UA Homecoming featuring arts to Zips Oct. 3-9

The University of Akron News

09/22/2011

Zips fans will be out in full force to cheer on their team at the 2 p.m. Homecoming Game against Florida International on Oct. 8.

Homecoming 2011 at The University of Akron is bigger and bolder than ever before, with more than 30 events from arts to Zips on Oct. 3-9.

Events include a "Blue, Gold, and Soul" concert with jazz icon Herbie Hancock on Oct. 7 and a performance by alumni-comedian George Wallace on Oct. 8.

Campus tours aboard the Roo Express, dance classes for children, a Homecoming dance, art exhibitions, and Zips football, volleyball and soccer games are also among the events.

All events are open to the campus and community unless otherwise indicated. For more information, visit www.uakron.edu/homecoming.

Oct. 3-8

  • Photo Fictions: Staged, Constructed and Altered Images — Free. Exhibition at the Emily Davis Gallery at UA's Myers School of Art in Folk Hall, 150 E. Exchange St. Curated by Professor Penny Rakoff, the exhibition features works by contemporary photographers. Through Oct. 22. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 330-972-6030.
  • "Africentricity: Those Who Learn, Teach!" — Free. Exhibit featuring work by artist Dr. Jon Onye Lockard. The Dr. Shirla McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History and Culture in Buckingham Center 102, 220 Wolf Ledges Parkway. 330-972-7030.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

  • Bingo with Prizes — Free. 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.
  • Concert by the UA Jazz Ensemble — Free. 8 p.m. in Guzzetta Recital Hall.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

  • Salsa dance with Son Del Caribe — Free. Open only to current UA students with Zip Cards and their guests (one guest per student), 8 p.m. at the Stage Door of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Sponsored by Thomas Hall with support from Associated Student Government, HALO and the UA Office of Multicultural Development. 330-972-7570 or www.UAEVENTS.com.
  • Concert by the UA Concert Band — Free. 8 p.m. at Guzzetta Recital Hall.

Thursday, Oct. 6

  • Spirit Parade and Pep Rally — Free. Featuring campus organizations, the parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. from E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and proceeds through campus to the Pep Rally at Coleman Common behind Buchtel Hall.
  • Concert by the UA Jazz Combos — Free. 8 p.m. in Guzzetta Recital Hall.

  • Ross "The Intern" Mathews

    Ross "The Intern" Mathews     — Free. Open only to current UA students with Zip Cards and their guests (one guest per student), 8 p.m. on the Main Stage of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Mathews has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the world and has made the nation laugh all the way. During the past eight years, Mathews has traveled all over as a correspondent for "The Tonight Show" and the "Jay Leno Show," interviewing everyone from Oscar winners to British royalty. Sponsored by ZPN, RHPB, RHC and Thomas Hall. 330-972-7570 or www.UAEVENTS.com.

Oct. 7, 8 and 9

  • Open House and Art Exhibition at UA Honors College — Free. Honors College Open House and Art Exhibition from 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 7. Art Exhibition also on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 330-972-5247.
  • BOGO Open House at Hower House — Buy-one-get-one-free admission. Noon to 3:30 p.m. both days. 330-972-6909.

Friday, Oct. 7

  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Bierce Library Learning Commons — Free. 10:30 a.m. at Bierce Library.
  • Campus tours aboard the Roo Express — Free. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., departing from Guzzetta Hall.

  • Grammy winner Herbie Hancock.

    "Blue, Gold, and Soul" Concert with Herbie Hancock     — 8 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. During his five-decade career, Hancock has won an Academy Award for his "Round Midnight" film score and 14 Grammys, including 2008 Album of the Year. His compositions — including "Cantaloupe Island," "Maiden Voyage," "Watermelon Man," "Chameleon" and "Rockit" — are contemporary standards that influence acoustic, electronic jazz, R&B and modern rock. This summer, UNESCO named Hancock as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Sponsored by UA's Office of Diversity, Kulas Concert Series, and Thomas Hall. $15 general, $10 UA students. 330-972-7570 or www.UAEVENTS.com.
  • Homecoming 2011 Dance — 8 p.m. to midnight at the Student Union Grand Ballroom. The Homecoming 2011 King and Queen will be announced at 10:30 p.m. Tickets available for $12 in advance from the Info Center at the Student Union; $15 at the door.

Saturday, Oct. 8

  • Homecoming 2011 Info Center and Check-in — Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coleman Common behind Buchtel Hall.
  • 5K Homecoming 2011 Run/Walk — The cost to register before Sept. 30 is $18; registration after Sept. 30 or the day of the race is $20. Starting at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field at 8 a.m. Event sponsors are UA's Department of Sport Science and Wellness Education, the Sport Science Academy, and Student Recreation and Wellness Services. The course travels through the UA campus and is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. This fast course starts on the outdoor track and finishes on the 50-yard-line of Summa Field. The first 500 entrants receive a 5K T-shirt. More information on the race, including packet pick-up, course map, registration and parking is at www.uakron.edu/srws/ua-5k.dot. Or, contact Mike Duve at 330-972-2308 or ua5k@uakron.edu.
  • Campus tours aboard the Roo Express — Free. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., departing from the Student Union.
  • Bierce Library Learning Commons Open House — Free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bierce Library.
  • Reunion brunch for Class of 1961 and 50+ Club — $30 per person. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To register, contact Courtney Gonser at 330-972-7270. Hosted by the UA Alumni Association.
  • Nursing Simulation Center Open House — Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mary Gladwin Hall 110. Hosted by the UA College of Nursing.
  • Reunion of Emerging Leaders and National Residence Hall Honorary — Open to all members of both groups. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard of Spicer Residence Hall. Hosted by Residence Life and Housing.
  • ZipsFest — Tailgating for members and guests of various campus organizations and academic units. Beer and wine for sale, inflatables, exhibits and much more. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Coleman Common behind Buchtel Hall.
  • Creative Movement Class — Free. Presented by the UA Dance Institute for children ages 2-7 accompanied by parent(s). Have fun together by combining music, movement, basic motor skills and your imaginations. No dance attire needed. Wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. 1:15 to 2 p.m. in the Center for Dance and Theatre at Guzzetta Hall.
  • Intro to Dance Class – Free. Presented by the UA Dance Institute for children ages 7 and older. Discover dance from a ballet barre to a Broadway kickline. No dance attire needed. Wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Center for Dance and Theatre at Guzzetta Hall.
  • Zips Football vs. Florida International — Kick-off at 2 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field on campus. For tickets, call 1-888-99-AKRON or visit www.GoZips.com/tickets.
  • Zips Women’s Volleyball vs. Kent State — Free. 5 p.m. at the James A. Rhodes Arena on campus.
  • Zips Men’s Soccer vs. Northern Illinois — 7:30 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field (previously Lee R. Jackson Field). For tickets, call 1-888-99-AKRON or visit www.GoZips.com/tickets.

  • UA alumnus and comedian George Wallace.

    Comedian and UA alumnus George Wallace     — 9 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Proud alumnus of The University of Akron, legendary comedian George Wallace brings his unique brand of social commentary back to Akron in celebration of Homecoming 2011. For more than 30 years Wallace has entertained audiences and since 2004 has headlined a show at the Flamingo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. $15 general, $10 UA students. 330-972-7570 or www.UAEVENTS.com.

Sunday, Oct. 9

  • The University of Akron Symphony Orchestra with organist Valerie Thorson — Free. 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 292 East Market St., Akron. Copland’s "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "Our Town" Hovhaness’ Symphony No. 2, "Mysterious Mountain," Sowerby’s Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra.

Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.