Homecoming scheduled for October 17-19, 2008
Students, alumni to celebrate changing times

Published: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 by Office of Alumni Relations
Author: Chris Aaland, Director of Alumni Relations

Fort Lewis College will host its 2008 Homecoming from Friday through Sunday, October 17-19.

Traditional events like the parade, bonfire, football game and alumni awards banquet are again on the schedule. Many events are planned specifically with alumni in mind, and the Alumni Association will host special events for the classes of 1958, '68, '78, '88 and '98.

The Homecoming parade will kick off the weekend's events and is slated for 6 p.m. Friday on Main Ave. in downtown Durango. Student and alumni groups will decorate floats themed to "The Times They Are A-Changin'" — a nod to the 1964 Bob Dylan song.

"Times certainly are a-changin' at Fort Lewis College," said Director of Alumni Relations Chris Aaland. "Construction of new buildings has begun, three new academic deans arrived on campus this summer and the Alumni Association is poised to launch its online community and electronic communications package. There's no better time for our alumni to reconnect with their alma mater."

In addition to the Homecoming parade, all alumni are invited to a free reception from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday at Steamworks, located at 801 E. 2nd Ave. in downtown Durango. Complementary appetizers will be served courtesy of the FLC Alumni Association. Specific tables will be reserved for alumni from the classes of '58, '68, '78, '88 and '98. The Steamworks reception is sponsored in conjunction with the Young Professionals of Durango (YPOD), a group of local professionals associated with the Durango Chamber of Commerce. YPOD members are also invited to join FLC alumni at this reception.

During Friday's Steamworks reception, alumni can also choose to visit campus for the bonfire, which begins at sunset. The bonfire usually lasts an hour and includes pep-rally speeches by football coaches and players, the Alumni Association and student body presidents, performances by the Skyhawk cheerleading and dance teams, music, refreshments and more.

At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Alumni Association, Skyhawk Booster Club and Campus Dining will host a tailgate party near the southeast entrance to the football stadium. Lunch will be served and the event is free for alumni, Booster Club members and students with meal plans. Alumni and Booster Club members are also invited to a halftime reception in the same location.

The Skyhawk football team will host defending Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion Chadron State in the 2008 Homecoming football game at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Ray Dennison Memorial Field. Admission costs $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-18 and senior citizens, and free for FLC students and employees with their SkyCard ID and children ages four and younger.

Following the game, the Alumni Association will host its annual awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. in the College Union Ballroom. Award recipients include: FLC President Emeritus Joel M. Jones, Alumni Achievement Award; retired Dolores School District superintendent Larry Archibeque (1974 alumnus), Distinguished Alumnus for the Teacher Education Department; engineering geologist Peter Mesard ('76), Distinguished Alumnus for the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences; Durango High School theatre teacher Mona Wood-Patterson ('82), Distinguished Alumna for the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; U.S. Marines Capt. Matt Stiger ('01) and teacher, freelance writer and homemaker Rachelle Stiger ('01), Distinguished Alumni for the School of Business Administration; Durango Fire & Rescue Authority lieutenant David Tranum ('98), Alumni Award for Community Leadership; and Fort Lewis College Director of the Office of Community Services Ken Francis, Bob Lundquist Award for Faculty/Staff Service to Fort Lewis College Alumni. Cost to attend the dinner is $25 per person.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting at 10 a.m. Sunday in the President's Conference Room in Berndt Hall. Continental breakfast will be served and all alumni are invited to attend. The 60-day election period for four new members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors will close at the start of the annual meeting and the newly-elected board members will immediately begin serving their four-year terms.

Homecoming weekend will conclude with a women's soccer game as the Skyhawks host New Mexico Highlands at 2:30 p.m. on Dirks Field. Admission will cost $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-18 and senior citizens, and free for FLC students and employees with their SkyCard ID and children ages four and younger.

For more information, contact Director of Alumni Relations Chris Aaland at aaland_c@fortlewis.edu or 970-247-7427.

Author Chris Aaland is the Director of Alumni Relations at Fort Lewis College and a 1991 graduate with degrees in business administration and English/communications.

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