Traditional homecoming celebration was shadowed by GW’s presidential inaugural ball last year, and by the University’s 175th Anniversary the year before – both big events planned in large part by GW administrators.

But this year, Student Association President Kuyomars “Q” Golparvar said to expect a return to tradition with more student coordination.

“It’s nice to see students putting the events on themselves. Students definitely know what students want,” Golparvar said. Homecoming will be co-sponsored by the SA and Program Board.

This year’s events will stay close to the true meaning of Homecoming as alumni are encouraged to visit their alma mater and join current students in school-wide celebration, said Soraya Tabibi, PB executive chair.

“We’re trying to reach more of the GW community and facilitate more interaction between alumni and current students. Traditionally, Homecoming is the time for all the alumni, recent and not-so-recent, to come back to the school,” Tabibi said.

Delays in determining funding responsibilities last semester placed Homecoming in a precarious position, but present efforts are focused on making sure students have fun, said PB Parties Chair Jill Hasagawa.

“Homecoming is not a money maker. The purpose behind Homecoming is to increase campus spirit and to unite the campus,” Hasagawa said. “Our goal is to get as many people involved as possible and to get them enthusiastic about Homecoming – and excited about being at GW.

“We don’t have a football team like most schools, but I don’t think we’re missing out,” she added.

“There are a lot of events that I think will appeal to a lot of different people. Everything from wine and cheese and comedy, to free and ticketed events,” Tabibi said.

Homecoming events will kick off at the Improv Comedy Club Jan. 28. This event mainly is geared toward graduate students and alumni, Tabibi said.

But the following day up to 4,000 undergraduates can attend the David Spade Comedy Show in the Smith Center, Hasagawa said.

Hasagawa said the formal Homecoming dance Jan. 30 at the Washington Marriott will be a masquerade ball.

Students also can enjoy wine and cheese in the Colonnade Gallery on Jan. 29, or hot-dogs and burgers on the Quad Jan. 31. The basketball tailgate party Sunday and the Homecoming After-Party at the Diva Nite Lounge are other events planned for the weekend.

Past events like Mr. and Miss GW pageants also will be revived, said Heather Roark, SA Homecoming director.

“Mr. and Miss GW will promote spirit at GW to get more students involved, and increase spirit campus-wide,” Roark said.

The traditional double-header basketball games also will be different this year with the men’s team playing Virginia Tech Saturday and the GW women playing St. Joseph’s on Sunday.

“The band will be there and we’ll try to get the cheerleaders. There will be a barbecue and you can expect to hear the Fight Song a hundred times,” Tabibi said.

Homecoming Schedule

MONDAY, Jan. 28Improv Comedy Club Show (for grads and alumni first)free8:30-10:00 p.m.GW ID needed

THURSDAY, Jan. 29Wine and Cheese Event (for grads and alumni)Marvin Center 3rd Floor Colonnade Gallery6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.freeGW and age ID needed

David Spade Comedy ShowSmith Center9 p.m.$10 with GWorld ID/ $15 for general public

FRIDAY, Jan. 30Homecoming Gala ’98 (open to GW community including alumni)Washington Marriott (1221 22nd St. N.W.)9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.$20 per person/ group rate (25 or more) $15 per person

SATURDAY, Jan. 31Brunch (open to GW community)J Street11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.freeGWorld ID needed

Homecoming Men’s Game vs. Virginia TechSmith Centergame starts at 2:00 p.m.

Grad BBQ (open to grads and alumni)Quadrain site: Marvin Center 3rd Floor Ballroomevent starts after the game (4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)free

Homecoming Step Show Contest (open to public)Lisner Auditorium7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.$6 Ticketmaster, $8 at the door

Homecoming After-PartyDiva Nite Lounge10:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.$6 per person (with GW ID)age ID required

SUNDAY, Feb. 1Pep Rally/Tailgate PartySmith Centerrain site: Marvin Center Ballroom2 p.m.-4 p.m.Free

Homecoming Women’s Game vs. St. Joseph’s on ESPN 2Smith CenterGame starts at 4 p.m.