Homecoming may celebrate time-honored traditions on campus, but tighter surveillance and new events are in store for the many alumni returning to the Hilltop this year, albeit a few weeks earlier than usual.
Whereas Homecoming last year was in early November, this year it is the last weekend in September. Bill Reynolds (COL ’79), associate vice president for alumni relations and Annual Fund and executive director of the Georgetown University Alumni Association, said the change was due to the scheduled football game against Cornell University on Saturday.
“This might be a little earlier than normal, but it’s a very attractive game,” he said.
The Georgetown Events Committee will be taking precautions during tonight’s Homecoming Formal at D.C. Galleria at Lafayette Centre to prevent underage drinking. Fritz Brogan (COL ’07, LAW ’10), who co-founded the formal with Jory Caulkins (COL ’06) in 2005 and continues to help organize the event, said there would be almost no possibility for underage drinking since the university organized registration for the formal this year.
In addition, GEC requested help from the university in planning the formal.
Two years ago, the GEC was forced to pay $6,500 in damages to The City Tavern Club on M Street after many students at the event became rowdy.
“They needed help to ensure that it was a great event,” Reynolds said.
Taylor Price (MSB ’09) said that most of the planning for the formal was done by GUAA and the Office of Advancement.
“Having [them] involved is the best way to ensure that the tradition continues,” said Brogan. “We’re not discouraging students from attending, [but] it’s being more focused towards alumni than undergrads.”
Last year, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested at least three juniors with fake identification during the annual Homecoming Formal at Georgetown Waterfront.
“I don’t see us having any [problems] this year,” Brogan said. “We’re serious about having a responsible and respectful event.”
The Student Safety Advisory Board sent out an e-mail last night urging students to “use good judgment” this weekend, as PD and Georgetown’s Department of Public Safety will have increased patrols due to Homecoming.
Georgetown Club of D.C.* also included another event in the Homecoming celebration last night for the first time.
Last night’s function entitled “Go Hoyas! An Evening with Georgetown’s Coaches” launched the weekend’s alumni events with an opportunity to spend time with head and assistant coaches, including John Thompson III, head men’s basketball coach.
“We wanted to do something that celebrates Georgetown athletics and the coaches that make them successful,” said Georgetown Club of D.C. Events Chair Sean Redmond (SFS ’97, GRD ’00).
While the event is not new to the Georgetown Club, this is the first time it has been held in conjunction with Homecoming Weekend.
“We thought doing this event around Homecoming would provide a good opportunity for a cross-section of alumni, particularly young alumni, to enjoy hearing about the many great things happening in Georgetown athletics,” Redmond said.
Redmond said that the event, held in the foyer of McDonough Gymnasium, celebrated a range of athletics, including those coaches who might not otherwise receive much recognition. In addition to Thompson, head and assistant coaches from the football, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s crew, sailing, and swimming teams were in attendance. While all alumni were welcome to purchase tickets, Redmond said the event was marketed primarily toward alumni in the Georgetown Club of D.C.
Other new events this year include a resume critique session today and a “lecture encore” social event with four professors tonight.