This spring, Ashland University will be conducting a Homecoming Theme Contest.  The winning theme will be incorporated into next school year’s homecoming festivities on Oct. 12 and 13, 2012.

To participate, interested students, alumni, faculty and staff should develop a creative theme that embodies the essence of AU as well as highlight the spirit on display during the Homecoming weekend.

For example, themes such as “Cherish the past, soar into the future,” “Forever purple and gold,” and “Honoring the past…connecting the future” have been used during previous years.     

Once the entries are received, staff members in the alumni and student activities offices will look over the possible themes and select 10 finalists.  

The AU Alumni Board of Directors will then have a final vote to decide the best idea at their spring meeting.  

The next step after determining the theme involves informing the Graphics Department of the decision.  

The graphics department will incorporate this theme into various Homecoming publications, including the alumni homecoming brochure, posters around campus and the AU website.

In addition to seeing the theme appear throughout campus, the winner will receive a $50 gift card to the AU bookstore. 

This is the second year that AU has conducted a Homecoming Theme Contest.  Michelle Neville, who works as a Benefits Specialistin the HR department, won last year’s contest.  

Her theme of “Cherish the past, Soar into the future” was selected out of more than 100 entries.

   Besides generating new ideas, the contest serves as a way for students, alumni, faculty and staff to participate in an instrumental event on campus.  

 “It provides an involvement opportunity for all; it also begins promoting Homecoming weekend,” Associate Director of the Alumni & Parent Relations Jill Charlton said.  

   Ultimately, the theme designed by the contest winner will play a key role in Homecoming weekend.  

“Homecoming is an opportunity for the University to showcase itself to alumni, and our students are one of the biggest parts of the University! We want the weekend to be enjoyed by students, alumni, faculty and staff,” Charlton said. 

After formulating a theme, participants should submit their ideas by April 2 to   http://ashland.imodules.com/s/950/index.aspx?sid=950&gid=1&pgid=640&cid=1284.  

Questions can be directed to Jill Charlton at [email protected] or to the Alumni Office at 419.289.5040.