The Bed Races, an event where teams race beds with wheels, began in 1980.
The school changed its name from Arlington Military Academy to Grubbs Vocational College in 1917.
The university broke ground on the College Park Center in spring 2010.
Football was dropped in 1985.
As Arlington State College, it left the A&M System and joined the UT System.
The Rebel mascot was dropped in 1971.
The Shorthorn: Thea Blesener
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Monday, February 21, 2011
The ShorThorn hOMECOMiNG EdiTiON
Construction hoped to increase pride
Mav swap: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central Library mall. Free. Participants can trade collegiate gear for UTA clothing.
By John harden The Shorthorn senior staff
Paint your ride with Maverick Pride: 3-5 p.m. Arlington Hall Turn Around. Free. Students will decorate cars with orange, blue and white. homecoming step show: 7 p.m. Texas Hall. $5 admission. Greek organizations and other groups will perform. Friday Golf Cart Parade: Noon. University Center mall and Central Library mall. Groups can decorate golf carts and walk alongside them in the parade. The Shorthorn: Will LaVoncher
College Park Center is scheduled to open this year. It will be home to sports games, concerts and community events.
dents,” she said. “It eventually flows out into the community.” The pride of Arlington residents and alumni living around the campus is just as important as the students living on campus, she said. “UTA is one of the biggest forms of entertainment and resources the residents have in downtown Arlington,” she said. “Support for a lot of the games and events come from the community.” The College Park Center, scheduled to open in late 2011, will house the basketball and vol-
leyball teams. Events like concerts and community events also will be moved to the new center. Aerospace engineering junior David Hall also said school spirit is important for the university. “We complain about construction a lot, but I think we would lose our sense of pride if the campus wasn’t trying to better itself,” he said. John harden news-editor.shorthron@uta.edu
Women’s basketball looking to take the stage Game is an opportunity to show the quality of UTA basketball, coach says. By Josh Bowe The Shorthorn senior staff
Tamara Simmons’ smile was as wide as her offensive game this year. The senior guard laughed as she found out her team would play the Homecoming game. “It’s exciting because usually the boys get the Homecoming game,” she said. “We just want to make sure we come out here and make sure they come to the next game.” Traditionally associated with football or basketball, the women’s basketball team will host the Homecoming game. Before, the men’s team dominated the festivities. With a chance to show their
Thursday residence Life hall decorating Contest: Judges will rate the residence halls’ Homecoming decorations.
Officials want to use the development on the east side to draw students.
As the campus develops and spreads through Arlington, so does Maverick pride. School spirit comes from the inside and spreads out, not the other way around, said Amy Schultz, communications and community relations associate vice president. The campus continues to grow with more programs and construction projects aimed at attracting more student and community involvement. On the east side of campus, the university is constructing the College Park District that will merge the boundaries between the school and city. The $160-million development includes an arena, outdoor space and mixed-use retail and housing development. “It will provide a welcome center for guests to campus, a state-of-the-art athletics facility for our teams and fans, another residential hub for students and a link between the campus and the growing number of downtown venues,” Schultz said. “The College Park District will play a tremendous role in promoting the pride we feel in our campus to the community.” The district also includes an 1,800 parkingspace garage surrounded by a residence hall and apartment, with retail on the ground level. More than 40 years ago, there was campus pride, but no sense of community involvement, alumna Beth Kellner said. “Pride begins with the campus and the stu-
homecoming schedule
when and where What: Women’s basketball vs. Northwestern State When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Texas Hall Homecoming king and queen will be announced at halftime.
game to a larger audience, the women are ready to display their skills. “I just hope we come out ready to play,” senior forward Shalyn Martin said. They’re set to face Northwestern State at 2 p.m. on Feb. 26. With the afternoon time slot, Tailgate Party, Chili Cook-Off starting before the game at noon, and the Movin’ Mavs Alumni Game soon after, Homecoming festivities will be sandwiched around the game. Head coach Samantha Mor-
row understands the men have a larger fan base, despite losing five starters from 2010, the men’s team averages 748 fans per game while the women’s team averages 419. But with the community and student body focused on their game that Saturday afternoon, she said it can only help attract more fans. “You’ve got alumni coming back, and that’s always nice to have,” Morrow said. “We’ll have more fans. We always want more fans. It’s a great opportunity for us to go out there and show people the quality of basketball we have.” Morrow said the men’s basketball team has typically been the showcase game for Homecoming because of its larger fan base. Despite losing five starters from 2010, the men’s team averages 748 fans per game while the women’s team averages 419. Homecoming will attract fans
Morrow hopes they will keep. Morrow said she’s excited about seeing alumni at the game, too. “It’s all about the alumni and the former players,” Morrow said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show people that our brand of basketball is fun to watch.” With the eyes of the community on them, Simmons said they won’t put any extra pressure on themselves. “No pressure, we just go out here and do what we’re supposed to do,” Simmons said. Morrow said she won’t be feeling any pressure – she thinks it’s going to be fun. “If anything, it’s just a little more excitement,” she said. “Pressure might be on the other team. It’s going to be fun though, real fun.” Josh Bowe sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
homecoming Pep rally: Immediately following the Golf Cart Parade. Central Library mall. Join university leaders and UTA Spirit Groups as they celebrate this years Homecoming. student Leader alumni reception: 7 p.m. University Center Rio Grande Ballroom. Invite only. Student leaders from across the years will mingle at the reception. The Bash: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. University Center. Themed Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, this party will feature several sweet activities like chocolate fountains. saTurday Military science hall of honor: 10:30 a.m. University Center Palo Duro Lounge and Bluebonnet Ballroom. The University’s ROTC program will induct alumni into the Hall of Honor. Tailgate Party & Chili Cook Off: Noon. Trinity House Parking Lot. Organizations will be judged on their chili before the Women’s basketball game. homecoming Basketball Game vs. Northwestern state: 2 p.m. Texas Hall. The Women’s Basketball team takes brings the competition home against Northwestern State. homecoming King & Queen Coronation: Texas Hall, Half Time. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during half time. Movin’ Mavs alumni Game: 4:30 p.m. Maverick Activities Center. Movin’ Mavs alumni reception: 6 p.m. Physical Education Building.
Monday, February 21, 2011
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The ShorThorn HOMECOMING EDITION
Homecoming court prepares for coronation
T
he 2011 UTA Homecoming court may come from different walks of life, but they all share the opportunity to be crowned Homecoming king or queen. Each stepped onto campus their freshman year with different goals and ended up taking a paths of leadership and deter-
EMILY BOREN English teaching senior Emily Boren is not a stranger to Homecoming activities. Her brother was Homecoming king at UTA in 2009 and she was hooked since she first became involved with UTA spirit events. Therefore, she has a better feeling of what to wear. “I’m thinking of wearing a nice evening gown, but something not too formal,” she said. “I’ll probably wear my hair down but curled.” Boren said she wants to treat Homecoming day like any other, by working out in the
EDWIN BALDELOMAR Physics senior Edwin Baldelomar has an eye for fashion, which he said he inherits from his grandfather. He hopes to bring his own style to Homecoming. He hasn’t pieced together the perfect ensemble, but he is on the hunt. “I am into fashion,” he said. “I can sew, so I go to thrift stores and put together some unique stuff. It’s a hit or miss.” Baldelomar said he is excited to be part of the long tradition. “Leaving college as a Homecoming king would be a nice image to have,” he said.
TIERRA CHATMON Public relations junior Tierra Chatmon is excited to look elegant and classy on Homecoming day. Although she is still searching for the right dress, she has her picture-perfect look in mind. “There hasn’t been a dress that I really like, but I love long dresses,” she said. Tierra is excited because her sister will do her hair to match her sophisticated look. “I want some spiral curls that are probably going to be pinned up. And, of course,
mination impacting those around them. After years of dedication, their peers have recognized their hard work and nominated them for this opportunity. Whether spreading school spirit, volunteering or just trying to survive classes, they have strived to impact UTA. Here’s a glimpse of what goes on behind
the scenes of Homecoming nominees. The winners will be announced during halftime at the basketball game against Northwestern State on Saturday. The game starts at 2 p.m. in Texas Hall.
morning, followed by lunch and just keeping the whole experience in perspective. “I’m excited and honored just to be involved in the activities,” she said. “I’m also excited about all the events leading up to it. Win or lose — we will all still go out with the family afterwards.” Boren said she takes her work ethic and faith very seriously, and it helps create longlasting friendships. “She has a servant heart,” art junior Morgan Elliott said. “She’s going to be very successful. I’m excited to see what God has in store for her.” Boren graduates in December and hopes to make an impact in the world by teaching students to go above and beyond.
RICKY IRVING
Baldelomar is active in engineering, physics and math. He said he feels excited to bring in some new flavor to court, since normally people view physics majors as low key people. “A lot of people really view the physics students as students who don’t do a lot outside of class,” he said. “It would mean more for me to win for the colleagues in my department.” Close friend Frederick Williams admires Baldelomar for everything he represents. “He is, literally, the nicest person I know,” he said. “He is pure-hearted and will go out of his way to help you. I named my first son after him in hopes that he will grow up to be half the man that Edwin is.”
OMAR ROSALES
I want to wear jewelry.” Tierra is an active student on campus. She set her goals her freshman year, and it helped her make the supportive friends that she has today. “Tierra is like a big sister I never had,” pre-nursing sophomore Cheyanne Thompson said. “She is always there for me no matter what. She is very outgoing, positive, helpful, loving, friendly and social.” Tierra is thrilled at the idea of being in the court because she made it a goal of hers when she started at UTA. “I feel honored that my peers voted for me,” she said. “I’m happy that I can at least be on the court. And if I win, I would be even more privileged.”
— Stephanie Knefel
Ricky Irving, Mr. UTA and interdisciplinary studies senior, already envisioned his Homecoming day colors. Irving got the inspiration from a friend’s wedding pictures. “I’m sure that I want to wear turquoise and white,” he said. Irving said he was shy in high school and gradually gained confidence, but still maintains his quiet demeanor. “Just because someone is shy doesn’t mean you don’t work hard,” he said. “I’m not one to be in people’s faces.”
Mechanical engineering senior Omar Rosales said he is excited and honored to take part in as many events as he can. He said he uses his experience growing up as inspiration to pursue his dreams. “I woke up one day and realized what I growing up was not something I wanted forever,” he said. “I wanted a change.” Rosales said focusing on school keeps him grounded. “I’m here for a reason,” he said. “Every time I go back home it reminds me of
MIRIAM ZEHAIE Miriam Zehaie, Ms. UTA and interdisciplinary studies education junior, has her hands full with various activities. On top of that, she is hoping to create the ideal Homecoming look to match her ideal experience. “I definitely want to wear blue or orange,” she said. “I want to look classy, yet modern.” Zehaie plans to wear her hair curly, along with getting her makeup done. She is still on the hunt for the perfect dress, but has an idea of where to find it.
when and where When: Winners will be announced at halftime at the women’s basketball game 2 p.m. Saturday. Where: Texas Hall
Biology junior Tim Johnson says people like Irving are one of a kind. “Ricky is a very determined person with enormous dreams,” Johnson said. “He has a vivid imagination and a large heart. He’s a friend that I can count on to be consistent and supportive because he lives his life like nothing is impossible for himself or anyone around him.” Irving plans on enjoying quality time with his friends after Homecoming and looks forward to future accomplishments. Graduating in December, he aims to be successful in graduate school and in producing film. “I want to be able to tell stories,” he said. “I’m a visionary.”
everything I don’t want and it puts this in perspective.” Close friend Ana Garcia describes him as a dedicated, smart and respectful person who works hard. “He knows what he wants and goes for it,” she said. “He always brings positive energy into a room.” Rosales discovered his passion for engineering during his last year in high school and realized he could make a living off of something that came naturally to him. He hopes to use his talent in the Navy’s nuclear engineering program to make an impact on people’s lives — big or small. “I like leaving good impressions on people,” he said.
Zehaie is determined to climb the ladder of success to make her family proud and add to their accomplishments while fulfilling her dreams of influencing others. “My parents came from East Africa, and I see how much my parents worked for our family,” she said. “I see how hard my sister has worked, and so I also want to be a role model for my little brother.” Zehaie’s enthusiasm for UTA pride and activities is well-noted with her peers. Sondra Showels, EXCEL Campus Activities president, said. “She submerges herself in school spirit. It would be an honor for her to serve as Homecoming queen.”
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Monday, February 21, 2011
The ShorThorn HOMECOMING EDITION
Alumni recognized in Hall of ‘One beat, one noise, Honor induction ceremony one sound, one team’ Nominees are inducted by peers for military and career achievements. By Vidwan raGhaVan The Shorthorn staff
For Joe Swift, induction to the Department of Military Science’s Hall of Honor was a humbling surprise. “There are just so many other people,” the business administration alumnus said. “I’m surprised I got it.” Swift is one of three inductees to the Hall of Honor this year. As part of Homecoming celebrations, committee members of the Cadet Corps Alumni Council select two or three alumni from nominations received year round. Individuals can be nominated for three different categories: Cadet Corps Alumni, Honorary or Service. Allan Garonzik, Cadet Corps Alumni Council president, said inductees are required to be alumni, part of the military science department and have a distinguished military or civilian career. Sarah Nahhas, Cadet Corps Alumni Council administrator, said the department started honoring its alumni in 1980. “They get a big plaque in their honor,” Nahhas said. “The military science department has a Hall of Honor room in College Hall.” Swift graduated in 1963 when UTA was Arlington State College. Ricky Gibbs, 1982 graduate, and John Kearby, 1925 graduate, are the The Shorthorn: File Photo other two recipients “It is a fantastic honor because a The Sam Houston Rifle Drill Team performs for drill team alumni on the University committee of my peers have selected Center mall during the 2010 Hall of Honor Reception. me for it,” he said. A Vietnam and Korea veteran, alumni that were part of the military of recipients. Swift said he was shocked when he science program in any of the past “Out of thousands of cadets that found out he was getting the honor. have gone through, only about 80 avatars of UTA. He said his military career was However, the honoree need not have got this,” he said. a reflection of UTA’s Garonzik said he spent a year have exhaustive miliROTC program. making a documentary about all the tary career, he said. when and where “To me, it’s more “In my case, I recipients of the honor, including of an honor to the didn’t have a long this year’s three. When: 10:30 a.m. ROTC cadre there The documentary’s first screenstellar military career, Where: University Center because I gained so ing will be played during the inducbut I was involved in Palo Duro Lounge and much knowledge in the community,” he tion ceremony. Bluebonnet Ballroom that department. The Swift said he was excited about said about being inNCOs [Noncomattending Homecoming. ducted in 2007. missioned officer] “I’m looking forward to meeting Garonzik was inand the school, more than anybody, volved with the Red Cross, the Boy my friends and getting back on camprepared me very well,” he said. Scouts and has been part of orga- pus and seeing how it has changed “I’ve seen ROTC cadets from other nizations that further the cause of over time,” he said. schools, they weren’t nearly as pre- Leukemia for 22 years. pared as we were.” He said being inducted was an Vidwan raGhaVan Garonzik said the award is for honor because of the small number news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Groups perform, use rhythm, footwork to compete By Vallari Gupte The Shorthorn staff
Clapping sounds reverberated through the dance room as the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members practiced their routine for the 2011 Homecoming Step Show. In perfect when synchronization, they and require no where music to step. A rhythm of When: 7 p.m. claps, footwork Thursday and a little bit Where: Texas of acting and Hall expression is all Cost: $5 they needed to enjoy the perThe Shorthorn: Allyson Kaler fect step. Finance sophomore Jackson Finance senior E’ Patrick Ekong, left, Clay said it’s his first time step- and biological chemistry senior Tobi ping with the fraternity. Clay Ogundele rehearse with the Alpha Phi didn’t participate as a freshman Alpha step team Feb. 7 in the Maverlast year because he was inducted ick Activities Center. Stage time is 12 minutes for each team. into the fraternity this spring. “The group has helped me a lot. They look out for me,” he said. said. “I’ve been in Homecoming “I am enjoying the experience of and we have gotten way better really contributing to the Step since our first year.” Show this year.” Michael Taddesse, Greek Life Advertising senior T. J. Foster and University Events assistant said the dancers don’t have as- director, said the show is a Greek signed roles yet. tradition where for“We have been “Regardless of mer students come practicing for ten back and step with days now, and we will the prize, teams the students. be in that stage in two register for the “Homecoming days,” he said. at UTA is always love of stepping.” unique Eight members of and differthe African Students’ Michael taddesse, ent from other camOrganization came Greek Life and University puses. We showcase up with the steps as Events assistant director our students’ talents,” a collective effort for Taddesse said. “We the show. do not invite groups Kinesiology freshman Bran- from outside.” don Esianor said the organizaTaddesse said prizes will be tion’s motivation is to beat the awarded to the first and second greek organizations. place winners. According to the “Since we are competing on a Homecoming website, first place big stage, we have something to winners will get $1,000 and secprove,” Esianor said. ond place will receive $500. The Political science sophomore money will be transferred to the Timeka Warren said the organi- organizations’ accounts. zation participated in the 2010 “Regardless of the prize, teams Homecoming Step Show, and register for the love of stepping,” the members share a passion for he said. stepping. Vallari Gupte “Stepping is one beat, one news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu noise, one sound, one team,” she
Monday, February 21, 2011
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THE SHORTHORN HOMECOMING EDITION
Decorated golf carts parade across campus for celebration
Students will crowd the walkways as golf carts, decorated for Homecoming, parade through east side of campus. The Homecoming Golf Cart Parade begins at noon Friday. N in its fourth year, The parade, gives groups and organizations a chance to showcase their school spirit around campus. Psycholog y junior LaQruishia Gill said she was part of the UTA Ambassadors float last year. To go with the year’s The Bash theme, she said the cart had a superheroes motif. “We all wore capes and painted masks on our faces,� she said. “Then we decked out the cart in UTA colors.� This year’s The Bash theme is Willy Wonka and the Choco-
fee paid for the golf cart rentals. Groups can have a maximum of nine students, four in the cart and five walking alongside. Ressl said three secret judges will decide which is the best cart in the parade. Carts will be judged based on decorations, creativity and school spirit. Last year, carts were decorated the night before the parade, Ressl said. “We attempted to do it the night before, and it created some logistical issues and the weather was uncooperative,� he said. “With the weather, you never know.� Michael Taddesse, Greek Life and University Events assistant director, said students this year will decorate their carts from 8-11 a.m. Friday. “It doesn’t take more than an hour,� he said. “If you’re taking more than an hour, you’re doing too much.� ALLEN BALDWIN features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: File Photo
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity members drive through the University Center mall during the 2010 Homecoming Golf Cart Parade. UTA Bookstore
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BY ALLEN BALDWIN The Shorthorn staff
late Factory. She said some groups will interact with bystanders. “Some people cheer or throw candy or souvenirs into the crowd,� she said. “People get really into it.� The parade route will start in Lot 38 by the UTA Bookstore. It will pass by the College Park Center construction site at Pecan Street giving students and alumni a look at what direction the school is moving in. The parade will wind its way to the University Center mall through campus to its final destination, Central Library mall. A pep rally will be held immediately after the parade ends. Seth Ressl, Greek Life and University Events director, said the university rents 50 carts. Groups are given carts on a first-come-first-serve basis. Ressl said anyone could have rented a golf cart for the parade, including residence halls, organizations, departments or individuals. The $35 entrance
Cooper
Groups will decorate and drive carts around to showcase school spirit.
Library
Third Street
End Fourth Street
IF YOU GO... When: The parade begins at noon Friday. Groups will decorate their carts from 8-11 a.m. Route: The parade will start in Lot 38 by the UTA Bookstore and end on the Central Library mall. Some groups throw candy and souvenirs during the event. A pep rally will follow the parade.
The Shorthorn: Lorraine Frajkor
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Cost is $5 for Alumni Association Members and Student Alumni Association Members and $10 for non-members. Includes: Captain Billy Whizzbang's hamburger or veggie burger and all the ďŹ xings, chips, a drink and Alumni Giveaways. Afterward, join us for the Homecoming Basketball game vs. Northwestern State at 2:00 p.m. To RSVP, visit us at www.uta.edu/alumni/tailgateparty or call 817.272.2594
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Monday, February 21, 2011
THE SHORTHORN HOMECOMING EDITION
BY TESIA KWARTENG The Shorthorn staff
It’s time to celebrate homecoming. With traditions dating back to the early 1900s, UTA has a unique history of Homecoming festivities.
Homecoming The king and queen coronation is one of the oldest traditions starting in 1932. The actual term “Homecoming” wasn’t used until 1953 when UTA, formerly Arlington State College, had a football team and won its first Homecoming game against San Angelo State University. Seth Ressl, Greek Life and University Events director, said Homecoming is a time for alumni to come home and support the university team. Alumnus William Bernard remembers UTA’s football days and when Homecoming traditions included a bonfire, bed races, pep rally and Homecoming dance in the late ’70s. “It was great, and we all had a very good time,” he said. “We all sat together at the game, partied together and had a Greek picnic on that Sunday.” After the university dropped football, Homecoming occurred at different times of the year, including volleyball season, in an attempt to keep it in the fall semester. Eventually it settled during basketball season and has been in the spring semester ever since. Ressl said Homecoming, in general, is centered around an athletic event, whether it be football, volleyball or basketball.
Golf Cart Parade What was once a Homecoming parade down Main Street in 1960, complete with automobiles and floats, is now a golf cart parade down the University Center mall and the Central Library mall. This year marks the fourth annual golf cart parade. Student organizations deck out golf carts to show organizational and school spirit.
Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off In 2005, the UTA Ambassadors hosted the first annual Chili CookOff. It originally started as an event that was during the week and is now the same day as the Homecoming basketball game. Organizations come together for a good time and see who will win bragging rights in the Trinity House parking lot.
The Bash Full of activities, food and games, The Bash is a Homecoming tradition that was modeled after an event called the All Night Fair. The fair was similar to a lock-in and celebrated the opening of the University Center after a renovation. The Bash is still held in the University Center and is approximately 10 years old. “The Bash is my favorite Homecoming tradition,” accounting junior Ngozi Egbujor said. “Free food, great games and spending time with my friends is always a good time.”
Homecoming Step Show First introduced in 2003, the Homecoming Step Show was originally a small event to expose students who were not familiar with step shows to the culture. Students could watch groups who traditionally step, partner up with those that didn’t in the Rosebud Theatre. Because of increased popularity, it evolved into a showcase and moved to Texas Hall.
Homecoming is all about tradition. Test your knowledge of these campus traditions, new and old, with a quiz. Answers can be found by visiting some of the locations, reading the stories in The Shorthorn Homecoming edition and by searching the UTA website. — Marissa Hall 6. New and transfer students are welcomed into the new school year each fall with MavsMeet New Student Convocation. Notable campus figures, including the university president and Student Congress president, speak at the event. Where does the event take place?
1. Have a test today? Superstition says that rubbing the statue head of former university President E.H. Hereford in the University Center is good luck. During what years was he president?
7. Fireworks, music and a cannon all help graduating Mavericks celebrate their accomplishments during the Graduation Celebration. Where will the event take place this May? The Shorthorn: Stuart Hausmann
The Shorthorn: Stuart Hausmann
2. Each fall during Bed Races, teams clad themselves in helmets and costumes and race beds down the Maverick Stadium field. What year did this tradition begin?
3. Since 1989, Oozeball has helped participants have fun getting dirty while playing mud volleyball. What organizations sponsor the tournament?
Lost Traditions Some traditions have come and gone, such as the Blue and White Fashion Show and the Big Switch. Ressl said these events stopped because of popularity and changes in trends. Fashion designers from Bauder Fashion College, which used to be adjacent to the university, would have students model their designs for the Blue and White Fashion Show. The Big Switch was an event where students and administrators changed places for a day. TESIA KWARTENG features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: Stuart Hausmann
4. Through food, cultural exhibits and a talent show, International Week celebrates diversity on campus each spring. What event starts the annual event?
5. Homecoming has changed throughout the university’s history. The first year it began, festivities included a bonfire, parade and coronation. When did we begin celebrating Homecoming?
8. Mischievous students have been known to pull this prank on the fountain east of the center bridge. What is the prank? (Hint: It makes it squeaky clean.)
9. Each spring, this college celebrates itself with a week of events. Some of the events include Piethe-Professor, an awards banquet, lectures and a career fair. What college is it?
5. The hanging bras, panties and underwear flying in front of Brazos House each fall is no practical joke. The residence hall’s Bra Bridge aims to raise money for what cause?
The Shorthorn: Stuart Hausmann
ANSWERS
Although some traditions were dropped, some favorites have stuck around.
Test your traditions knowledge
5. 1932 6. Texas Hall 7. the Levitt Pavilion 8. filling it with soap 9. College of Engineering 10. Breast cancer awareness
Homecoming offers old, new traditions for alumni and students
1. 1946-1958 2. 1980 3. Student Alumni Association and Campus Recreation 4. a parade
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Monday, February 21, 2011
a Sugary Shindig University Center will melt into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for The Bash should break out their best purple suits. The event will also have a scavenger hunt Candy lovers, take note: This year’s for golden tickets. A trip to Wonka’s famous candy factory is probably out, but Agwu Homecoming party will be sweet. The annual Homecoming party, called confirmed that there would be prizes for the costume contest and scavenger The Bash, will have a Willy hunt. Wonka and the Chocolate FacPhysics sophomore Charles when and where tory theme. The celebration Rambo was surprised by the will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wonka idea. Friday at the University Center. Where: University Center “I wasn’t aware that was a It will be the second night in a possible theme,” Rambo said. three-day celebration of UTA’s At UTA for his first year, history. Last year’s caricature artist booths will be Rambo said he would be interested in making a return, said Judy Agwu, EXCEL checking out The Bash. Business junior Richard Stacey laughed Campus Traditions director. Students can sample from “fizzy drink” stations, but they when he heard the theme, but said he was don’t need to worry about floating away as looking forward to it. Stacey went to previCharlie and his grandfather did. Naturally, ous Homecoming celebrations and said he enjoyed all the activities and attractions. there will be candy for all. Those who have some aggression to work He was also drawn to the idea of the Willy out can try sumo wrestling. The round suits Wonka party. “The first thing I thought about was are a tribute to Violet Beauregarde, the candy,” Stacey said. “And Oompa Loompas.” gum-chewing Wonka factory visitor who ended up transforming into a giant blueTory barrinGer berry. This year’s Bash will feature a costume features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu contest, so students who want to dress up
By Tory BarrinGer
The Shorthorn staff
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The ShorThorn HOMECOMING EDITION
Campus occupants dress dwellings Residence Halls have 24 hours to create a design and decorate hall to celebrate Homecoming. By Melanie GruBen The Shorthorn staff
Residence halls will compete to see which has the most creative presentation for this year’s Homecoming hall decorating competition. All halls will be given a theme Wednesday and must be finished decorating by the next morning when they will be judged. “It’s a big community effort,” said Stacey McKendry, Arlington Hall graduate assistant residence director. “Hall Council are involved, resident assistants are involved and residents.” McKendry said halls don’t collaborate on their decorating projects. Residents often get no sleep the night before while they stay up decorating, said Collin Harper, Brazos House office assistant. “In a lot of ways, it’s a way to bond together, because everyone is working together for a common goal, which is to win,” Harper said. In 2008, Brazos’ theme was “Cowboys and Indians.” Occupants decorated the downstairs section of Brazos like the “wild west” with an imitation of what the Brazos River region might look like. Resi-
dents dressed up as members of the “wild west” for judging day. Brazos occupants also used their Homecoming decorations to display the history of Brazos and its change from being military barracks to a residence hall. “You never know exactly what’s going to happen the day of, simply because you spend so much time in your community you don’t see what other dorms are doing,” Harper said. Last year, Lipscomb Hall residents decorated with the colors of the rain forest. “We had a jungle theme,” said Chris Ehiogu, Lipscomb Hall office assistant. “We decorated the whole front of the lobby, and we had trees and little lions, because our mascot is Leo.” Angie Mack, Lipscomb Hall office assistant, described Lipscomb’s past decorations. “In 2008, in honor of RecycleMania, we used recycled Shorthorn newspapers, and we balled them up, and we spray painted them blue and orange,” Mack said. “We taped them onto this big piece of white butcher paper spelling out the word ‘Lipscomb,’ and we hid Butterfingers throughout Lipscomb for the judges to find.” Melanie Gruben news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Buy your tuition raffle tickets Friday! Win up to $5,000 towards tuition
Ticket sales kick off at the Homecoming Bash Friday, February 25th at the University Center From 9:00pm to 1:00am Available online starting February 28th www.uta.edu/alumni/saa
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The ShorThorn HOMECOMING EDITION
Monday, February 21, 2011