A.S.I. kicks off Homecoming week festivities

The week-long festivities for Homecoming 1997, "Your Pathway Home," begins today with a dunk tank and a brick-throwing competition at the Speaker's Platform from noon to 1 p.m.

Students are invited to try to dunk Associated Students Inc. President Carl Kemp and A.S.I. senators.

The Homecoming Commission was trying to persuade faculty members to volunteer to be dunked, but none have yet agreed, said Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Shannon Williams.

The brick activities tie in to the "Pathway" theme and the dedication of the Alumni Brick Plaza on Saturday. Sponge bricks will be used in the throwing competitions.

Tuesday will be Spirit Day at the University Student Union South Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Students are encouraged to wear the black and gold school colors or emblems and will earn points toward the competition for showing their school spirit. Students can win prizes at the Basketball Free-Throw Competition and watch or participate in the Mr. and Ms. Beach Competition.

Mr. and Ms. Beach applicants will participate in a face-painting contest, tricycle race and question-answer session. The finalists will compete in a final round of questions on Saturday, March 1, and will be judged for originality, creativity and campus pride.

The winners will receive several prizes, including a $200 cash award.

To be eligible to compete for Mr. or Ms. Beach, students must be enrolled in 12 or more units, have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, must represent a student organization or residence hall, and should be able to perform some type of talent.

Wednesday will feature a barbecue in front of The Nugget and a jazz concert at the Student Union South Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. Participants will continue to compete for the Mr. and Ms. Beach title.

Finalists for Mr. and Ms. Beach will be announced Thursday at a pep rally from noon to 1 p.m. The location of this event has moved to the fountain at the Administration Building.

The men's and women's sports teams will be introduced and there will be a dance team and cheerleader performance.

Homecoming 1997 officially begins Saturday with the dedication of the Alumni Brick Plaza at 1:15 p.m. near the Speaker's Platform. More than 1,000 alumni bricks will make up the initial phase of the plaza.

The tailgate party begins right after the ceremony in Lot B, with several events including a pie-eating contest, banner competition, car-decorating contest and a lip-sync contest. Mr. and Mrs. Beach will be crowned at 3:30 p.m.

At 4:45 p.m., a pre-game laser show will be presented inside The Pyramid, followed by the men's basketball game.

Those interested in receiving game and meal packages, or signing up their club or organization for the tailgate party, may call the Alumni Relations Office at (562) 985-5252.

Information may be obtained at the Alumni Association in the University Student Union Formal Lounge, or by calling A.S.I. at (562) 985-5241.