Disney-themed homecoming week animates student body

Mercerians participated in a slew of events the week of Oct. 19 to mark the university’s 2015 homecoming season.

The Disney-themed week started off with pumpkin carving in the Quad and a showing of Disney’s “Maleficent” in Willingham Auditorium Sunday evening.

On Monday, a lip sync competition was held in Willingham and featured performances by student organizations, fake singing songs from Disney movies.

“This was my favorite homecoming event. I was really impressed by some of the performances,” said Cody Moran, a freshman.

In the lip sync competition, Alpha Delta Pi and Lambda Chi Alpha took the crown for the Greek organization ranking, while the African Student Association (ASA) and Caribbean Student Association (CSA) placed first for non-Greek affiliated organizations.

On Tuesday, police blocked a portion of Montpelier Avenue at Mercer Village for Mercer’s Got Talent, an event spearheaded by fourth-year students Kaitlynn Jones and Kait Harvey.  Students from Greek and non-Greek affiliated groups gathered to cheer their representatives on at the talent show.

Alan Kim and Abby Henry, who represented Mercer’s Reformed University Fellowship, walked away with the grand prize—a free semester of housing at the lofts.

“I really like homecoming week because it’s a great time to spend time with your friends. My favorite event was the talent show, actually, because my roommate won,” said Micah Givens, a senior. “Alan is a very passionate person.”

Throughout the night, Mercer’s Got Talent was able to raise over $4,000 in donations, which will benefit The Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit that helps low-income families throughout the world build and renovate homes.

“The Fuller Center for Housing is going to be able to impact so many more lives because of [this],” Jones said in an announcement to those who attended Mercer’s Got Talent. “This event just goes to show that Mercerians truly have a generous heart and giving spirit.”

Homecoming week proceeded with the opening of homecoming court voting on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Later that night, field day events were held on Cruz Plaza. There, students were able to participate in activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping.

On Thursday, a Disney-themed skit competition took place in Willingham, where Alpha Tau Omega , Kappa Alpha Psi, and Phi Mu walked away with first place for Greek organizations while ASA and CSA took first place for non-Greek affiliated organizations.

Friday night marked a pep rally in Tattnall Square Park, held in conjuction with Octoberfest—the annual festival celebrating beer, brats and music. Students gathered together to mingle with friends and rally their support for the football team.

On Saturday, alumni and current students alike gathered for pre-game tailgating on campus.  The homecoming game against the Virginia Military Institute started at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon.

During half time, homecoming court was presented and the king and queen were announced.  Gabriel Quintero was crowned homecoming king while Allison Booth was named queen.

Additionally, the overall winners of the homecoming week activities were announced. Alpha Gamma Delta and Kappa Sigma took first place in the greek organization category.

Ultimately, Mercer fell short of securing the win against VMI. The Bears lost, 28-21.