Valparaiso University - Beacon / Record Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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Mardi Gras: Class, Style, FUN! Mardi Gras, 1987! This year's New Or- leans theme brightened up the beginning days of fall with colorful floats and games. A larger-than-usual turnout showed up on Lincolnway and the rest of the parade route to view the results of weeks of float building displayed in the Homecoming Parade . Homecoming really began with the re- turn of Valparaiso alumni toward the end of the week. The University sponsored various activities for the returnees. Concerts, din- ners, and luncheon gatherings galore were offered in many academic and organiza- tional contexts. Fraternity and sorority alumni gravitated back to the old house or Chapter Room to talk over old times with other alumni, or to compare old and new times with current active members. The Homecoming games took place on Friday, and, as usual, the traditional bonfire was canceled due to the weather. Roam gaunt; ihethrti; Sororities and Fraternities prepared for the festivities by secretly building floats and not-so-secretly firing up. There was plenty for everyone to do - houses needed cleaning, kegs had to be bought, and activi- ties planned. The dorms decorated their outsides and insides with banners urging the Crusaders to victory, adding colorful touches to the University's usually mild brick exterior. Although it was cold and wet, a good crowd showed up to watch and participate in the Homecoming games. Sigma Chi Sig- ma won most of the competitions, such as the keg toss, tug-of-war, and slime-in. Prizes included pizza, refreshing DQ bliz- zards, and more. On Friday, the Homecoming King and Queen were selected. David Boyle and Tara Meyer won the contest. Dave was nominat- ed by Phi Beta Chi, and Tara by Brandt Hall. They cruised down Lincolnway in a con- vertible on Saturday, smiling and waving royally at the crowds. The actual Homecoming game on Satur- day was held in the bright sun that had finally poked through the thick clouds that had hovered over Valpo all week. The Cru- saders battled for victory against the Grizz- lies in a fierce match of tactics and strength. Unfortunately, the Crusaders were defeat- ed in the end, 56 to 35. Even though we did not win at football, we won by bringing many old friends back together and making new ones. Even the alumni got caught up in the Mardi Gras spirit. All in all, Homecoming in New Or- leans or Indiana, turned out to be an excit- ing time for all concerned. - -Lissa Bittner Mike Seefeldt