West campus plans full slate of Homecoming events

A talent search, career fair, dance, carnival, and showcase of scholarly activities on campus are among the events planned on Arizona State University’s West campus as part of ASU’s 2008 Homecoming celebration, Nov. 10-15. Events are free and open to the public. The campus is at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix.

“This is a historic Homecoming, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASU attaining university status,” says Kevin Cook, dean of student affairs at the West campus. “Students, faculty, staff and alumni are looking forward to showing their Sun Devil spirit at Homecoming events, both on our campus throughout the week and during the big celebration on Saturday the 15th in Tempe.”

The schedule of festivities is:

Monday, Nov. 10

• Homecoming Academic Expo – West campus faculty, students and staff will present posters and exhibits detailing their research interests and findings. Light refreshments will be served. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., University Center Building, La Sala ballroom.

• Spirit Night – Food, games, contests, a DJ, and plenty of school spirit will be featured during this Homecoming kickoff event. 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Multipurpose Field west of Sands Building.

• Second Annual Sparky’s Star Search – ASU students, faculty, staff and alumni will showcase their talents in music, dance, theater and comedy for the chance to win a $500 Best Buy gift certificate and numerous other prizes. Members of the university community from all campuses are eligible to participate. Contestants will be judged on categories including creativity and audience response. Light refreshments will be served. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., University Center Building, La Sala ballroom. For more information, visit http://www.west.asu.edu/ose/sparkysstarsearch/.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

• Devils Decorate West – Teams representing student groups and West campus offices will compete for prizes as they decorate the central campus courtyard area between the University Center Building and Faculty/Administration Building. Light refreshments will be served. 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with judging beginning at 1:30 p.m.

• Sparky’s Big Top – The chance to dunk their favorite professors in the dunk tank should persuade West campus students to attend this carnival featuring food, entertainment, games, a DJ, and a rock climbing wall. 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Multipurpose Field west of Sands Building.

• Sun Devils Recruiting Sun Devils – This event is designed to give current ASU students the chance to network with Sun Devil alumni representing diverse professions, and to gather information about a variety of organizations and professions as they plot their career paths. 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., La Sala ballroom. RSVP at www.west.asu.edu/career/sundevilsrsvp/. For more information, call the West campus Career Services office, (602) 543-8124.

Thursday, Nov. 13

• Homecoming Float Building – During this first day of a two-day process, participants will gather in Room 320 of the University Center Building to begin construction of the West campus float for Saturday’s Homecoming Parade. The process will conclude outdoors on Friday. The float theme is “Maroon + Gold = Green” in support of sustainability efforts within the ASU community. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Pep Rally/Point of Pride Celebration/Ice Cream Social – The spirit rally to get fans charged up for Saturday’s football game against Washington State kicks off at 1:00 p.m.  At 3:00, the community is invited to witness the installation of a sign recognizing the West campus’s recent designation as a Point of Pride by the Phoenix Pride Commission. The honor recognizes landmarks and attractions unique to and located within the city that evoke a sense of pride among area residents. Festivities wrap up with an ice cream social starting at 3:30. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., central campus courtyard area between the University Center Building and Faculty/Administration Building.

• Flag Football Tournament and Barbecue – This third annual coed, four-on-four tournament is open to all students, faculty and staff. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Las Casas lawn.

Friday, Nov. 14

• Homecoming Float Building – Construction of the West campus float moves outdoors to Parking Lot 13, west of the University Center Building. 9:00 a.m. until completion.

• Devil’s Ball Homecoming Dance – All the ingredients you would expect to find at a great Homecoming dance will be in place – a DJ, lights, decorations, and food. Semi-formal attire is recommended, although not required. Admission is one clean recyclable item (such as paper, aluminum cans, glass or bottles). 9:00 p.m. to midnight, University Center Building, La Sala ballroom.

Saturday, Nov. 15

• Free Shuttle to Tempe events – No need to worry about traffic and parking; a free shuttle will make the trip between the West and Tempe campuses every two hours, starting at approximately 10:30 a.m. The day’s activities include the Homecoming Parade at 11:30 a.m. and Block Party starting at noon, followed by the showdown with Washington State at 3:30 p.m. at Sun Devil Stadium. Shuttle picks up/drops off at Meter Lot 6, west of Fletcher Library on the West campus.

Fans are encouraged to visit the West campus Block Party tent prior to the football game. RSVPs for the tent are requested at (602) 543-5300 or westevents@asu.edu.

For more information, visit http://homecoming.asu.edu/. To view a podcast with details about Homecoming at the West campus, visit http://lib.asu.edu/librarychannel/2008/10/30/homecoming-2008-west-campus-events/.