The Week Ahead: TrECHing through the Jungle
The best week of the fall semester is here. Homecoming 2016 will give every Yellow Jacket an opportunity to have fun while showing their school spirit.
The pairing of classic traditions with new events guarantees that this year’s homecoming will offer something of interest to all students.
Plan your week by checking out this year’s schedule below.
Monday
Obstacle Course – Instructional Center Lawn, 10 a.m. – noon
Teams of two will compete in an obstacle course to reach the other side of the ‘jungle’ as fast as possible. Come out to watch the most agile duos on Tech’s campus as they run through the course of five elements.
Banner Contest – Outdoor Locations throughout Campus
Homecoming banners will be hung throughout campus beginning at noon Monday. These banners will be judged by Friday, Oct. 28. May the best design win.
Stands – Kessler Campanile, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
The Stands competition consists of five team members attempting to stay on a 1x1x1 platform for the longest amount of time. No outside help to the team members is allowed, but come out to support your organization from afar.
Mock Rock – The Ferst Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.
Come out to watch various campus organizations present original acts related to the Tech Homecoming Theme, "TrECHing through the Jungle."
Tuesday
Alumni Letter Writing – Tech Walkway, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Student Alumni Association (SAA) gives students a chance to thank an alumnus for his or her support of Georgia Tech. Students do not have to be members of SAA to participate. Stop by to write a letter, share your spirit, and enjoy a free treat.
Canopy Cake Decorating – Peachtree Room, Student Center, 2 – 4 p.m.
To compete, teams must have registered with the Student Center Programs Council Homecoming Committee, but feel free to check out the jungle-themed cake designs in the Peachtree Room. Judging will begin at 4 p.m.
Student Government Association (SGA) Sustainability – Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, Third Floor Gallery, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Join SGA for a celebration of student sustainability. Throughout the gallery, posters will be featured that highlight projects related to improving sustainability efforts across Tech’s campus. Come vote for your favorite project. The winning team will receive funding to pilot their idea.
Talent Show – Student Center Ballroom, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Watch students compete for their organization by performing in the annual homecoming Talent Show. Up to 15 students will be participating in this year’s show. Get ready for an entertaining night.
Wednesday
Wild Rafting Challenge – Campus Recreation Center (CRC) Pool, 9 a.m. – noon
Watch teams compete in a form of boat tug-of-war. Teams will be in canoes and attempt to pull the opposing team’s canoe across the middle division line.
Mini Powdered Donut Eating Contest – Student Center Ballroom, Noon – 2 p.m.
Who can eat 10 mini powdered donuts in the shortest amount of time? Come by to find out who will conquer the mini donut.
Canstruction – Tech Walkway, 2 – 5 p.m.
Participants build creative, freestanding structures out of canned food. Judging will begin at 5 p.m. All cans will be donated at the end of the end, so come out to support a great cause and view impressive structures.
Thursday
Egg Toss – Instructional Center Lawn, 10:30 a.m.
Watch teams compete in this annual event. Teams will try to get the most egg yolks to their “team” cup within two minutes. This hilarious competition will be fun for audience and participants alike.
Keynote Presentation – Georgia Tech Global Learning Center, Room 236, 6 – 7 p.m.
The 2016 Homecoming Keynote Presentation features Men's Basketball Coach Josh Pastner, who will talk about rebuilding the Georgia Tech men’s basketball program. Pastner helped the Arizona Wildcats win the 1997 Championship as a player, then made his mark as a recruiter and coach for the Memphis Tigers, where he lead the team to three Conference USA titles and four March Madness tournaments.
Friday
Pomp Judging – Various locations, Noon
Dictionary.com defines pomps as "stately or splendid displays," and this definition holds true at Tech. In the annual Pomp Display Contest, displays will be judged according to a pre-determined set of rules and will feature creative representations on the homecoming theme. Walk through the Greek houses on campus to check out some of the specular displays.
President’s Update – Georgia Tech Global Learning Center, Room 236, 1 p.m.
President G. P. “Bud” Peterson will share an update on the Institute’s global, regional, and local impact, as well as some of the exciting things happening around campus. Attend this address to ask questions to and meet Georgia Tech’s 11th President.
Campus Walking and Bus Tours – Georgia Tech Learning Center Atrium (walking), Georgia Tech Hotel Lobby (bus), 3:30 p.m.
Join Georgia Tech Student Ambassadors as they take attendees on a tour around campus highlighting infamous Tech landmarks.
Mini 500 Tricycle Race – Peters Parking Deck, 5 – 8 p.m.
Cheer on your organization and fellow students as they race to the finish line in child-size tricycle. This race is one of Tech's oldest homecoming traditions.
Saturday
Freshman Cake Race – Begins in front of McCamish Pavilion, 6:30 a.m.
Runners will be up before the sun, with the men's race beginning at 6:30 a.m. and women’s race at 6:40 a.m. Whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman, come run or cheer on first-year students in one of Tech's oldest traditions. (Participants also receive cupcakes.)
Ramblin’ Reck Parade – Begins at the corner of Fowler and Eighth Streets, 8 a.m.
Come out to watch a variety of vehicles drive down Fowler Street before the big game. The parade will run down Fowler Street from Eighth Street to Fourth Street.
Alumni Tailgate – Tech Tower Lawn, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Drop by Tech Tower Lawn before the game to enjoy free Georgia Tech swag, take a picture with the Wreck, and eat from a delicious BBQ buffet. Cost for buffet tickets are $20 onsite.
Georgia Tech vs. Duke – Bobby Dodd Stadium, Noon – 3 p.m.
Finally, cheer on your Jackets as they take on the Duke Blue Devils in their Homecoming game.
Sunday
Catch up on all the work you’ve put off during the week. Enjoy Homecoming 2016, Jackets!
Don’t forget to vote for Mr. and Ms. Georgia Tech at elections.gatech.edu by Wednesday, Oct. 26.