A Week of Celebration
This year's UVU homecoming celebration was the biggest yet. It featured an entire week of activities, many sponsored by the UVU Foundation and the UVU Alumni Association. The crowds gathered to celebrate all things UVU. Here are a few highlights of the week's activities.
UVU Homecoming Concert Features Foreign Figures
The celebration began on Monday, Sept. 21. The UVU Foundation sponsored a free homecoming concert at the University Mall. The event included entertainment by the UVU Green Man Group, DJ Jerry, and Na-G. Foreign Figures, one of Utah's favorite bands, provided the evening's featured entertainment.
Students, alumni, and the community enjoyed food and giveaways in addition to the music.
Founders Day Celebrates UVU's Birthday
The UVU Foundation invited everyone to celebrate UVU's 74th birthday on Wednesday, Sept. 23. UVU was established in 1941 as a WWII vocational training school. Since then, the school has had six different names. It officially became a university in 2008 and has only continued to grow.
Those who showed their Wolverine pride by wearing green or UVU apparel to the celebration were treated to free hot dogs, cake, and ice cream. Music students, the UVU Green Man Group, and the spirit squad all provided entertainment. The crowds also enjoyed mingling with Willy the Wolverine.
As a special treat, UVU Director of Alumni Relations Jeri Allphin gave out new baby Wolverine plushes to those who could correctly answer UVU trivia questions. One student proudly sang the entire UVU fight song to earn his prize.
Alumni Awards Honor Outstanding UVU Alumni
The alumni awards have been a University tradition for the past sixteen years. At the event, the Utah Valley University Alumni Association honors individuals for their contributions in advancing UVU's goals and mission.
This year's alumni awards event took place on the evening of Sept. 23. Seven awards were given to recognize some of the best of UVU's alumni. Read the full alumni awards story.
UVU Men's Soccer Triumphs in Homecoming Game
Before the UVU homecoming game officially started on the evening of Sept. 24, fans celebrated with a tailgate party. They filled up on food, fun, and everything Wolverine. The party included food trucks, a bounce house, and entertainment by the UVU Green Man Group.
More than 2,500 fans cheered on the UVU men's soccer team during the game against Cal State, Fullerton. In the 31st minute, the rival team scored a goal that held them in the lead for over 40 minutes. In the 72nd and 73rd minutes, UVU scored two quick goals that propelled them to a 2-1 win. The fans went wild in celebration of the team's homecoming victory.
Alumni Association Hosts Family Fun Fair
On Saturday morning, the UVU Alumni Association hosted a family fun fair for alumni and their families. The Alumni Relations crew served its famous green pancakes for breakfast. Guests enjoyed a bicycle rodeo for children, games, bounce houses, a chili cook off, and university expositions.
Everyone enjoyed live entertainment by the UVU Green Man Group, the spirit squad and Willy the Wolverine. It was a fun-filled fair for all ages.
Homecoming Comes To An End
Many people joined us to celebrate UVU during this year's activities. It was great to see so much Wolverine pride all over campus. Although homecoming just ended, we already can't wait to celebrate with everyone again next year. Happy 74th anniversary, Utah Valley University!