By Katie Smith, A&E Editor
Homecoming is the one time a year when school pride takes full force at Newman. In more recent years, the Student Life Office has been working to make homecoming what students want, and that is exactly what they’re doing this year, said Joseph Shepard, Director of Multicultural Engagement and Campus Life.
“What’s unique about this year’s homecoming is that every single event that is on the schedule was created or crafted by students. I think that’s what’s going to make this homecoming one of the best that newman has seen, and most importantly what separates it from prior years,” Shepard said.
Monday - Spicy Wings and Spicy Topics
Students can kick off homecoming week by seeing some local celebrities on campus. Diversity Round Table is hosting an event, Spicy Wings and Spicy Topics, based off the show “Hot Ones” on Youtube. Miss Kansas Annika Wooten, Mayor of Wichita Brandon Whipple, and Men’s Basketball Coach RJ Allen will be asked fun but difficult questions by the DRT ambassadors from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Tarcisia Roth’s ASC Alumni Center.
Tuesday - Trivia Night
The Campus Activities Board will be hosting their second homecoming week trivia night on Tuesday evening. Students can put their education to good use, enjoy some friendly competition and have the chance to win a $200 cash prize.
“Last year Koki Takemoto and I helped create this event. We had a great turn out last year, and it’s something I’m looking forward to hosting again,” said Jacob Kleepsie, Campus Activities Board event coordinator.
Trivia will start at 7 p.m. in Jabara Flexible Theatre. Teams of three to six students who would like to participate should register through the emailed link.
Wednesday - Pregame Pep Rally
The evening pep rally will include free pizza, homecoming court games, gift baskets and school spirit.
“We’re just going to pregame and get the energy up for our event on Thursday, which is actual homecoming day,” Shepard said.
The pep rally will begin at 9 p.m. in Fugate Gymnasium with pizza being served afterwards.
Thursday - Homecoming & After-Party
The men’s and women’s basketball teams will be competing against Emporia State, #BeatESU. The women’s game will begin at 4 p.m. Walking into the gymnasium, students can expect to see a dessert bar. Every student that attends the games will receive a red 2020 homecoming shirt. Coronation of Homecoming King and Queen will take place at halftime of the men’s game. King nominees include Koki Takemoto, Andreas Agrell, Jose Rojas- Montero, Claudius Ciecko and Koby Nguyen. Queen nominees include Ashley Nguyen, Lacey Colvin, Martina Viale, Marisa Nicole Zayat and Michaela Mack.
After the games, Student Life will be hosting the second Homecoming After Party. A DJ, Buffalo Wild Wings, drinks and fun will continue until 12:30 a.m. Students can purchase tickets in the Student Life office for a discounted price of $5 until Friday. After Friday, tickets will be $8 until Wednesday. On the day of homecoming, ticket prices will jump to $15. Outside students are allowed to attend, but prices will vary.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Newman Advancement
