University of California Los Angeles - Bruin Life / Southern Campus Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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festivities start off the year on the right foot First year tailback Maurice Drew runs for glory as a persistent Sun Devil tries to stop him short. Drew, who rushed for 176 yards, brought UCLA from behind with an 83-yard touchdown run. Photographed by Nicholas Weston-Swon, Daily Bruin. ' Fourth year microbiology student Sam Bass represents the Triangle Fraternity as Elvis during the homecoming parade. Their float won first place in design and craftsmanship os well as the Sweepstakes Award for the Best Overall Entry. Photographed by Jennifer Richardson.

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After spending some time on campus, most homesick Bruins hit the jam-packed roads in an effort to return home. Students loved going back to the carefree life where clean laundry and a hefty allowance awaited them. UCLA Homecoming 2003 was a different story. Themed Luck Be a Bruin Tonight, it brought students and parents together onto campus. During Parents Week, activities such as Bruin Family BBQ gave parents and students some quality time together as they anxiously awaited the big game. The Bruins and their mama and papa bears were not the only participants. B-list celebrities and people who enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame on TV - from Disney Channel ' s Nick Spano of Even Stevens, to third-place American Idol, Kimberly Locke - were also present. The microphone was held by UCLA alum JD Walsh, known for his work on the comedy show Ultimate Improv. The 2003 Homecoming marked the 70th anniversary of the famed and tumultuous tradition that began in 1927. The event had to be suspended twice due to the politically active climate of UCLA during the 1960 ' s and once again in 1996. Despite the large turnout rate for this year ' s festivities, some of the students ignored the hype and glamour of the parade for a more relaxed atmosphere with friends and the Bruin family. We knew Westwood was packed so we stayed in and let the festivities come to us, said Patrick Nihipali, a second year European studies student. Liquid bread for everyone, he added with a sly grin. UCLA school spirit isn ' t just an event; it ' s an attitude that carries with me all the time. Homecoming was a great way to embody this attitude, and it ' s sweet that we trounced Arizona, said Ayuko Iverson, a third year microbiology student. There was no shame that weekend, as UCLA Bruins came home triumphant with a score of 20-13. by Jimmy bori Members of die cheer squad sit atop o fire engine during the homecoming parade. Students planned for months in advance in preparation for the homecoming tradition, which was revived in a Las Vegas theme for this year. Photographed by Jonathan Hornish. ] B

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Smashing ' $C ' s spirits in every way we can While fads came and went in the blink of an eye, the hatred for our cross-town rival U$C remained fresh in the minds of students and alumni alike. To not only recognize but also embrace the heated rivalry between the two foes, the Student Alumni Association diligently plann ed an exceptional week filled with events that led up to the game itself. SAA worked closely with the Campus Events Commission and the Rally Committee in order to establish a sense of old-school pride and mutual camaraderie in all the people associated with UCLA, according to third year communication studies student and SAA ' s Executive Director of Administrative Affairs Verna Bhargava. The week was filled with customary events that gave new and returning Bruins a taste of the rich history and tradition behind the rivalry. The festivities commenced with the annual car smash where disgruntled students took out their frustrations of a four-year winless streak on a car donned in Trojan crimson and gold. Later in the week, charitable Bruins were able to get the red out at the blood drive held at the James West Alumni Center. Thursday night marked the traditional bonfire and rally, showcasing the players along with the coaching staff and the Spirit Squad. This year ' s motivational speeches were punctuated by the raucous guitar riffs and loud drumming of the punk band Unwritten Law, which helped raise the tempo of the event. Third year American Literature and communications studies student Ross Harold reflected, The body surfing was kind of out of control and the drummer got crazy with his drum sticks, but what can you do? God bless rock stars! The concert not only offered students a thrilling and extraordinary study break, but also an opportunity to exhibit their pride and just have a great time. No matter how hopeless victory may have seemed, the celebrations during Beat ' $C week heightened the energy to a feverish pitch and instilled pride in even those Bruins who otherwise had little knowledge (or interest) in the great game of football. by Ellen Rark Second year matt) student Guillermo Lopez goes to work with his trusty sledgehammer. Foir game in the name of Bruin tradition, beating up this car did wonders to a Bruins ' hurt pride. Photogmphed by lonothon Young, Doily Bruin.