The University of Miami welcomed alumni, parents, fans, and friends back to campus to celebrate longstanding traditions during a week of Homecoming events on campus that were topped off by Alumni Weekend. This year’s theme, “Game On!,” spoke to the old and new traditions of the U.
The series of events started on Oct. 31 with the annual Opening Ceremony and ’Canes Spirit Day on the Lakeside Patio and concluded Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Hard Rock Stadium where the Miami Hurricanes took on their rival, the Florida State Seminoles.
View the photos from the celebration.
’Canes Spirit Day
Students, faculty and staff members, and alumni along with mascot Sebastian and the Band of the Hour gathered on the Lakeside Patio for a grandiose celebration that kicked off the week’s events.
Spirit Tree Competition
Located at the only orange tree on the Coral Gables Campus—behind the Ashe Administration Building—the annual competition involved student organizations that showed their school spirit by decorating the tree with specially made ornaments.
Homecoming Pageant
In an effort to be more inclusive, for the first time ever, the University of Miami eliminated the titles of king and queen. Now referred to as the “Homecoming Court” or “Homecoming Royalty,” the following students were elected by their peers on Tuesday, Nov. 1, and were honored at the Miami Hurricanes football game on Saturday evening:
- Tatiana Robinson, from Washington, D.C., is a senior majoring in interactive media, broadcast journalism, and communication studies. She represented United Black Students.
- Rachel Bergeron, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a senior majoring in biochemistry and nutrition. She ran independently.
- KiAnna Dorsey, from Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a senior majoring in film production. She represented United Black Students.
- Noah Lapaix, from Miramar, Florida, is a senior majoring in psychology and sociology. He represented the Association of Commuter Students.
Hurricanes Help the Hometown
Students from every corner of the University spent Wednesday, Nov. 2, volunteering their time to support different community partners. The annual tradition allows all involved the chance to give back to the local Coral Gables community and beyond.
Organized Cheer Competition
The Organized Cheer Competition, or OCheer, drew a large crowd on Wednesday evening to the Lakeside Patio as student organizations showcased high-energy performances. For the first time, Black student Greek life performed at the annual event while judges deliberated and then chose the winner—the United Black Students organization.
Alma Mater Competition
A longstanding tradition at the U, each year student organizations create their own rendition of the Alma Mater. This year, the Federación de Estudiantes Cubanos took home first place—and bragging rights.
Homecoming Concert presented by Hurricane Productions
On Thursday evening, senior Carlo Redl opened for Miami recording artist Flo Rida at the Watsco Center during the annual Homecoming concert.
Boat Burning and Fireworks Show, Illuminated by Ever Brighter
One of the University’s most cherished and unique Homecoming traditions took place on Friday evening. Legend has it that if the mast of the boat falls before the boat sinks, the Hurricanes will win the Homecoming football game.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida State Seminoles
The Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles met at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for a sold-out football game on Saturday evening. Though the Hurricanes lost the game, 45-3, the fans showed up and touted their ’Canes spirit until the last down.
Photos: Mike Montero, David Paula, Joshua Prezant, and Matthew Rembold/University of Miami
