Letter: Assistant director of URI Communications pleased with Homecoming weekend events

10/16/07 - To The Cigar,Hats off to all who made this Homecoming one of the best this alumnus has experienced in several years. From "Rhodyville," and the large and spirited student turnout at the football game to the sparkling evening that included the "Making a Difference" capital campaign kickoff and the President's Distinguished Achievement Awards program, it was a weekend to remember.

When I arrived on my bicycle in front of Keaney Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, "Rhodyville" was a carnival, with the aroma of barbecues and the sound of music filling the air. There were all kinds of fun things for kids and alumni to do.

When I went into Meade Stadium, I chose to sit a few rows above the student section in the east stands. Soon, I was no longer above the students, but surrounded by them. Thousands wore their homecoming T-shirts, their Greek sweatshirts and their Keaney Blue gear. I chatted with a bunch of students from the Student Alumni Association, as well as my URI 101 student mentor, who cheered throughout the game. But they weren't alone-chants of "Let's Go Rhody" broke out regularly. The students were well behaved, supportive of their team and genuinely glad to be part of the festivities.

I only wish I could have made the bonfire and fireworks Friday night. From everything I heard, it was a great celebration.

So hats off to all of the University divisions and departments that made it such a great weekend. But most of all, kudos to all the students who rallied with each other to support their teams and their university. They were the main reason for the resurgence of Rhody Pride during the weekend in Kingston. Go Rhody!

Dave Lavallee
Assistant Director Department of Communications & Marketing
Class of '79, MPA '87