From dances, to games, to activities and shows, BYUSA has planned a plethora of events to embrace this year’s Homecoming theme of “A Season for Courage.”
Each year during Homecoming, BYU honors a founder, someone who really made a significant difference in why BYU is the way it is today. This year, the campus is honoring George Brimhall, who was the fourth president of BYU.
“We honored him because he’s a person who took the spiritual and academic aspects of BYU and fused them together, which is what makes BYU unique,” said Charlene Winters, Homecoming Executive Committee member. “His administration was characterized by making courageous choices.”
Annually a Homecoming committee convenes to plan homecoming activities that embody the theme. The committee felt like this year’s theme of “A Season for Courage” was appropriate because students have to be courageous today.
“We’re in an era where what we believe takes a lot of courage,” Winters said. “Courage is always in season, and we’re certainly living in a time where courage is paramount in our lives.”
One highlight of homecoming week will be the Spectacular, which will feature Woman’s Chorus, the Cougarettes and vocalist Nathan Pacheco. The Spectacular will be on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 10 and 11.
Organizations and groups on campus are preparing for the week.
“As Cougarettes, we talk about courage and how we can have more courage in what we do as a dance team,” said Abbey Nelsen, a junior studying exercise and wellness from Alpine. “We always try to face challenges with a good attitude and make the best of every situation. Courage is everything for the Cougarettes, and we plan to emulate that through our dance season.”
There are several events during the week that offer free food. One is the BYUSA BBQ on Tuesday afternoon and a blue pancake breakfast on Saturday morning.
Other activities include the true blue foam activity, hike and light the Y, a 5K run and a parade before Saturday’s game.
Kelsey Blickenstaff, a junior from Pleasant Grove studying therapeutic recreation, will be participating in the 5K run. “I feel like the run embodies the theme because I’m just learning to run and running with my peers is kind of scary, but the feeling of beings a part of the BYU community and participating with everyone gives me the courage to do it.”
There will also be three homecoming dances. They are offered in the WSC Ballroom, Chillon Reception Center in Spanish Fork and the Springville Art Museum. For tickets and more information about this week’s activities visit homecoming.byu.edu
