Homecoming 2014
University students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends celebrated Homecoming
3:07 p.m., Oct. 28, 2014--The University of Delaware celebrated Homecoming 2014 from Oct. 12-19, with a large number of UD students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends participating in a variety of events, activities and celebrations on campus.
A review of highlighted Homecoming activities is below.
Campus Stories
From graduates, faculty
Doctoral hooding
UD Employee Spirit Photo Contest
UD employees were invited to submit their department/group photos into the Dare to Show More Spirit Photo Contest. The People’s Choice winner was the UD Honors Program with more than 400 likes on the UD Alumni Relations Facebook page. The President’s Choice award is selected by the UD Alumni Association (UDAA) president, Ken Jones of the Class of 1980, and he chose the Hillel Kristol Center for Jewish Life.
Homecoming giveaways and prizes
Throughout Homecoming Week, students showcasing their Blue Hen pride had opportunities to collect premium UD swag from the Spirit Stations located around campus. Students wearing UD gear were eligible to receive different prizes each day, including #UDHC lanyards, silicone cell phone wallets, water bottles, sweatbands, crew socks, and sunglasses.
The Spirit Stations were sponsored by the Homecoming Student Committee and the Office of Alumni Relations.
The University’s Greek Council was a co-sponsor for Thursday’s wristbands.
UD Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award recipients
Shanté Stargell Hastings of the Class of 2000 and Shawn Duff of the Class of 2008 are the recipients of the 2014 UDAA Outstanding Alumni Awards.
The Outstanding Alumni Awards are presented annually during Homecoming by the UDAA and the award is given to UD alumni who have exhibited exceptional volunteer work on behalf of the University and/or the UDAA.
Homecoming Pep Rally
The third annual UD Homecoming Pep Rally was held on Friday, Oct. 17, in the Carpenter Sports Building, or Little Bob.
The rally included a slide show representing UD Athletic teams from all seasons, songs from Kevin McCove of the Class of 2012 and dance performances by the Dark Arts Performing Dance Company, Blue Hen Bhangra and Evolution Dance.
YoUDee, Baby Blue, the spirit squad and the UD Dance Team added entertaining skits and spirited dance routines to the festivities. Videos included an end-of-year sports mash-up and a special Homecoming message from the Fightin’ Blue Hens.
Homecoming king and queen
With more than 5,200 votes cast, the student body and UD community voted seniors Scott Levitt and Nicolette Cafiero as this year’s Homecoming king and queen, respectively.
The announcement was made during halftime at the football game between UD and Towson.
The Homecoming court finalists were Phil Botta, Kyle DiCuirci, Brian Engstrom, Tobe Ofuani, Bobby Willoughby, Keri Betters, Kelly Farrell, Nikki Gomes, Alexandra Nau and Veronica Townsend.
Student Banner Competition
As part of the Pep Rally, the Student Banner Competition winners were announced. This year, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority was awarded first place, the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority took second place, and the French Club took third place.
Twenty-one student groups submitted banners, and the winners were determined by the Student Homecoming Committee and their staff adviser.
UD’s Amazing Race, dodgeball and volleyball
The UD Amazing Race returned for the second year and pitted teams against each other in a series of challenges. Teams had to complete a series of tasks in Canada, Antarctica, Italy, Australia, China, Egypt and Ireland — without leaving the University campus.
The first team arrived at their final destination and won medals and a basket of vintage UD swag.
Other competitions during the week included dodgeball and volleyball tournaments at the Little Bob.
First Down Student Tailgate
New in 2014, the First Down Student Tailgate offered pre-game fun in a student-friendly environment.
Guests were treated to food, music, games, a photo booth, face painting, inflatables, giveaways, and more.
The First Down Student Tailgate was co-sponsored by Student Wellness and Health Promotion, the Student Centers Programming Advisory Board (SCPAB) and the Resident Student Association (RSA).
To view stories from #UDHC weekend visit the UD Storify page.
Office of Alumni Relations
The University of Delaware Office of Alumni Relations promotes a lifelong relationship between the University and more than 165,000 living alumni, all of whom are members of the UD Alumni Association, by providing programs, events and awards for alumni and students, maintaining traditions and fostering Blue Hen pride. For more information, visit the official UD Alumni website.