Homecoming 2009 theme, dates announced

First Alderdice award to be given

The homecoming steering committee at KU has chosen “Peace. Love. Jayhawks.” as the theme for homecoming week, which begins Oct. 3, and ends Oct. 10, when the Jayhawks play Iowa State in Memorial Stadium.

“We went through several theme ideas and are very excited about ‘Peace. Love. Jayhawks,’ said Ashley Moser, co-director of the committee.

As in previous years, homecoming week will include events that gain competing groups points. An overall winner will be announced at halftime of the homecoming football game. The week also features events for past, present and future Jayhawks to celebrate being part of the KU family.

The homecoming steering committee will encourage the use of sustainable materials and environmentally friendly techniques during the week’s events.

The homecoming steering committee and the KU Alumni Association also have established an award to recognize longtime alumni association employee Jennifer Alderdice, who recently left her position as assistant vice president of student programs.

The winner of the Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award will be selected based on outstanding dedication, initiative, motivation, positive attitude and contributions to the KU community, specifically in the form of school spirit and homecoming.

“We decided to create an award in Jen’s honor because she has done so much for homecoming during her years as an adviser,” said Moser. “We have been so lucky to have her help us plan many successful homecomings and we will miss having her great enthusiasm and encouragement around throughout the whole homecoming process.”

The winner will be presented at the end of homecoming week.

“Homecoming is one of the great traditions at the University of Kansas, and Jen Alderdice has been its greatest champion,” said Mike Davis, senior vice president for alumni, student and membership programs for the KU Alumni Association. “As the adviser to the homecoming steering committee, Jen has displayed leadership, energy and enthusiasm for all of the great activities of homecoming week. As well, she worked at the KU Alumni Association for 13 years and mentored countless students as the adviser of the Student Alumni Association.”