Homecoming Success: A First Person Account

by Serene Acloque

Homecoming 2003 was a rousing success at Adelphi University, beginning with Midnight Madness festivities on October 14 and skyrocketing from there with a night of "gambling" and a glorious parade.

Adelphi's annual Casino Night was held on Thursday, October 16. A capacity crowd turned out to play blackjack, poker, roulette and craps, making the evening a smash hit. At the end of the night, it only got better, when students traded in their chips for to win a chance at raffle prizes. Prize included a TV, two types of stereo systems, a palm pilot, Playstation 2, a camera, and a portable DVD player. So for those who weren't there, you missed out on a bleast of a time; and some fantastic prizes, too.

Two days later, the Homecoming Parade marched down Cambridge Avenue, joined by the music from the Adlib Youth Steel Orchestra. Various clubs and organizations showed their school spirit with floats and colorful banners, which were decorated to reflect the theme, Panthers in Paradise. First place for the best banner went to Hillel, an campus organization that promotes Judaism in the Adelphi community. First place in the scavenger hunt went to Latino Students United; Alpha Epsilon Phi won for best float. Phi, who in lieu of their high spirited efforts during the parade as well as throughout the school year should win a prize for showing the most school spirit and Panther pride.

The 2003 Homecoming Court was announced after the Men's Soccer team won 3-1 against St. Francis. Tom Cunningham, one of the stars of the game, and Jessica Pagan, President of SAB were crowned King and Queen.

The weekend was summed up by Scott Pursner, a junior and president of Hillel: "I'd say that homecoming week has been expanding and taking more of a prominent role at Adelphi. It's just amazing how the school spirit and just the general caring about the sports teams at our school have gone up since my freshman year. All we need now is a new band!"

This year's homecoming was an overwhelming accomplishment for the university, and still the students advocate for better food, more money for club budgets, and in Pursner's case, a new Adelphi marching band. Give us students an inch, and we take a mile!