Upper Iowa University Homecoming ‘Ignited’ by Peacock Pride October 11-14

Upper Iowa University’s Peacock pride has ‘Ignited’ excitement for Homecoming 2018 Thursday-Sunday, October 11-14. Among the alumni eagerly anticipating the start of the festivities are grand marshals J. Paul ’60 and Sharroll (Fay) Richards of Fayette.

“We were shocked but thrilled when we were asked to serve as this year’s grand marshals,” Sharroll said. “Since the time we were both little kids growing up in Fayette, we watched the UIU Homecoming parades and attended its football games, and now, voilà, in the twilight of our life we feel greatly honored for this opportunity.”

“We were speechless and continue to be extremely grateful,” added Paul. “Sharroll and I have always enjoyed attending UIU’s Homecoming celebration, reconnecting with friends, and running into other people we have not seen for many years. This is an amazing privilege to represent UIU alumni and the entire Peacock family during this special time of year.”

Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education, social science and economics from UIU, before receiving a master’s degree from Winona State University in 1970. A 1998 UIU Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Paul was a four-year letter winner and senior co-captain in football under legendary UIU coaches John “Doc” Dorman and Everett “Eb” Eischeid. Paul was also a member of the Peacock’s 1956-57 Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship basketball team. Upon graduation from UIU, he entered into a 38-year teaching, coaching and officiating career in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Sharroll attended UIU for one year before taking nursing training in Cedar Rapids and becoming a licensed practical nurse. She later achieved an education degree at Winona State University and a master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Minnesota, whereupon she embarked on a 27-year career as a kindergarten teacher.

The Fayette natives remain active at UIU. Paul has served on the UIU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and Sharroll on the UIU Alumni Awards Committee, for many years. The couple also recently endowed the J. Paul and Sharroll Richards Scholarships, which are awarded each year to student-athletes from Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin who are pursuing teacher licensure at the elementary or secondary level. Preference is given to students with an interest in becoming a certified coach.

In addition to the “Peacock Pride Ignited…It’s Lit” parade, the Upper Iowa University Homecoming schedule includes the following events and activities: 

Thursday, October 11

• 5:30 p.m., Welcome Home Dinner: Located at Maue Atrium in the Andres Center for Business and Education, the all-class reunion dinner is hosted by the Alumni Association. Guests may enjoy a buffet-style meal and dinner music at Fayette Campus. RSVP is required.

 

• 7:30 p.m., Pep Rally, Bonfire and Coronation: The public is invited to show its UIU spirit at the Peacock Pavilion Tailgate Area, located east of Victory Gate (Union Street across from the Recreation Center and Dorman Gym).

 

Friday, October 12

• 9 a.m. – noon, Pastries for Peacocks: Stop by the Alumni House, adjacent to the Rec Center at 513 Union Street in Fayette, for morning treats and coffee. Flip through old yearbooks and sign the alumni guest book. Guided Campus tours are available.

 

• 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Agates, Crystals and Geodes Display: Featuring specimens from the collection donated to UIU by Burton and Dorthea ’71 Odekirk, and Leora Sullivan ’61. Persons in attendance are invited to bring specimens or digital images of their own rocks or fossils for identification by UIU Professor of Geosciences Dr. Kata McCarville.

 

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., A brief presentation will be held at Henderson-Wilder Library featuring the headstones, UIU heritage and history found in local cemeteries. Self-guided maps are available.

 

• 11:30 a.m., Alumni Gale Database Searching: Learn about articles available in a database filled with content from academic journals and general magazines at Henderson-Wilder Library.

 

• 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., A Meet and Greet will be held at Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery with special guests UIU Professor of Science and Robert L. Fox Endowed Chair of Science Dr. Scott Figdore, UIU Archivist Janette Garcia and UIU Assistant Professor of Art Laura Gleissner. The Gallery will feature the works of artist Lee Emma Running, who has collaborated with the UIU Herbarium collected by Dr. Charles Coleman (C.C.) Parker in the Fayette area during the late 19th century.

 

• 1 – 2:30 p.m., Research, Internship and Creative Endeavors: Join the UIU School of Science and Mathematics in viewing posters detailing the activities and works of many of the school’s undergraduates at Baker-Hebron Hall and Garbee Hall (lower level).

 

• 3 p.m., Women’s Soccer vs St. Cloud State University at Pattison Field.

 

• 5:30 p.m., Annual President’s Ball: “Ignite the Night” at the 6^th Annual President’s Ball fundraiser. The festivities include a cocktail reception, dinner program and dance. RSVP is required. All are welcome to attend. More details are available at uiu.edu/presidentsball.

 

Saturday, October 13

• 10 a.m., The Homecoming Parade takes to Main Street Fayette. To submit a parade entry, visit uiu.edu/homecoming.

 

• 11 a.m., Alumni Awards & Honor Class Luncheon: This event honors the classes of ’58, ’68, ’78, ’88, ‘93 and ’98 as well as recognizes the distinguished 2018 Alumni Award recipients and Heritage Society Members in the Student Center ballrooms. A special gift is presented to members of the 50-year class. RSVP is required. Alumni Award recipients include LaVerne McCoy ’98, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Service to University Award;  Robert King ’87, Urbandale, Iowa, Service to Country Award; Cheryl Hand ’71, Independence, Iowa, Service to Community Award; Kathleen Horstmeyer ’66, Chester, Connecticut, Professional Accomplishment Award.

 

• Noon – 2 p.m., Alumni tailgate on the Harms-Eischeid Stadium north patio. The classes of ’03, ’08 and ’13 are celebrating reunions.

 

• 2:05 p.m., Homecoming Football Game: UIU vs Bemidji State at Harms-Eischeid Stadium.

 

Sunday, October 14

• Noon, Women’s soccer vs University of Minnesota Duluth at Pattison Field.

 

Ongoing Activities

• Blue Pride Fayette Wide: Fayette business owners and residents are invited to show their Peacock spirit by entering the Blue Pride Fayette Wide contest. Decorations must be displayed for judging by noon Thursday, October 11. A Campus and community winner are awarded. To participate, individuals are to send his or her name and street address to alumni@uiu.edu.

 

• Take a walk down memory lane and view memorabilia from previous UIU homecomings on the second floor of the Student Center.

 

• UIU alumni are invited to share their UIU memories with the UIU Archives at Henderson-Wilder Library. The Archives recording booth is located in the lower level of Henderson-Wilder Library. For additional information, contact UIU Archivist, Janette Garcia at 563-425-5722 or visit uiu.edu/oralhistory.

 

• Lee Emma Running Art Exhibit remains open at Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, October 12; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, October 13; and 8 a.m. – noon, Sunday, October 14. Note: An artist talk and reception will be held from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 10. Running is scheduled to speak at 3:45 p.m.

 

Student Traditions

UIU students exhibit their Peacock Pride throughout Homecoming Week with the following events and activities. For additional details, visit Facebook.com/UIUStudentActivities.

• Sunday, October 7: Student Fashion Show, hosted by Beta Theta Omega
• Monday, October 8: Flag and Powderpuff Football
• Tuesday, October 9: Window Painting, King and Queen Voting
• Wednesday, October 10: Sidewalk Chalk Challenge
• Sunday, October 14: Greek Picnic Cookout

Additional information about UIU’s Peacock Pride Ignited Homecoming events can be found at uiu.edu/homecoming.