UIndy celebrates record-breaking Homecoming Weekend

Thousands of University of Indianapolis alumni and friends joined students, faculty and staff for 2017 Homecoming Weekend. The University capped off a busy week of reunions, honors and events with a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title and the extension of UIndy football’s winning streak.

The University’s new WeatherSTEM station was dedicated to the memory of William Gommel, professor of mathematics & earth-space science (1965-1992). The WeatherSTEM station is the result of faculty and student collaborations to bring new technology to monitor and research weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. Carly Nicholson ’17 (earth-space science) hatched the idea of a weather station with associate professor Tim Duman nearly three years ago and authored a grant to secure financial support for the unit. Alumnus Bob Green ’70 made a donation to bring the project to fruition.

Hundreds gathered to recognize the 2017 Alumni Award recipients during the Honors & Recognition Dinner, including Larry Miller ’62 (Distinguished Alumni Award), Tamara Wolske ’05 (Distinguished Faculty/Staff Alumni Award), Daniel Del Real ’05 (Distinguished Young Alumni Award), Tom ’64 and Mary Kay ’65 Anthony (Gene and JoAnne Sease Award) and former Indianapolis Mayor and Visiting Fellow Greg Ballard (Honorary Alumni Award). Watch interviews with the honorees.

Homecoming Day started off with the 4th annual Hound Hustle 5K Run/Walk, with proceeds supporting student scholarships and programs. Alumni, faculty and students attended the President’s Lunch & Founders Day Celebration, hosted on the lawn of Good Hall, to hear the importance of this landmark building in the educational experience for more than 110 years. Get an update here.

The Department of Criminal Justice celebrated its 45th anniversary with the announcement of the Criminal Justice Education Lab, a University-owned training facility that will be opening soon near campus. The Marion County Forensics Services Agency hosted a mock crime scene for visitors in the president’s home as part of the celebration.

Building on the traditions of Homecoming, the University unveiled a new float during the Homecoming Parade. Dozens of students, faculty, staff and friends built the float, designed by Department of Art & Design faculty, in the weeks leading up to Homecoming Day, marking a new legacy of collaboration.

After the parade and Tailgate Town, the biggest excitement was yet to come. The University set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title for the most high-fives with a university mascot in one minute during halftime at the Homecoming Game. Ace the Greyhound recorded 128 high-fives with students, faculty and staff to win the title for UIndy. Watch the video here.

Jasmine Coe ’19 (nursing) and Braylen Morgan ’18 (communication) were crowned Homecoming queen and king, with President Rob Manuel presiding.

UIndy football ended the night by recording the team’s best start since 1997 to go 5-0 with a 34-19 win over Truman State.