Homecoming Unleashed: The much anticipated

Ashley Viera/Contributing Writer

Photo Courtesy of facebook.com/fiu.homecoming

If you’re a student at the University, you might have heard of the various events on campus, one of these possibly being homecoming. Now FIU students have the opportunity to get a little taste of what homecoming will be like in October thanks to an event held in the summer called Homecoming Unleashed.

Homecoming Unleashed is a non-sponsored event held at the Graham Center Pit and at the Betty Chapman Plaza. The start of the event, called “The Reveal,” will be going on from 12-12:30 p.m. at the GC Pit, and then from 12:30-4 p.m. the festivities will be at the Betty Chapman Plaza.

FIU students are zealous about this event, as expressed by several comments on the FIU Homecoming Facebook page, such as, “So excited for FIU HC Presents: Homecoming Unleashed 2012!! I seriously can’t wait!” and “I can’t wait, I’m so excited!”

Some of the activities provided for the celebration include dunk tank, football toss and a balloon popping game. In addition to a plethora of games and activities, there will also be free food, such as an ice cream bar, accompanied by music and giveaways. Many revelations will ensue in this event, such as the artists and comedians that will be making an appearance Homecoming week, which is from Oct. 7-13.

Several clubs will also be attending Homecoming Unleashed as a way to showcase their “boisterous panther spirit,” as stated by Rafael Fatta, Assistant Director of Communications at FIU. Some of these include Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (PC), Student Programming Council (SPC), Student Government Association (SGA), Black Student Union (BSU) and Athletics. The event started as a fairly simple idea from Vanessa Casanueva and Christian Williams. The idea of a reveal being added to the event came from Fatta. Fatta believes it is exceedingly beneficial for FIU students.

“It will be great for students, especially freshmen, to attend this event. They will have a taste of what true panther spirit and FIU pride is, and I believe this is contagious,” Fatta said. “When you attend a Homecoming event, there’s a little spark inside you that ignites a love for our school. Plus, it’s a great way to get free food and giveaways and have some fun in between classes.”

FIU student Stephanine Montes De Oca shared her excitement for Homecoming unleashed as well. “Its  a great way for FIU students, especially freshmen, to feel welcomed and part of the University. It sounds like fun and the giveaways idea is purely awesome.”