Student opportunities abound during UW Homecoming 2007

Bucky Badger is on the run, and students and alumni are on the case. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) invite everyone to enjoy a series of spirited events at UW–Madison during Homecoming 2007.

"Homecoming is a time when everyone can experience the spirit and tradition of being a Badger," says Chris Friedrich, a UW–Madison senior and co-chair of the 2007 UW Homecoming Committee. "Students are gearing up for the friendly competition, and we’re excited to welcome alumni and members of the community to campus."

The 22nd annual Homecoming Charity Run/Walk kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, on Library Mall. The 5k run/walk follows a route along the scenic Lake Mendota shoreline and through the UW–Madison campus and ends with a cookout lunch in Library Mall. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for students with pre-registration. Participants can register early online or beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the race. Traffic will be affected.

The Homecoming lineup also includes an air band competition and a major concert in tune with this year’s theme: "Where in the World is Bucky Badger?" On Tuesday, Oct. 23, students will have a chance to show off their air-band skills in the Memorial Union Rathskeller. UW–Madison students with valid ID are also invited to attend a free concert by the band Rockapella, presented by UW Credit Union, on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Memorial Union Theater. The Rockapella show will feature the song "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?", slightly modified for this year’s Homecoming theme. 

On Friday, Oct. 26, spirited Badger fans and friends will gather on State Street and surrounding areas at 5 p.m. for the Homecoming Parade. The parade will be followed by a 7 p.m. pep rally, where the student winners of Homecoming Week will be announced.

The week concludes on Saturday, Oct. 27, with the Wisconsin Alumni Association‘s Badger Huddle tailgate at the UW Field House. Attendees can participate in the Homecoming Silent Auction and get pumped for the Wisconsin vs. Indiana football game, immediately following the tailgate.

Proceeds from Homecoming benefit the Dean of Students Crisis Fund, which provides emergency support for students who have no other resources in times of need. UW–Madison’s Homecoming Committee has contributed more than $100,000 to the fund since 1989. 

The UW Homecoming Committee is a nonprofit, student-run organization sponsored by WAA. It is a committee of 60 volunteer members who plan a week of Homecoming events for students, alumni and the Madison community.

Founded in 1861, WAA offers UW alumni and friends a wide variety of services, including the award-winning On Wisconsin magazine, Badger Insider magazine, career services, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events.