October 22, 2001

If you're nostalgic for the 1980s, take a trip back in time during this year's Homecoming, Oct. 25-28.

"Back in the Day ... UConn Goes '80s" is the theme of the celebration that welcomes students, faculty, staff and alumni to campus.

Events kick off Thursday, Oct. 25, with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Lobby. Later that evening, a lip-sync competition to music from the 1980s and a royalty pageant will take place at 8 p.m. in Gampel Pavilion.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, the new Alumni Center will host a dedication ceremony and welcome all members of the UConn community to see their new "home", including the new Husky Heritage Sports Museum.

On Saturday, at 10:30 a.m., the annual Homecoming Parade featuring the UConn marching band and student-sponsored floats, will make its way from Gilbert Road to Fairfield Way.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., all are welcome to join a Walk-A-Thon sponsored by UConn Young Alums to benefit UConn's Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The Walk-a-Thon will take place at the outdoor track behind the Alumni Center. A barbecue at the new Alumni Center will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where children of all ages can enjoy balloon artists, face painters, parachute games, cotton candy, moonbounce, an inflatable slide, and caricaturists.

In the afternoon, the UConn football team will play against Ball State at Memorial Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and, during halftime, homecoming royalty will be presented. An open house at the Alumni Center from 4 to 6 p.m. will follow the game.

Participants in the celebration are invited to bring non-perishable food items for the Alumni Association's homecoming food drive to support the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic. All food should be brought to the Homecoming Registration Tent in the Alumni Center parking lot.

For more information call (860) 486-3423 or (888) UC-ALUM-1.

Sherry Fisher