This week, UI departments showcased their creative side by decorating their offices with the “Joe for the Gold” homecoming theme.
Homecoming Committee Chairman Emily Rasch said the departments participating in this year’s decorations were all over campus. She said the judges visit each site looking for key aspects in each presentation.
“They are looking for creativity, Vandal pride and adherence to the theme ‘Joe for the Gold,’” Rasch said.
Department decorations have been part of UI’s homecoming festivities for 10 years. Each of the participating departments had their offices decorated Tuesday and judged that morning. The winners were announced at the 13th annual Faculty Staff Alumni Luncheon.
Assistant Chairman for the Homecoming Committee, Lise Welch, was the committee representative judge for this year’s decoration contest. Welch said with the Olympic homecoming theme this year, she favored departments that showed just as much Vandal spirit as they did Olympic spirit.
Welch said as a Vandal she bleeds silver and gold and she is proud to be a Vandal.
“I love homecoming because it brings everyone together,” Welch said. “It’s a time for everyone here at the university and in the community to come out and show their love for this school and for this town.”
The honors program brought home gold for the small office category with their streamer filled office. The look was complete with a large cardboard cutout of Joe Vandal himself and the office lamps doubled as Olympic torches.
The Registrar’s office took first for the large office category. The department had Olympic rings, winner podiums and window decorations. The staff was also part of the exhibit by dressing up in togas and one of their own dressed as Joe Vandal carrying a torch.
Welch said it is important for departments to get involved because it gives them a chance to express their love for the school and their Vandal pride.
“Homecoming is not just a week for the students,” Welch said. “It’s for everyone who loves the University of Idaho.”
The decorations will be up throughout the week of homecoming. The departments encourage students and alumni to take a tour of campus and see all of the creative depictions.
Destiny Alvarez
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