Collegiate Times

For one week in October, something extraordinary happens in Blacksburg. The diverse Virginia Tech community comes together to elect whom they see fit to wear the envied Hokie crown. This tradition and others like it make up homecoming week, a time-honored practice at Virginia Tech 75 years in the making.

This year?s theme is ?Hokie Evolution,? in honor of the 75th anniversary of homecoming festivities at Virginia Tech. Using the different Hokie Bird costumes used throughout the history of Virginia Tech, the Homecoming Board hopes that the theme will convey a sense of pride the long-standing traditions of Tech.

Ashley Sparkman, vice president of the homecoming court and a senior marketing management major said the goal was ?to focus more on Virginia Tech and not the confrontation with Southern Miss.?

As for the homecoming agenda, most of the traditional events such as the pass and review, pep rally and parade will remain a crucial part. Additionally, homecoming-related events include Jason Mraz?s Thursday-night concert and a Step Show to be held in Burruss Hall today.

What?s different about this year?s homecoming? To begin to answer that question, take a look at the 2006 Homecoming Court.

Not surprisingly, there is the usual spread of men and women from the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils of Virginia Tech. However, these regulars are joined by candidates sponsored by Hillel, the Marching Virginians and the National Panhellenic Council of Virginia Tech ? all newcomers to the Court.

?We are trying to get the message about homecoming out to all organizations on campus, not just the Greek community,? said Lynn Jones, assistant director of the Homecoming Court and a senior finance major. ?In the past homecoming has been very ?Greek-oriented?? I know that?s something we?ve tried to change.?

Jones also mentioned that this year?s homecoming candidates have been very creative with their campaigning.

?A lot of them have been targeting freshmen who don?t know much about homecoming by passing out flyers on the Drillfield and talking to students in the dorms,? said Jones.

The candidates have also been required to go to many more programs this year than in years passed. They have made appearances in the dorms, at women?s and men?s soccer games as well as the home of University President Charles Steger.

When asked why students should participate in homecoming, Sparkman replied, ?Tradition and Hokie Respect ? that is what homecoming is all about.?

As for the importance of the newfound diversity on the court, Sparkman said,

?Virginia Tech isn?t all Greek; therefore, participation in homecoming events should come from all different angles. It is important to let other people know that these organizations one, exist at Virginia Tech and do a lot for the Virginia Tech community.?

The crowning of the 2006 Virginia Tech homecoming king and queen will take place at halftime of the Saturday, Oct. 20 football game against Southern Miss.

Visit www.vthomecoming.org.vt.edu for more details.