Homecoming weekend to host ULV alumni

by Alejandra Molina
Staff Writer

Homecoming at the University of La Verne should be new-and-improved this year as University Relations will also host annual alumni events, bringing together the University's past and present for events and activities that go through Saturday.

"So much of the reputation of the University is about who our alumni are and the accomplishments they have made in their lives," said Beth Elmore, alumni relations director. "It really speaks to what the University is."

Elmore, along with Julie Velasquez, an alumni relations assistant, and the entire University Relations team planned the alumni events.

Associated Student Federation Forum President Travis Berry and Vice President Dana McJunkin also took part in the coordination of these events.

"If the two of us team up , we (can) put resources together," Berry said.

The second annual ULV Homecoming Golf Challenge at 10 a.m. today is the first of the alumni events. Saturday evening distinguished alumni and the classes of '33 through '93 will be honored at the "All Alumni Dinner and Dance" at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex.

After the dinner, alumni and students may participate in Monte Carlo Night.

ULV alumnus Bob Dyer, who graduated in 1963, said he will attend the dinner to celebrate his 40th reunion.

He will also read some of his own poetry and give a brief history of the University at the dinner.

"I've stayed pretty active with the University," Dyer said.

Saturday offers a full day of events for students and alumni. The ULV 5K Community Fun Run/Walk, a fundraiser for the Athletic and Training Education program, will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and check-in at Sneaky Park.

For those who would like to stay in, the Communications Department will offer Coffee at 9 a.m. in the Art and Communications Building.

Saturday will be a busy day, as the Old Town La Verne Harvest Festival will also start at 9 a.m. on D and Third streets in Old Town La Verne.

It will feature live entertainment, animal rides, a petting zoo and other activities for families and children.

The ULV Third Street Fair at 10:30 a.m. between B and C Streets will feature music and a Kids Zone with an inflatable bouncer.

A picnic lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the University Quad.

"It's a tremendous networking tool for the students," said Charles Bentley, ULV public relations director. "Alumni can be great resources for them when they graduate."

The Homecoming football game against the Chapman Panther begins at 1 p.m. in Ortmayer Stadium.

"Events that appeal to a large audience, for example, is the Homecoming game where families come to watch," Bentley said.

"It's not like a UCLA game where people just sit and watch the game," Bentley added. "When ULV games are over, everybody comes down and shakes hands."

Following the game, the All-Alumni Reception will be held at Sneaky Park, the Class of '83 and Friends Reception will be held in Fasnacht Court, and later that evening, the ULV Theater School will present The Rocky Horror Show at the Dailey Theatre.

"It's a chance for the alumni to see how the University is continuing with their mission statement and its direction of helping education for future members of society," Bentley said.

Sunday, Nov. 9, ULV will host Recognition Day and Coffee at the La Verne Church of the Brethren at 10:30 a.m., the Alumni, Friends and Floaters Reunion Potluck will be held at the Old Gym at 12:30 p.m. and the Decade Reunions will be held at 1:30 p.m.

"It's very important that the alumni come back and see where the University is," Berry said.

"We're there at La Verne at different times, but we are all a family," Dyer said.