By Hillary Craft, Staff Writer
“Union Night” and Bulldog Olympics on Homecoming weekend introduced new activities to the students, faculty and alumni in attendance.
“Union Night” created the opportunity for new events to be held on the Great Lawn, such as live music, a hot-air balloon and a fireworks show.
“‘Union Night’s’ new time and activities were well-received by those who attended the event on the Great Lawn,” said Kirby Lewis, junior political science major. “My favorite part was ‘Union Night.’ It was fun to gather with friends, alumni and people from the community and show Union spirit for Homecoming.”
Several booths were set up along the edge of the Great Lawn by student organizations, sororities, fraternities and university departments.
Food and drinks, such as hot chocolate, cookies and chili were available for purchase at some booths, while others provided entertainment.
Student Government Association set up a Wii dance game for people to play. Alpha Tau Omega kept a game of corn hole going in front of their tent. The men’s and women’s basketball teams were there to sign autographs for fans.
Several other activities included a jumping inflatable, a basketball hoop and a rock climbing wall sponsored by the National Guard. A miniature train gave free rides on the sidewalks of the Great Lawn. Live music was played by Rag Tag, a band consisting of students, faculty and friends. A hot-air balloon that went up to 30 feet was also provided.
“It has been great getting to see some of my friends that haven’t graduated yet (and) see professors and friends that used to go to school here,” said Clayton Sanderson, Union alumnus. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow, getting to be back with University Singers. There is just a lot of good stuff to make you feel like you’re back in school again.”
Bulldog Olympics, hosted by SGA’s senior class, consisted of competitions such as a three-legged-race, dizzy-bat race, balloon popping, hula-hoop contest, treasure hunt and egg toss.
SGA’s freshman class and junior class, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Tau Omega made up the eight teams that competed. Events earned the teams points, determining the winners. The women of ZTA won first place and $100 while the men of SAE recieved $50 for second place.
