Members of the Aurora University Cheerleading and Dance Team cheer on the Spartans during the 2011 Homecoming football game.

Students are preparing to celebrate a special Homecoming this year with festivities commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the institution’s move from Mendota to Aurora and activities centered around the theme “Back to the Future.” Monday, October 1 marks the beginning of Homecoming Week, which will culminate with the Homecoming football game against Benedictine University on Saturday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field. There will be a variety of activities planned for the week, including an all-campus lunch and fun-filled spirit events.

Monday, October 1

Homecoming King  and Queen Voting – 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Spartan Spot
Pep Rally – 7:00-8:00 p.m,; Thornton Gymnasium
Comedy Stunt Duo: Project Dynamite – 10:00-11:00 p.m.; Crimi Auditorium

Tuesday, October 2

Homecoming King and Queen Voting – 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Dunham Hall Atrium
Back to the Future Buttons – 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Dunham Hall Atrium
Magician: Matt Franco – 10:00-11:00 p.m.; Crimi Auditorium

Wednesday, October 3

Homecoming King and Queen Voting – 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Spartan Spot
Powder Puff Football Game – 4:30-6:30 p.m.; University Quadrangle
Mentalist: Chris Carter – 10:00-11:00 p.m.; Crimi Auditorium

Thursday, October 4

Make Your Own Pepsi Floats – 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Spartan Spot
Comedian: Brian Moote – 10:00 p.m.; University Banquet Hall

Friday, October 5
Spartan Spirit Night – 8:00-11:00 p.m.; Spartan Spot

Saturday, October 6

“Journey of a Lifetime: The Rocky Road from Mendota to Aurora,” a lecture presented by Susan Palmer, PhD – 9:30–10:45 a.m.; Perry Theatre
All-Campus Homecoming Lunch - 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; University Quadrangle
*Lunch is free, but reservations are required. Call 630-844-5486 or email alumni@aurora.edu.
Arrival of the Spartan Torch – 12:45 p.m.; Vago Field
Homecoming Football Game: AU vs. Benedictine University – 1:00 p.m.; Vago Field
Arts and Ideas Concert: New Sousa Band – 7:30 p.m.; Crimi Auditorium
*Reservations are required for this free event. To register, email artsandideas@aurora.edu or visit AUartsandideas.com.