Homecoming Celebrates Wilbur’s 50th Anniversary
Wilbur Wildcat (right) celebrates his 50th birthday during the UA's Homecoming event.
More than 50,000 guests are expected to participate in this year's Homecoming events.
It's Wilbur's 50th anniversary and the University of Arizona is celebrating the popular mascot's birthday during Homecoming weekend, hosted by the UA Alumni Association, from Nov. 5-8.
More than 50,000 guests – including UA alumni, friends and students – are expected to participate in this year's Homecoming events, which begin with the Class of 1959 golden anniversary festivities and the traditional bonfire and pep rally.
The weekend culminates with the football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Washington State Cougars.
The event is open to the public and features a new food court, including Tucson vendors Villa Thai, Brushfire Grill, Frankie's Sandwich Shop and Gelato! Dessert Café. Homecoming also includes a new kids' corner and child-friendly Campus Arboretum tent.
Campus visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the UA's contributions to science and medicine during the Homecoming keynote lecture, "Hope on the Horizon," presented by Dr, Fayez K. Ghishan, director of the Steele Children's Research Center and head of the UA Department of Pediatrics.
Ghishan will discuss genetic treatments, cell transplantation and regeneration and highlight the promising medical advances underway at the UA.
"Homecoming is a unique opportunity for UA alumni to return to campus and to reconnect with classmates and friends in a festive, celebratory setting," said Chris Vlahos, president and executive director of the UA Alumni Association. "This year, close to 100 alumni, collegiate and student groups will gather in the tented area of the Mall prior to the football game against Washington State to take part in what has become one of the largest Homecoming traditions in the country."
Some of Homecoming's most well-known traditions are Tents on the Mall and the Homecoming parade. Wilbur is the parade's grand marshal, accompanied by a host of alumni Wilbur mascots returning to campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
Tents on the Mall features a new Reunion Central tent for alumni in search of classmates and friends and the UA College Village, which serves as a central gathering place for alumni looking to reconnect with friends and faculty from their college.
Homecoming weekend events include:
Thursday, Nov. 5
Class of 1959 Reunion Reception
6-10 p.m.
Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel
Friday, Nov. 6
Homecoming Keynote Lecture, "Hope on the Horizon"
Presented by Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan
10 a.m.
Student Union Memorial Center Gallagher Theater
Emeritus Club Reception
11-11:30 a.m.
Student Union Memorial Center Tucson Room
Homecoming Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom South
Alumni Association Awards and Recognition Reception and Ceremony
3-5 p.m.
Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom South
Bear Down Friday
5-7 p.m.
University Boulevard
Homecoming Kickoff Celebration and Bonfire Pep Rally
7-9 p.m.
Old Main
Saturday, Nov. 7
Class of 1959 Campus Walking Tour
9-10 a.m.
Homecoming Registration and Information Tent
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tents on the Mall
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Homecoming Food Court
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Homecoming Parade Entries Lineup
10-10:30 a.m.
Homecoming Parade
11 a.m.-Noon
Football Game
Arizona Wildcats vs. Washington State Cougars
1:30 p.m.
Postgame Class of 1959 Reunion
Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel
5 p.m. (approx.)
Sunday, Nov. 8
Class of 1959 Wildcat for Life wrap-up brunch
9:30 a.m.
Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel
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