Festivities in and around the Student Union welcomed home students and alumni over the weekend as part of the campus-wide week of blue-and-white pride leading up to the Bulls game against Ball State.
The Student Association's annual Spirit Week Carnival featured free food, games and amusement park rides while the Alumni Association held their first annual "Dodge Bull" tournament.
Patty Starr, assistant director of alumni relations, watched as teams of UB students bounced, bashed and bruised each other with only the best of intentions.
"This is the first Dodge Bull tournament at UB," Starr said. "I'm hoping that this event becomes as popular as Oozfest and continues as a homecoming tradition."
Students also lined Putnam Way as they participated in carnival activities outside of the Student Union.
Alexandria Sullivan, sophomore electrical engineering major, dominated the dart booth for a while, popping one balloon after another.
"It's all in the wrist," she said.
Sullivan also said that the SA-sponsored event offered an entertaining choice for students to take a break from usual Friday night activities.
"I think it's great that SA is hosting a fun and free event for students - it's a great alternative for those who would normally go out drinking on a Friday night," she said.
The aroma of popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers and hotdogs welcomed anyone stepping into the Union. Lines stretched across the lobby while hungry home-comers awaited their share of the free food.
Senior mechanical engineering major and cross-country runner David Welby was pummeled by Victor E. Bull as he attempted to take on the revered mascot in one of the giant inflatable arenas adorning the Union, which included a boxing ring and gladiator joust.
After being "bull"-dozed, Welby quickly regained some pride by winning a rousing game of Simon Says, led by men's basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon.
Onlookers were amazed at Welby's ability to follow directions.
"(He) did a great job, but I can't believe that other people as old as us could lose at Simon Says," said Angela Jones, sophomore health and human services major.
Coach Witherspoon conducted the game during a pep rally that also featured encouraging words from head football coach Turner Gill, a fast-paced performance by the UB Dazzlers and remarks from SA President Viqar Hussain.
Following the rally, hometown hard rock band Minkus took center stage, but according to those in attendance, acoustical problems plagued the performance.
"I like them - their music is upbeat," said Kristie Struzik, senior math and electrical engineering major. "The only problem is that it's too loud, and I can't understand a word that they're saying."
Takla Boujaoude, SA Entertainment public relations manager, is a long-time fan of Minkus.
"Minkus has a unique, strong sound, but unfortunately the sound in the Union wasn't really working in their favor," Boujaoude said. "Overall, their music gets crowds involved and they leave us wanting to hear more."
The evening culminated inside of the Student Union with a date auction, a yearly activity hosted by the Community Action Corps, with all proceeds going to charity.
SA promotions staff member and junior business major Kim Ben-Tovim touted SA's efforts in producing this year's carnival, calling the event a success.
"I think we did a great job," Ben-Tovim said. "This is one of the best carnivals I've ever seen."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
