Homecoming Week 2018 focuses on philanthropy and fun

As president of Student Government Association, Shania Jones looks forward to the way Homecoming Week — which will be taking place all of next week — will bring the Belmont community together.

“We have an exciting spread of events for this coming week,” Jones said. “Every group and organization on campus is getting involved to make this homecoming memorable.”

From Harrington Dining Place to the Gabhart Student Life Center, there will be a series of activities for students, alumni and faculty to engage in. Each day serves a specific purpose — Mission Monday, T-shirt Tuesday, WOW Wednesday, Thank You Thursday and FANtastic Friday.

“This is a time when the entire school comes together and supports each other,” Jones said.

Some events will be taking place that are especially unique this year, such as the celebration of Antonio’s birthday.

“I think everyone should go to the caf at lunch on Friday to celebrate Antonio’s birthday, because that will be a fun time,” Jones said. “Tailgating before the basketball games are always a must, and of course, the games themselves will have exciting things in store.”

Jones also said everyone, both student and staff should RSVP and attend Homecoming in the Round, as it is something no one will want to miss.

In a week that’s full of fun events, Homecoming Week also focuses on making a difference with food and clothing drives.

“Last year during T-shirt Tuesday, we were able to donate about 500 articles of clothing,” Jones said. “This year, I hope everyone comes out and helps us give back.”

There will be some changes from last year’s homecoming, though.

“This year, we will not have the beloved bonfire, because we just could not make it work, unfortunately,” Jones said. “The student organizations will also not be holding the CANstruction event which is where we would bring in cans and then build some sort of creative figure, and whoever makes the best figure won a prize. We had to eliminate that from our activities events this year, because only about 5 student organizations took part in it last year.”

However, Belmont will still have the popular homecoming T-shirts.

“I can also say that our homecoming T-shirts are better than last year’s, because we will be featuring two — the classic homecoming shirt and then a baseball-style homecoming shirt,” Jones said.

SGA plans to incorporate free prizes — such as t-shirts, stress balls, frisbees and food — throughout the week to keep energy levels up and student’s participating.

With plenty of opportunities to get involved, have fun and meet amazing alumni, students will not want to miss the festivities of Homecoming 2018.

Here’s an overview of the week’s events:

Mission Monday: Belmont Store discount – Bring in one to three cans for a 10 to 30 percent discount on one item at The Belmont Store. Bring six canned food items to Harrington Dining Place and eat breakfast or lunch for free. Mission Monday Chapel (10 a.m.) Alumni Non-Profit Fair (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – all Belmont Alumni who own a non-profit or work with a non-profit are invited to participate in this fair Curb College Presents: From Here to Anywhere (5:30-7 p.m.)- A special event with Belmont alumni guests

T-shirt Tuesday: Homecoming T-shirt Distribution (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) – Get a free homecoming T-shirt and also donate a shirt if you would like. All clothing donations will be sent to Goodwill. Special T-shirt Sale at The Belmont Store – Baseball Homecoming shirt for sale for $5 Student Organization Promotion Day – Rep your student organization Wear Red, Get Fed – During lunch at the caf, if you are wearing a Belmont T-shirt you will get a free piece of cake as a special treat

WOW Wednesday: Donut Holes and Coffee (9:45-10:15 a.m.)- President Dr. Robert Fisher will have a booth set up in Massey College of Business Chef’s Table- During lunch at the caf, special guests will be brought in to serve special food for the students Pop-a-Shot Competition- During lunch, the Pop-a-Shot Competition will be taking place right outside the caf. Try to get the ball into the hoop to win a prize. Senior Leadership Popcorn Bar (3 p.m.)- The popcorn bar will be held in the lobby of the JAAC

Thank You Thursday: I’ve Been Thanked Promotion- Stickers and buttons will be provided for students to go around and place them on those you care about and want to thank for impacting your life at Belmont in any way Operation Gratitude- Veterans Campaign

FANtastic Friday: Belmont Polar Bear Run 5K (6:30 a.m.) Homecoming Chapel- Sports on Mission with special guest Jordan Holm (‘16) Spirit Photobooth- During lunch at the caf, a photobooth will be set up with fun props to get students excited for Homecoming Bruin Rewards Table (11 a.m. -1 p.m.)- At Harrington Place, the Bruin Rewards table will be set up with cool prizes that can be cashed in with your Bruin Reward points Lunch Karaoke and BelMadea’s Birthday- The caf’s beloved Antonio’s birthday celebration will take place during lunch, so come celebrate and join in on some fun karaoke. Homecoming in the Round (7 p.m.)- In the Massey Performing Arts Center, Gordon Kennedy will host the 6th Annual Homecoming Concert with very special guests.

Homecoming Game Day (Saturday): Homecoming Prayer and Worship (11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.) All Alumni Homecoming Celebration (12-1pm)- All alumni are invited to the Foutch Alumni House for a pre-tailgate celebration with food, photos and fun Tailgate at the Tower (12:30-2:30 p.m.)- Everyone is invited and encouraged to celebrate Homecoming with free food and prizes before the big game Homecoming Carillon Concert (2:30 p.m.)- Come by the Bell Tower for an annual tradition featuring Dr. Richard Shadinger Double Header Homecoming Game (3-7 p.m.)- Join the Bruins for the final basketball games of season for both the men and women’s teams with senior recognition for Homecoming 2018. The Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime. Get tickets now to reserve a spot.

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This article written by Coral Goldstein.