9/21/2020
FAYETTE, Iowa (September 21, 2020) – In other years, Upper Iowa University (UIU) would be making final preparations to host a large contingent of returning alumni and the entire UIU community at Fayette Campus for its annual Homecoming celebration. While some of this year’s activities have been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the University is excited to offer opportunities for alumni and the entire UIU community to safely enjoy several new interactive Homecoming offerings from September 27 – October 1.
“The health and safety of our students, employees and extended UIU family remains our top priority,” said Andrew Wenthe, UIU vice president for external affairs.” With that in mind, in lieu pf people coming to Campus, the UIU Homecoming Committee has reimagined 2020 Homecoming festivities in a way that preserves tradition and fosters UIU pride all while keeping our community safe and ‘Peacock Strong.’ We are hopeful that we can return to a more time-honored celebration in 2021.”
Among the traditions set to be livestreamed are the Homecoming parade and coronation ceremony on Wednesday, September 30. All Peacock Honk & Holler Homecoming Parade participants are required to wear face coverings and should meet at 1:30 p.m. outside the Peacock Arts & Athletic Center. Meanwhile, students will cast digital votes for Homecoming King and Queen. The Fayette Campus community is invited to join the 7:30 p.m. bonfire and coronation of this year’s royalty, while the public may view the ceremony by visiting the Homecoming Facebook event page.
Likewise, the annual President’s Fundraising Ball will be transformed into a Virtual Homecoming Fundraiser on Friday, October 2. This year’s goal is to raise $200,000 during Homecoming Week. Online gifts are accepted at uiu.edu/PresidentsBall. The site also includes a list of all sponsors, a donor wall, and a video library featuring alumni and student success stories.
UIU’s complete Peacock Strong Homecoming event schedule, Facebook Live link and other information can be found at uiu.edu/homecoming. Be sure to join the Homecoming Facebook event page to follow the excitement and enter to win daily prize giveaways, sponsored by the UIU Alumni Association.
An asterisk (*) in the full schedule below indicates the Campus community (students, faculty, staff) may attend the event in person. Face coverings, distancing and all other UIU Care Plan guidelines must be followed.
Sunday – September 27
Student Fashion Show*
Students show off the latest trends and hottest fashions during the “mask-querade” event at 7 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms. Hosted by Beta Theta Omega, the style show will be featured live on the Homecoming Facebook event page.
Monday – September 28
Spirit Attire Day
Kick off Homecoming week by wearing UIU gear and a Homecoming button at work, school or home. Unite with Peacock Pride!
Blue Pride Worldwide & Window Painting
The UIU community is invited to decorate their homes, businesses, offices or dorm rooms in this year’s “Peacock Strong” theme. This creativity can be shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page. All who submit their photos and videos will be entered into a drawing for Peacock gear, sponsored by the UIU Alumni Association.
Alumni Awards
Each of the five distinguished Alumni Award honorees will be introduced and their acceptance remarks shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page. Award categories include Service to Country, Service to Community, Service to University, Emerging Alumni, and Professional Accomplishment.
Tuesday – September 29
Chalk It Up
Chalk up UIU’s school spirit on your sidewalk or driveway. Upload photos of your Peacock spirit to the Homecoming Facebook event page.
Class of 1970 Golden Anniversary
The Upper Iowa University Class of 1970 celebrates its 50th anniversary. Spotlight stories, throwback photos and moments in history will be shared all day long on the Homecoming Facebook event page. The honored alumni are encouraged to share funny stories, favorite photos, messages about inspirational faculty and staff, or how UIU influenced their lives. The responses will be shared in a virtual compilation. Members of the Class of 1970 will also receive a 50-year medallion by mail.
Homecoming Art Exhibit*
Hosted by the School of Arts & Sciences, alumnus Andrew J. Wroble ’11 is this year’s featured artist. Wroble’s online video can be viewed at uiu.edu/art-on-campus/bing-davis-memorial-gallery/. Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in Edgar Fine Arts Hall at UIU’s Fayette Campus. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to change. Social distancing and face coverings are required at the Gallery and at Fayette Campus.
Wednesday – September 30
Homecoming Cookout*
Grab a lawn chair or picnic blanket and join fellow Campus community members for an outdoor lunch served from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. near the Student Center. There is a fee for the meal.
Peacock Honk & Holler Parade*
All community members are invited to decorate a vehicle and join the “Honk & Holler” caravan through Fayette. All participants are required to wear face coverings and should meet at 1:30 p.m. outside the Peacock Arts & Athletic Center. Led by the Fayette Police and Fire departments, the parade will be shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page .
Agates, Crystals and Geodes Display*
UIU professor of geosciences and Delano Professor of Science Dr. Kata McCarville will help identify rocks, minerals and fossils remotely. Photo submissions should show all angles of the subject while using a plain light-colored background, diffused lighting without shadows, and a ruler or an item to view for scale. Email pictures to McCarville at [email protected]. The Campus community may stop by the lower level of Garbee Hall to view specimens from collections donated to UIU by Burton and Dorthea ’71 Odekirk and Leora Sullivan ’61.
Thursday – October 1
Ice Cream Social*
The Campus community may enjoy free ice cream between 3-5 p.m. near the Andres Center for Business and Education. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and end your day with something sweet.
UIU Archives
Have you ever wondered if UIU has any old photos or articles featuring someone you know? Henderson-Wilder Library is home to the UIU archives. For additional information or to send a request, contact UIU archivist Janette Garcia at 563-425-5722 or [email protected]. Copies of materials may be shared via mail or email. If you have a great story to share, visit the online Peacock Proud Discussion Board at uiu.libguides.com/archives/write-your-peacock-story.
UIU Heritage, History and Headstones Virtual Tour
History buffs are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the Grandview Cemetery, located near Fayette. Grandview is the final resting place for many luminaries in UIU and Fayette history, including UIU’s founder Elizabeth Alexander, Civil War veteran Henry James Grannis, actress Zinita B. Graf, coach John “Doc” Dorman, and longtime UIU supporters William and Betty Andres. A virtual tour will be available soon. Contact Dr. Kata McCarville at [email protected] for more information.
Homecoming Coronation*
The Campus community may attend the bonfire and coronation of the King and Queen near the Peacock Pavilion tailgate area at 7:30 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Dorman Gymnasium. The public is invited to view the bonfire and crowning of this year’s Homecoming royalty by visiting the Homecoming Facebook event page.
Friday – October 2
Spirit Attire Day
Close out Homecoming Week by wearing UIU gear to show your school spirit.
Virtual Homecoming Fundraiser
Over the years, proceeds from the President’s Ball have benefited UIU students and the University’s emerging needs. Now, more than ever, we need your support. The University faces challenges unlike any before, and your help is crucial as we find innovative ways to meet the educational needs of our students during this pandemic. Together, we can reach our goal of $200,000 raised during Homecoming. Online gifts are accepted at uiu.edu/PresidentsBall. The site also includes a list of all our generous sponsors, a donor wall, and a video library featuring alumni and student success stories.
Saturday – October 1
Hooray for the Heritage Society!
Each Homecoming, we proudly recognize and honor members of the Heritage Society. These generous individuals have included UIU in their estate plans ensuring the University’s continued success for generations to come. For a complete list of members or to check out the free will-writing tool, visit uiu.edu/HeritageSociety.
For additional information about this year’s Peacock Strong Homecoming events, please contact the UIU Alumni Office at 563-425-5388 or [email protected].
