University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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Homecoming 1997: Days to Remember Nine months of planning led to one glorious week, which celebrated one of the most prestigious University of Florida traditions. The University of Florida ' s Home- coming events are some of the most elaborate and prestigious in the coun- try. Sponsored by Florida Blue Key ership Honorary, the Homecoming fes- tivities actually began in July, with a joint project with the Gainesville ber of Commerce called Homecoming in July. This event allowed the students working on the Homecoming events to thank the local community and business in advance for all they will contribute the UF ' s Homecoming celebration. The next event and one of the most el- egant was the Homecoming Pageant. Twenty-one of the campus ' most intelli- gent and active women were selected from over 50 nominees to compete in the 1997 pageant held at the Center for the Performing Arts. At the pageant three women were chosen to serve on the Homecoming Court, with the Queen an- nounced at Growl. The 1997 ing Queen was Pamela Sherman. One of the most prestigious events asso- ciated with the Homecoming week, was the Homecoming Banquet. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich flew in from Washington DC to give a speech not on his side of politics but on every citizens ' responsibility to the country through political involvement. Along with the many other events from the Swamp Party to the Expo, the over 250 student volunteers planned alumni events. The planning for the event began in January when law student Mike Schmidt was chosen to serve as Home- coming General Chairman. The 1997 Homecoming theme Days to Remem- ber was certainly true, as Homecoming 1997 became many days to remember. Story by: Natasha Phillips Entertaining the crowds at Homecoming ' s Gator Expo, Floridance member, Mandy Jezek performs a dance routine on the Northlawn of the Reitz Union. Each year Gator Expo offers all organizations the chance to ex- hibit their organizations to students and alumni alike. Student Life 17

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Handing out free drinks was just one of the many duties of Gator Expo Director Kristen Obenour. Obenour worked many hours setting up the event, soliciting par- ticipation of campus organizations and secured co-sponsorship by Student Gov- ernment. Many students and alumni attended the event. A I liked the op- opportunity that Expo gave organizations to display information for students and alumni. Lance Karp, 1DM What was one of your favorite parts of Homecom- ing 1997 Congratulating the 1998 Homecoming Sweethearts, the Homecoming Contes- tants celebrated on stage. The Pageant boasted 21 of the university ' s most ligent and well rounded women. The 1998 Homecoming Queen was former Panhellenic and Alpha Omicron Pi dent Pamela Sherman. Explaining the importance of political activism, Speaker Newt Gingrich, key- note speaker for the Florida Blue Key Homecoming Banquet, chatted with at- tendees after the banquet. The Home- coming Banquet annually draws well- known political speakers to the event held right before Gator Growl. 16 Student Life

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Keeping in Touch The Homecoming parade was a chance for the community to connect with the university. The Homecoming parade has been part of the University of Florida ' s Homecom- ing celebration since 1925. The parade, whose route is the same each year, kicks off the largest student-run Homecoming cel- ebration in the nation. The Florida Blue Key-sponsored parade has been and con- tinued to be a time for Gainesville citizens to see what goes in and around UF. Not all residents of Gainesville were aware of what UF students were involved with. It ' s amazing to me how many different groups that participate in the Homecom- ing Parade who aren ' t directly related to the university, said Kristen Wanner. The parade was a time to get Gainesville involved with the University of Florida and to let its citizens know that they con- tribute to its success as well. A number of floats were constructed by student organization , various colleges, fraternities, sororities and local businesses. Local civic groups and bands also participated. One of the highlights of the parade was when the senior football players rode down Uni- versity Avenue with the Gator Marching Band playing the fight song, Orange and Blue. it definitely got everyone ' s orange and blue blood flowing. The comedians for Gator Growl 1997 also participated. You could see Howie Mandel and Jeremy Hotz waving to the crowds along the route. In addition to Mandel and Hotz, the Homecoming court, student ers and various local and state dignitaries also participated. Truly, the whole com- munity took part in the parade, not just those involved with the university. The Homecoming parade was what built the excitement for one of the biggest football games of the year. The 1997 Homecoming parade was no different, and it continued the University of Florida ' s tradition of excellence. Story by: William Mader 18 Student Life