A week full of spirit, friendly competition and ’Canes pride can only mean one thing for the University of Miami community: Homecoming. While student organizations, current students, alumni, and even faculty and staff get ready to launch into the most spirited week of the fall semester, the 2019 Homecoming Executive Committee looks forward to seeing their space-themed programming and the changes they’ve made to the highly anticipated week come to life.
A primary new initiative is a revamped Spirit Day, which will take place on Monday, November 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is now combined with Homecoming's Opening Ceremonies and includes a pep rally hosted by Category 5, live music by Hurricane Productions' Patio Jams, and a collaborative art mural for the Shalala Student Center with artist and alumnus, Xavier Cortada. This year's annual service day, Hurricanes Help the Hometown, will take place on November 6 and is now being hosted on campus to allow more ’Canes to help make a difference in their community. Students can register on Engage to help assemble care packages for local veterans and their families with the Veteran Student Organization.
“We are also sunsetting the parade during Hurricane Howl, but adding a new opportunity for alumni and students to connect with one another,” said Homecoming Executive Committee chair and UM senior, Elizabeth Pozzuoli. “This new tradition invites selected organizations to have booths in the middle of Howl festivities. We have a few more surprises in store too.”
Pozzuoli added that the other cherished traditions current students and alumni know and love will be similar to years past, but with the 2019 Homecoming Executive Committee’s flair.
Homecoming’s traditional events such as the King and Queen Pageant, Spirit Tree decorating competition, Alma Mater singing contest, and Organized Cheer will be held November 4 through 7. Rapper 21 Savage is set to energize the Watsco Center during Hurricane Production’s Homecoming Concert on Thursday night, and Hurricane Howl will wrap it all up with food trucks at Miller Circle and a block party on the Foote Green on Friday night.
The boat burning and fireworks show at Lake Osceola will also take place on Friday night, beginning at 8:30 p.m. This cherished event attracts thousands of 'Canes from the community and beyond who wait to see if the mast of the boat falls before the boat sinks which, according to legend, indicates that UM will win the Homecoming football game. This year the Miami Hurricanes will take on the Louisville Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on November 9.
“This week is a constant reminder every year why UM is so special,” said Pozzuoli. “Homecoming week helps teach people to get connected throughout all different parts of campus and brings not only students but also alumni and the Miami community [together] under a common love for UM."
Visit the Student Activities and Student Organizations (SASO) website to view the full Homecoming 2019 schedule of events and to stay connected with the Homecoming Executive Committee.
