Vantage staff
Homecoming weekend at Newman starts on Friday and will include the crowning of a new king and queen, a bonfire, feasting on a roasted pig and dancing to the sounds of a local band.
Newman’s first ever fall homecoming gets underway Friday with a 7 p.m. ballet performance followed by a 7:30 p.m. candlelight mass celebrating the feast of St. John Henry Newman. The mass will take place in Sacred Heart Hall.
In fact, homecoming was changed to the fall this year after people in the Newman community agreed that homecoming should happen in conjunction with the feast day. In previous years, the homecoming happened in February.
Most of the homecoming activities will happen on Saturday.
Here’s the lineup:
FRIDAY
7 p.m.: “The Spirit Bride” performance, Performance Hall: Newman theater is collaborating with Ballet Wichita for this performance, which has been folded into homecoming. The show is inspired by Dia De Los Muertos and highlights Hispanic culture. Another performance will happen at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $30-$45 at balletwichita.com
7:30 p.m.: Candlelight mass at St. John’s Chapel, Sacred Heart Hall
8:30 p.m.: Bonfire put on by Campus Activities: This event will happen in the parking lot between the soccer and softball fields.
SATURDAY
10:30 a.m.: Pregame tailgates: Homecoming will resume on Saturday morning when people gather to tailgate ahead of the 1 p.m. volleyball homecoming game. The tailgates also will take place in the parking lot between the soccer and softball fields. Various university departments have committed to decorating, grilling, playing games and offering giveaways. All are welcome.
12:30 p.m.: Alumni gathering: Newman alumni returning to campus will meet at 12:30 p.m. to see the newly revamped Fugate Gymnasium and grab VIP seats.
1 p.m.: Homecoming volleyball game and king and queen crowning: The official homecoming game will feature Newman’s volleyball team vs. Washburn University. Just before the game starts, this year’s homecoming king and queen will be crowned. Students have voted from a pool of candidates, and the results will be revealed. Admission to the game is $10, $7 for students who don’t attend Newman and free for Newman students with ID.
Post volleyball game Sloppy Joes show: After the game, Newman’s improv troupe, named Sloppy Joes, will put on a comedy show on Founder’s Plaza. Admission is free.
4 p.m. Pig roast dinner: Great Western Dining will provide the food at this feast, which will be offered in the Gorges Atrium. People should bring their own chairs if they want to dine outside on Founders Plaza.
7 p.m. Live music and dance: Homecoming will conclude with live music from local band Sometimes on Sunday, which plays roots rock originals and covers. The event will happen outside the Fugate Student Center.
