Homecoming marches on(line) with familiar traditions and a new addition
Many traditional Homecoming activities – including the lighting of "A" Mountain – will happen online this year.
Faculty and staff are invited to Bear Down Everywhere for the University of Arizona's virtual Homecoming celebration Nov. 12-14. While no in-person events will be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Homecoming still offers many of the traditional activities Wildcats expect and enjoy – along with some new additions – but in an online format.
The festivities include a virtual bonfire and lighting of "A" Mountain, tours, college breakfasts, celebrations of University traditions, special guest appearances and cooking lessons from Senior Executive Chef Michael Omo.
In events leading up to Saturday's football game, when the Wildcats take on the USC Trojans, Homecoming attendees will have opportunities to engage with college and program representatives, enjoy family activities, network and hear from students. The Alumni of the Year Awards ceremony and the 50-year class reunion have been postponed to 2021, when in-person celebrations are planned.
For the first time in school history, the University will hold Giving Day, which is dedicated to student support. During its 24-hour run – which begins at noon Thursday – participants are invited to give to causes ranging from scholarships to mental health and tutoring services.
"Making Giving Day a part of Homecoming is the perfect way to extend our generous Wildcat spirit to students after what's been a difficult year for many of them," said John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation.
Fuel Wonder
Faculty and staff members also are invited to celebrate the results of Giving Day, which will conclude with the Fuel Wonder event on Friday at 11:30 a.m. In addition to revealing the total amount raised during Giving Day, the event will showcase the ways that gifts are fueling students’ wonder so they can meet their potential and share it with the world.
A panel of campus leaders will share perspectives on the University's vision to combine institutional and private resources to provide 360 degrees of student support. The following panelists will discuss the significance of gifts for students in the current environment, as well as the future of philanthropy at the University. Tara Singleton, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, will moderate.
- Robert C. Robbins, President
- Kasey Urquidez, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions
- Kendal Washington White, Vice Provost for Campus Life and Dean of Students
- John-Paul Roczniak, University of Arizona Foundation President and CEO
Register for Fuel Wonder and all other Homecoming events online. All events are free and open to the public.