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From the Columbia University Record |
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Homecoming Festival Draws Record Crowd
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, and to be part of Columbia's family at such an important time for the University as we mark our 250th year is really a privilege," said Alumni Association President Charles O'Byrne, CC'81, IA'83, LAW'84. "To see so many generations of Columbians coming together with their families and reacquainting themselves with each other, their classmates and the faculty is what a celebration should be all about." Thousands of alumni and fans gathered outside Wien Stadium at Baker Field to enjoy pre-game homecoming festivities that featured a gourmet barbeque and a family fair. The occasion gave many alumni the opportunity to reconnect with the University and reunite with old classmates and friends. "The thing that is interesting is each time we come back …the celebration gets larger and more exciting," said Harold Shorr, CC'56, who was a student during the 200th anniversary celebration. "It is great to see the camaraderie that's going on. I know Columbia has always been very close, and this proves it even more." "It is wonderful to experience; you can feel the positive vibrations of people renewing ties both with the University and with each other," said former Columbia President Michael I. Sovern, who was able to catch up with many old friends over the homecoming weekend. "We come every year to see old friends and watch the football team, and as you get older you come to appreciate that where you are in life is a result of where you came from," said Ta Li, Engineering '69. Many who came to celebrate the homecoming weekend also came to cheer on a much-improved Columbia football team. Under the direction of new head coach Bob Shoop, the Lions were primed to battle the nationally ranked Penn Quakers. Unfortunately, the Quakers proved too great a force for the up-and-coming Lions, who fell 31-7. But the fervor surrounding the team was considerable, and a record crowd of 13,785 came to show their support. "You see a lot of excitement, you see a lot of enthusiasm for football and the revitalization of big sports at Columbia," said trustee Philip Milstein, CC'71. "People want to come back, the alumni are yearning to come back to the school." From 1934 Columbia College graduate Cliff Montgomery's participation in the ceremonial coin toss to the halftime presentation of student-athlete honors from the winter and fall seasons, the University honored its past, as well as its future. "The place was packed with people who remember their great moments at Columbia and we are all anticipating some great moments in the future," said Columbia College Dean Austin Quigley. To keep up to date with the Columbia Lions football team, log on to www.gocolumbialions.com
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With Columbia matched up against longstanding rival, the undefeated University of Pennsylvania, alumni, classmates, professors, friends and family gathered for one of the oldest traditions in the University's history, its homecoming football game. The kickoff of Columbia's 250th anniversary celebration the previous afternoon only added to the excitement.