Alumni and public invited to first annual Homecoming Week activities

by Susan Sullivan
January 14, 2014

Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) will establish a new campus tradition by holding its first Homecoming Week with an array of activities, several of which are open to the public. Alumni and former IUPUC students as well as high school students, parents, and local residents are invited to attend.

IUPUC’s Homecoming 2014 is February 10-15. Public activities include an evening featuring nationally recognized comedians, a pep rally and concert featuring Miss America 2004, and a Saturday evening basketball game with the crowning of a Homecoming King & Queen during half-time.

An annual tradition at many universities, colleges, and high schools across the U.S., it will be the first homecoming event in IUPUC’s 43-year history, said Dr. Sandra Miles, director of student affairs.

“We want to build school spirit and campus pride,” Miles explained. “With new student housing set to open later this year, a growing athletics program, and enthusiasm from groups like our Student Government Association, it is a good time for an annual tradition that generates excitement.”

Thursday, Feb. 13: COMEDY NIGHT

  • The opening act is comedian and actor Jeff Bodart, a Columbus native. Since 2001, Bodart has performed in comedy clubs across the country. A regular guest on nationally syndicated The Bob & Tom Show, Bodart has performed on the Comcast Cable network, The WB, and Sirius/XM satellite radio.
  • The headline act is Marina Franklin, a New York-based talent who is one of the hottest comedians in the business today. She has performed at comedy festivals across the world, including the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the Glasgow Comedy Festival, Rotterdam’s Comedy Factory, and Montreal’s Just for Laughs. With notable appearances on The Jay Leno Show, The Dave Chappelle Show, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Franklin has also appeared in Wanda Syke’s Herlarious and Showtime’s Women Who Kill.
  • General admission begins at 6:15 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. in Columbus Learning Center Lecture Hall & Auditorium at 4555 Central Avenue in Columbus. Admission and parking are free.

Friday, Feb. 14: PEP RALLY & CONCERT

  • The IUPUC Cheer Team will lead a pep rally to generate campus and community spirit and excitement for Coach Mel Good, who is in his first year of coaching at IUPUC, and the men’s basketball team before their Saturday evening game.
  • Following the rally, enjoy a free concert by Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004. Dunlap, a country music recording artist, has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and NFL games. A third-place winner on the CBS series The Amazing Race in 2009, she is a judge for the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World in Florida. Dunlap, a professional speaker, is a member of NASCAR’s Diversity Council and the National Conference for Community & Justice. She has also consulted for the Home Depot, Chevron-Texaco, Georgia Pacific, Southwest Airlines, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. While in Columbus, Dunlap will visit local elementary schools and interact with area youth.

Saturday, Feb. 15: BASKETBALL GAME & HOMECOMING COURT

  • The IUPUC men’s basketball team will compete at 6 p.m. at the Foundation for Youth, located at 405 Hope Avenue in Columbus.
  • The Homecoming King & Queen will be announced during halftime.
  • Cost for game admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children 12 and under are free.

“In addition to these events, Homecoming 2014 activities will include a day of service, an indoor carnival, and a skit night with members of student organizations competing against each other,” Miles added.

Complete details for IUPUC’s homecoming activities are online at iupuc.edu/homecoming.  For information, contact Miles at 812.375.7525 or smiles3@iupuc.edu.