Visions of blue and white filled the Union Monday, as this year's Spirit Week, in conjunction with Homecoming, kicked into high gear.
Slogans such as "Just Whack Marshall," and "I Fling Poo -- The Thundering Turds," were craftily painted on the front windows of the Student Union Monday afternoon in anticipation of this weekend's football game against the Marshall Thundering Herd.
But according to organizers, Homecoming is not just about football anymore. It's a weeklong festival where students, families, faculty and alumni can show their spirit.
The Student Association sponsored numerous events this week including the window painting, a contest and clubs fair held on Monday, and a car smashing and gladiator joust tournament Tuesday.
"I've been involved in SA for three years, and this is the biggest turnout we've had so far," said Karim Laaroussi, assistant activities director for SA.
Over 50 clubs were present at Monday's fair. Brian Carpenter, the vice president of the Blue and White Spirit Club, a group that helps run promotional events, and offers extras such as face painting, tattoos, and prizes, said enthusiasm was particularly high among UB's younger students.
"I'm impressed with the freshmen class this year," said Carpenter, a junior history and political science major. "They haven't bought into the anti-UB athletics attitude."
Homecoming is a collaborative effort between a number of UB organizations.
Even the Office of Admissions is involved. On Saturday the office will hold UB Preview Day for high school students interested in the university.
"Preview Day, our open house, is run by admissions so that students can come up and see the campus at its liveliest," said Emily Allen, a graduate assistant for the Office of Student Activities. "Everything in the Union is open all day on Saturday."
Upcoming events include a chicken wing eating contest, a rock-climbing tournament, and a Homecoming King and Queen forum.
The forum will take place between 1 and 2 p.m. in the Student Union, where an open discussion will be held between the final candidates. The king and queen will be presented at halftime of Saturday's football game.
The annual Greek Toga Contest will take place on Thursday, at 11 a.m. in the Union, where members from each organization will participate in a fashion show and contest. Winners from both a fraternity and sorority will have a prize awarded to their organization.
A Homecoming Carnival, including live entertainment, free food, games and rides will take place on Friday in the Student Union.
Saturday afternoon in UB Stadium, at Homecoming's culminating event, the Bulls will take the gridiron against Marshall, one of the premier teams in the Mid-American Conference.
A number of entertainers are scheduled for this weekend as well.
Former Vice President of Calvin Klein and UB graduate Bobby Collins will perform his comedy act at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Slee Hall. Collins recently released his second CD, Bobby Collins: Out of Bounds.
An illusionist couple called The Pendragons will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, in Alumni Arena, sponsored by Student Affairs and UB Alumni Association. The Pendragons have performed at for presidents, royal families and Las Vegas audiences.
Caroline Rhea, who guest hosted the Rosie O'Donnell Show, hosted her own talk show, starred on "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" and has appeared on many television favorites including "The Drew Carey Show," "MTV's Half Hour Comedy Hour," "Hollywood Squares" and the "Late Show with David Letterman," will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in Alumni Arena.
"I think we have a really great line up of events that appeal to a wide age range," said Sonia Cinelli, assistant director for Student Activities.
Saturday morning, on the east end of campus, the pre-football game festivities will start. A tent will be set up in front of the stadium from 11 a.m., where a DJ, face painting and other activities will take place until kickoff at 1 p.m.
"I'm hoping for incredible weather and an excellent turnout," said Patty Starr, assistant director of special projects for the UB Alumni Association.
Tickets for Homecoming events are on sale at the Sub-Board I ticket counter on the second level of the Student Union.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
