Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona is set to commence its Homecoming week on October 13 with the lighting of 'A' Mountain by the Bobcats Senior Honorary. This event, marking the start of the "Desert Bound" themed celebrations, will run through October 19.

Jonelle Vold, a University of Arizona alumna and senior vice president for alumni engagement at the U of A Foundation, expressed hopes that returning alumni will explore both familiar and new parts of the campus. "Most importantly, I hope they get a chance to talk with a current student and hear about their U of A experience," she said.

During Spirit Week, students from various campus clubs will participate in Club Olympics hosted by the Bobcats Senior Honorary from October 15-17. The event will include a mud tug-of-war. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to showcase their Wildcat spirit through a photo contest on Instagram. Alumni will vote on these photos, which will be displayed during the football game against Colorado on October 19.

"Spirit Week is an opportunity to involve the entire university community in Homecoming," Vold noted.

Another highlight is TEDxUofA: Desert Genius, scheduled for October 18 at Centennial Hall. This event features talks by researchers from U of A covering topics such as urban heat and digital poetry archives. Tickets are available for $5 online.

John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation stated: "TEDxUofA is an incredible showcase of U of A ingenuity."

Other notable events include an Alumni Welcome Lounge from October 16-18, a Class Reunion on October 17, and various activities on October 18 leading up to the football game against Colorado on October 19.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, individuals can visit the Homecoming website.