UT Offers a Full Lineup of Events for Homecoming and Reunions 2012

The University of Tampa welcomes back alumni and students during the University’s annual homecoming celebration, Oct. 18-20. Homecoming is open to all UT alumni and students.

“We’re excited to welcome our alumni back to campus for this special weekend,” said Jay Hardwick, director of alumni and parent relations. “It’s very rewarding to see our alumni reconnect with one another and the UT community, and we’re looking forward to another great weekend this year.”

Things will get underway on Thursday, Oct. 18, with the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet beginning at 6 p.m. in the Vaughn Center, 9th floor. Eight former student-athletes and three contributors will be inducted. Tino Gonzalez will receive the Sam Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award.

Celebrations will continue on Friday, Oct. 19, with a President’s Reception at 5 p.m. on the East Verandah of Plant Hall, offering complimentary cocktails and appetizers, and the traditional homecoming parade through campus from 5 to 6 p.m. The Rathskellar will reopen as a bar for one night only at 7 p.m., offering beer, wine and snacks for $5 a person. Dubbed “A Night in the Rat,” this event will celebrate the reunion of the classes of 1982 and 1987.

On Saturday, Oct. 20, the University will host the “Decade of the ‘50s” open house in the Vaughn Center Board Room at 10:30 a.m., with special recognition of the classes of 1952 and 1957, followed by the University Lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club. The classes of 1962 and 1967 will be toasted during the lunch, open to all alumni, beginning with a social at 11 a.m. Both events are $20 per person.

Also on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. is the All Alumni BBQ Lunch and Biergarten on the lawn of the Sykes College of Business, featuring a variety of craft beers on tap to sample and activities throughout the afternoon. There will be UT memorabilia on display for viewing and a special gift to alumni from the reunion years 1972, 1977, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007. Complimentary craft beer and wine are included in the price, $15 per person.

Wrapping up the weekend will be a concert at 8 p.m. in the Vaughn Center courtyard featuring Green River Ordinance. Organizers hope to make the concert an annual tradition.

For more information or a complete schedule of homecoming events, go to alumni.ut.edu/?HC, or contact Jay Hardwick at jhardwick@ut.edu or (813) 253-6209.