EOU revives Homecoming parade

Homecoming 2003 information

by C.J. Gish
Media and publication writer
University Advancement
541-962-3585 / fax 541-962-3680

Aug. 26, 2003

La Grande, Oregon - A tradition will be returning to Eastern Oregon University during the 2003 Homecoming.

For the first time in more than a decade, EOU will have a Homecoming parade. The parade is slated for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, on Adams Avenue from Globe Furniture to City Hall.

The parade has been reinvented to offer a new opportunity for partnerships between the EOU students, alumni, local businesses and service groups. Business and service groups are being asked to sponsor floats, which can be any self-propelled vehicle less than 60 feet long. The businesses or groups - called Parade Partners - will be randomly paired with student groups who will meet to decorate the floats on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 a.m. Business owners and students can then ride in the float during the parade at 10:30 on Adams Avenue immediately following decoration.

"The 2003 Homecoming Parade is the return of an EOU tradition that will help form even stronger bonds between EOU students, alumni and community members," said Alumni Board Member Mary Jo Lemon.

The Union County Chamber of Commerce is just one example of groups that have jumped on board to take part in the annual Homecoming celebration.

"I just think it's a terrific that EOU decided to recreate the parade," said Judy Loudermilk, Union County Chamber of Commerce director. "It is such a wonderful event for families and will hopefully get businesses and the whole community into the Homecoming spirit. On a personal note, the parade means a lot to me and my family -- it's where I met my husband 35 years ago."

The parade is just one part of the EOU Homecoming 2003 schedule of events. Other traditions include the Mountaineer Madness Golf scramble at Buffalo Peak, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, 50th Anniversary Reunion, bonfire, the Mountaineer football team hosts Pacific Lutheran, the EOU Cross Country Invitational and the 5th Quarter Celebration in Hoke Hall following the game.

"Homecoming 2003 promises to the biggest and best ever, with the completion of the new wing of the EOU Science Center, a terrific renovation of Community Stadium, and even the future sight of the EOU Alumni House. It's a great time for alumni to come back to EOU," said Lori Jordan Brown, Vice-President of the EOU Alumni Board.

Entry forms are available on the web, at www.eou.edu/alumni or they can be picked at the Alumni office, in Ackerman Hall 209, or at the Union County Chamber of Commerce. There is no entry fee and all are welcome to enter. Businesses, service groups, clubs and individuals can sign up to parade partners on the same form.

For more information, call the University Advancement office at 962-3740.

Contact Information

University Advancement Eastern Oregon University One University Boulevard La Grande, OR 97850 phone 541.962.3740 fax 541.962.3680 email University Advancement