UWF Homecoming reaches out to the Pensacola community
About 1,000 people attended the Homecoming festivities at the University of West Florida, including a concert with We the Kings, a pep rally, soccer games and a community festival Oct. 6 through 8. This year marked a transition for UWF’s Homecoming, as the celebrations focused heavily on community engagement and family-friendly themes.
“This year’s events were well-attended not only by UWF students, but also by members of the Pensacola community,” said Ben Stubbs, who served on this year’s Homecoming Committee. “All of our events were open to the public, which says a lot about UWF’s connection to the community.”
Homecoming 2011’s theme, “Struck by Spirit,” initiated new students into on-campus activities and set the bar for school spirit and student life. The events also helped introduce the surrounding community to all that UWF has to offer.
This year saw the introduction of a new event, Argos on the Lawn. The festival featured free food, prize giveaways and festival booths on the Camellia Green, hosted by student organizations and departments. Participants were treated to performances by the UWF Jazz Combo, New Earth Army and Tribe Zion. Visitors checked out face-painting, house-bouncing and photo-op fun in the Family Fun Zone.
“The community is a part of the UWF family,” said Eric Hanna, a student who served on the committee. “Since Pensacola opens its arms to UWF, UWF opens its arms to Pensacola.”
Other events at Homecoming included a president’s picnic, bonfire and tailgate party. The We the Kings concert on Saturday drew the largest crowd and the most spirited attendees.
“I’ve had a lot of fun,” said Alex Spiller, a student who attended the concert. “I never knew the campus offered this much.”
“This is a great way to meet people and to see what UWF is all about,” said Deanna Fedding, another student who attended the concert.
The Homecoming Committee hopes to continue this year’s trend of family-friendly activities and community involvement in the future.
“We always want to grow in terms of participation, but this year really was a huge success,” said Stubbs. “We want to create an atmosphere where students can interact and network with alumni, where we showcase the many accomplishments of our students, faculty and alumni, where our athletes feel supported and honored and where everyone can feel the history and the future of this university all around them.”
Pictures of the event are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwf/collections/72157627740694887/.
