Gonzaga Student Body Association recently made the 2010 Zag Nation Homecoming Packages available for purchase.
This year, Homecoming week is Feb. 22-27. The packages include a track bag, T-shirt, dance ticket, sunglasses, and basketball memo holder. They can be purchased for $25 including a $5 charity donation via Cashnet. The deadline to order a package or T-shirt is Feb. 12.
GSBA Community Events Coordinator, senior Kora Kilpatrick, said GSBA is collaborating with other groups and organizations to provide a full week of activities.
“The coffeehouse during Homecoming week is sponsored by GUSR, the Homecoming dance is a partnership between GSBA and BSU, and the Homecoming pre-game tailgate is sponsored by Kennel Club. After the game there will be a Gonzaga Overtime event put on by G+,” said Kilpatrick. “GSBA is committed to collaborating with other organizations to foster diversity and campus partnerships.”
In addition to the on-campus partnerships, GSBA is working with Spokane’s Union Gospel Mission. UGM is a nonprofit organization that provides food, shelter, and clothing for the homeless. This is GSBA’s sponsored charity for the year and donations from the Homecoming packages will be given to UGM. This is the fourth year that a charity donation has been included in the Homecoming package.
“We have primarily been working with the men's homeless shelter, through fundraising efforts, awareness events that focus on hunger and homelessness and a weekly volunteer commitment. We serve dinners every Tuesday night,” said Kilpatrick. “We feel strongly about making a positive impact in the Spokane community, and our commitment at UGM throughout the year strives to achieve this goal.”
There are many activities planned for that week, with an event almost every day.
“That week we will have GUSR Coffeehouse on Wednesday, BSU presents the Jump – off Dance on the 26th, the Kennel Club tailgate party on the day of the game, and GU Overtime will have a post-game event,” Miles Miller, GSBA Information Systems Manager, said.
The homecoming dance this year is a partnership between GSBA and BSU. It is called the BSU Homecoming Jump-off in honor of the end of Black History Month. It will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Feb. 26, in the Spokane room of Cataldo.
This year the homecoming game is against University of San Francisco on Feb. 27. It is the final West Coast Conference home game of the season.
“Although we do not have a football team, Homecoming is a fun way for students to get out there and show their support for our basketball team,” said Kilpatrick. “Homecoming fosters tradition and campus unity, and this year we're hoping to make it a fun and memorable week for the students.”
For many students, this year will be their final Homecoming at Gonzaga University.
“I remember my sophomore year they had GU Idol and three or four of the basketball players were the judges, it was so funny,” said senior Meredith McCarty. “Homecoming just makes the game that more special and brings an awesome spirit to campus that week.”
Both Kilpatrick and McCarty said they look forward to the week of Homecoming.
“It is an opportunity for students and alumni to celebrate Gonzaga basketball. The Kennel is known as one of the best and most intimidating student sections in the nation, and that is something we should be very proud of. Homecoming is another chance to show our support and unity as Zag fans,” Kilpatrick said.
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