Homecoming

Alumni who still consider their musical skills the pride of the Atlantic Coast Conference will have the opportunity to rejoin The Marching Tar Heels at this Saturday’s Homecoming football game.

The reunion, organized in conjunction with the General Alumni Association, invites past band members to return and once again be part of the experience with a pregame dinner and an invitation to play part of the halftime show.

“The reunion has been in place since before I came in as director in 1975,” said Jeffrey Fuchs, director of UNC bands.

Senior Lorenzo Hopper’s Homecoming project is inspired by the many different organizations — on and off campus — of which he’s been a part.

From his position as an orientation leader and a resident adviser to working in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Hopper said he has learned a lot about identity development and wants to share it with the University.

“For everything UNC has given to me, this project is my best opportunity to give back,” he said.

By Tyler Hardy

Staff Writer

Homecoming queen candidate Lauren Ellis was born at UNC Hospitals — a true Tar Heel born and bred.

More than 20 years later, she is now working to give back to UNC and the surrounding Chapel Hill community.

With her service project, Ellis is focusing on collaborating with The Arc of Orange County, an organization working to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the services and support they need to grow, develop and live in communities across the nation.

Inflatables, free food and games will fill Hooker Fields on Thursday night.

Starting at 6 p.m., the first “Fair Before the Fight” will take place as part of Homecoming.

The fair is part of a plan by Student Body President Jasmin Jones to bring back the excitement that comes with Homecoming games, said senior Tyler Singleton, coordinator for the event.

“One of Jasmin’s goals was to bring Homecoming back to the level of excitement that it once was,” he said.

Homecoming will get a makeover this year with the return of an old tradition: the Homecoming parade.

“Carolina has tons of school spirit, and now we can have this event to get us excited for this important football game against the Blue Devils,” Student Body President Jasmin Jones said.

Jones thought to bring back the Homecoming parade and directed efforts to organize its return.

“It’s really something Jasmin wanted to bring back to the Carolina community,” senior and Homecoming director Courtney Brown said.