Upper Iowa University to celebrate a virtual 'Peacock Strong' Homecoming

Fayette, IA (09/18/2020) — In other years, Upper Iowa University (UIU) would be making final preparations to host a large contingent of returning alumni and the entire UIU community at Fayette Campus for its annual Homecoming celebration. While some of this year's activities have been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the University is excited to offer opportunities for alumni and the entire UIU community to safely enjoy several new interactive Homecoming offerings September 27 - October 1.

"The health and safety of our students, employees and extended UIU family remains our top priority," said Andrew Wenthe, UIU vice president for external affairs. "With that in mind, in lieu of people coming to Campus, the UIU Homecoming Committee has reimagined 2020 Homecoming festivities in a way that preserves tradition and fosters UIU pride, all while keeping our community safe and 'Peacock Strong.' We are hopeful that we can return to a more time-honored celebration in 2021."

Among the traditions set to be livestreamed are the Homecoming parade and coronation ceremony on Wednesday, September 30. All Peacock Honk & Holler Homecoming Parade participants are required to wear face coverings and should meet at 1:30 p.m. outside the Peacock Arts & Athletic Center. Meanwhile, students will cast digital votes for Homecoming King and Queen. The public is invited to visit the UIU Homecoming Facebook event page at 7:30 p.m. to view the bonfire and coronation of this year's royalty online.

Likewise, the annual President's Fundraising Ball will be transformed into a Virtual Homecoming Fundraiser on Friday, October 2. Over the years, proceeds from the President's Ball have benefited UIU students and the University's emerging needs. This year's goal is to raise $200,000 during Homecoming Week. Online gifts are accepted at uiu.edu/PresidentsBall. The site also includes a list of all sponsors, a donor wall, and a video library featuring alumni and student success stories.

The complete Peacock Strong Homecoming virtual schedule is as follows:

Sunday - September 27
Student Fashion Show
Students show off the latest trends and hottest fashions during the "mask-querade" event at 7 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms. Hosted by Beta Theta Omega, the style show will be featured live on the Homecoming Facebook event page.

Monday - September 28
Spirit Attire Day
Kick off Homecoming week by wearing UIU gear and a Homecoming button at work, school or home. Unite with Peacock Pride!

Blue Pride Worldwide & Window Painting
The UIU community is invited to decorate their homes, businesses, offices or dorm rooms in this year's "Peacock Strong" theme. This creativity can be shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page. All who submit their photos and videos will be entered into a drawing for Peacock gear, sponsored by the UIU Alumni Association.

Alumni Awards
Each of the five distinguished Alumni Award honorees will be introduced and their acceptance remarks shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page. Award categories include Service to Country, Service to Community, Service to University, Emerging Alumni, and Professional Accomplishment.

Tuesday - September 29
Chalk It Up
Chalk up UIU's school spirit on your sidewalk or driveway. Upload photos of Peacock Spirit to the Homecoming Facebook event page.

1970 Golden Anniversary
The Upper Iowa University Class of 1970 celebrates its 50th anniversary. Spotlight stories, throwback photos and moments in history will be shared all day long on the Homecoming Facebook event page. The honored alumni are encouraged to share funny stories, favorite photos, messages about inspirational faculty and staff, or how UIU influenced their lives. The responses will be shared in a virtual compilation. Members of the Class of 1970 will also receive a 50-year medallion by mail.

Homecoming Art Exhibit
Hosted by the School of Arts & Sciences, alumnus Andrew J. Wroble '11 is this year's featured artist. Wroble's online video can be viewed at uiu.edu/art-on-campus/bing-davis-memorial-gallery/. Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in Edgar Fine Arts Hall at UIU's Fayette Campus. The gallery is open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to change. Social distancing and face coverings are required at the Gallery and at Fayette Campus.

Wednesday - September 30
Peacock Honk & Holler Parade
Community members are invited to decorate a vehicle and join the "Honk & Holler" caravan through Fayette. All participants are required to wear face coverings and should meet at 1:30 p.m. outside the Peacock Arts & Athletic Center. Led by the Fayette Police and Fire departments, the parade will be shared on the Homecoming Facebook event page.

Agates, Crystals and Geodes Display
UIU professor of geosciences and Delano Professor of Science Dr. Kata McCarville will help identify rocks, minerals and fossils remotely. Photo submissions should show all angles of the subject while using a plain light-colored background, diffused lighting without shadows, and a ruler or an item to view for scale. Email pictures to McCarville at mccarvillek@uiu.edu.

Thursday - October 1
UIU Archives
Have you ever wondered if UIU has any old photos or articles featuring someone you know? Henderson-Wilder Library is home to the UIU Archives. For additional information or to send a request, contact UIU archivist Janette Garcia at 563-425-5722 or archives@uiu.edu. Copies of materials may be shared via mail or email. If you have a great story to share, visit the online Peacock Proud Discussion Board at uiu.libguides.com/archives/write-your-peacock-story.

UIU Heritage, History and Headstones Virtual Tour
History buffs are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the Grandview Cemetery, located near Fayette. Grandview is the final resting place for many luminaries in UIU and Fayette history, including UIU's founder Elizabeth Alexander, Civil War veteran Henry James Grannis, actress Zinita B. Graf, coach John "Doc" Dorman, and longtime UIU supporters William and Betty Andres. A virtual tour will be available soon. Contact Dr. Kata McCarville at mccarvillek@uiu.edu for more information.

Homecoming Coronation
The public is invited to visit the Homecoming Facebook event page at 7:30 p.m. to view the bonfire and crowning of this year's Homecoming royalty.

Friday - October 2
Spirit Attire Day
Wear UIU gear to show the Peacock school spirit.

Virtual Homecoming Fundraiser
Online gifts are accepted at uiu.edu/PresidentsBall. The site also includes a list of all the generous sponsors, a donor wall, and a video library featuring alumni and student success stories.

Saturday - October 1
Hooray for the Heritage Society!
Heritage Society members are recognized. These generous individuals have included UIU in their estate plans ensuring the University's continued success for generations to come. For a complete list of members or to check out the free will-writing tool, visit uiu.edu/HeritageSociety.

UIU's Peacock Strong Homecoming event schedule, Facebook Live link and other information can be found at uiu.edu/homecoming. Be sure to join the UIU Homecoming 2020 Facebook event page to follow the excitement and enter to win daily prize giveaways, sponsored by the UIU Alumni Association.

Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, campus, 21 U.S. locations in Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, and a location in Hong Kong.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus, 21 U.S. locations, as well as a location in Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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