Spirit fuels homecoming week events

Students packed the length of the bleachers Tuesday night for VCU’s step show, titled “Step Off.” The event was part of a weeklong series of homecoming functions to support VCU’s basketball team.

“We’ve been working on this event since the summer of 2008. It’s been going pretty well so far,” said A’ngelique Tyree, a mass communications major and entertainment chair of the homecoming committee.

“It’s a time when everyone can take a break from class and get involved in their school,” Tyree said. We have events throughout the week. It’s a really good opportunity to show school spirit.”

Blood drives, community service projects, and hard work are all part of this year’s events. Play has just as big a role; and of course lots of school spirit. Tiffany Houston, a pharmacy major, came out to Tuesday’s Step Off with just that in mind.

“I want to support my hall, and just cause I got school spirit like that,” Houston said.

The homecoming court is Friday. The students picked N.E.R.D. to headline the homecoming concert. Some students are not too keen about the band choice.

“I don’t understand how everyone I talked to voted for T-Pain and we got N.E.R.D.,” said student Michelle Johnson. “At other schools, they have more performers and we get one.”

Throughout the week, students break up into different spirit teams to compete for $500 and the title of Homecoming Spirit Competition Winner 2008. The spirit teams consist of VCU organizations or groups of students who want to get involved. The event comes to a close with the basketball game against the College of William and Mary.

Events to come

Feb. 5

1-4 p.m. – Volunteer Service Project, Virginia Rooms “Make a pillow and quilt for charity”

7 p.m. – Women’s Basketball vs. UNCW Siegel Center

9-11 p.m. – University Student Commons Underground – Wings and karaoke, free Break Point games

Feb. 6

6-9 p.m. – MCV Campus “Mix & Mingle,” Hunton Student Center – Alumni Lounge

6 p.m. – N.E.R.D. at the Siegel Center. $11 students/ $21 all else

Feb. 7

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – RA’s Reunion

1-5 p.m. – Chill and Grill Tailgate in the VV parking lot, located at the corner of Harrison Street and Floyd Avenue.

5:30 p.m. – Alumni BBQ Blast in the Siegel Center Auxiliary Gym

7 p.m. – Homecoming Game at the Siegel Center