EUGENE–Seven University of Oregon students are playing key roles in bringing back a long-ignored campus tradition–a Homecoming Ball–for UO alumni, current students and their families who will gather in Eugene Oct. 29—31 for Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend.

The ball, "Masquerade in Monte Carlo," is set from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in the Ballroom of the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. Tickets are available on campus at "The Break," the EMU recreation center, and cost $12 for a single or $20 for a couple. Guests may bring their own masks or obtain one at the dance.

The Homecoming Ball idea began last year when Greg Byrd, a senior biochemistry and biology major, decided to do something about the lack of activities for students under 21 years old.

"I thought of putting together a dance, especially after a group of friends told me how they’d dress up formally to have dinner at home because there was not much else they could do in Eugene," says Byrd, a resident of 1365 S.E. 51st Ave., Hillsboro.

At the same time, Norine Madden, a senior in general science and history and a member of the Student Alumni Association, became interested in restarting some of the traditions of Homecoming weekend that had faded away since the 1960s. After doing a little research in the University Archives, she had learned that students used to have 13-story-high Homecoming bonfires, a float parade on the Mill Race, rallies, noise parades and Greek pride events.

"I really got involved because I love the rich tradition of the UO and felt robbed that much of it now only exists in the archives," says Madden, a resident of 3306 King Edwards Court, Eugene. "I wanted to be part of something that would restart those traditions and increase community spirit."

Byrd and Madden became co-chairs of the Homecoming dance committee and started to spread the word to their friends and anyone else who was enthusiastic about the idea.

"Our goal is to bring students back to the university," Byrd says.

He says it was easy to find people to help–students like Charissa Martin who loves to be involved on campus and the challenge of starting new groups. A junior general science major and resident of 2530 Alvarado Terrace S., Salem, she helped by arranging for donations, lining up faculty dealers for the casino and involving the Greek system–students living in fraternities and sororities.

Other people joined the committee, hoping that the formal event can bring back more tradition to the university and its students. That was the attraction for Shannon Cranston, a senior in biology, who planned the casino events and also helped with sponsorships and decorations.

Cranston is assisting Bryan Orthel, a fourth-year architecture student and resident of 3604 N. 2100 E., Filer, Idaho, who took responsibility for coordinating and planning the temporary make over of the lobby of the EMU Ballroom and the adjoining Gumwood Room into a Monte Carlo casino. Faculty and staff will work there as dealers, and students using fake money will play poker, roulette, craps and blackjack.

Jessica Sanders, a senior in art history from Medford, has been coordinating the advertising. She utilized the services of a UO student advertising agency, Allen Hall Advertising, to create the design for a big banner, posters and the dance ticket, which also becomes a key-chain memento.

Marian Fowler, a junior in political science and Romance languages who is a resident of 11080 S.E. 28th Ave., Milwaukie, has been the connection between the Homecoming Ball committee and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) executive staff.

Not only have various campus organizations–the ASUO, Student Alumni Association, Office of Student Life, Greek Life and University Housing–lent their support to this event, but even the Oregon Duck mascot will attend the ball wearing his formal attire. Guests will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with him.

"I really enjoyed getting so much support from members all over campus, and knowing that people like President Dave Frohnmayer are excited for us makes all the planning and the little bumps worth it," says Sanders.

Planning such a huge event from scratch didn’t come without difficulties, especially when the committee had to ask for funding.

"Without a successful track record behind us it was a challenge getting financial support off campus," Madden says.

But the committee’s hard work paid off. Besides receiving off-campus donations, they also obtained funding from student government, housing and student life.

The committee is spending $1,000 on decorations and collected $2,000 for refreshments, desserts and hors d’oeuvres and prizes for an end-of-the-evening auction. Among the prizes are a $1,000 scholarship from Kaplan Educational Centers, $1,000 in Marmot gear from McKenzie Outfitters, 10th-row tickets for a Portland Trail Blazers game, court-side tickets for Duck basketball, lunch for four with President Frohnmayer, a ladies’ dress watch and more.

"It feels nice to know that a dream that once started out as nothing is actually going to happen," says Cranston, a resident of 1036 Cima Dr., San Marcos, Calif. "People are getting excited, girls are getting their formals, guys are getting their tuxes, it is really going to go through!"

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