Homecoming 2012

   With the recent success of blockbusters such as Marvel’s “The Avengers,” “The Amazing Spiderman” and DC Comics’ “The Dark Knight Rises,” plus the promise of sequels for Iron Man and Thor in the near future, it seems only fitting that Homecoming 2012 has a superhero theme.

“We’re calling it ‘A Super Homecoming,’” said Sam Sosa-Rodriguez, coordinator of the Student Engagement and Leadership Center and senior cellular and molecular biochemistry major. “It was voted on by students who attended the Campus Activities Board meetings every Monday at the Union West.  We toss up ideas, vote on the top three or so, and then vote on the top selection.”

The theme seems to be generating a positive response from students who are already superhero fans.

“I think the theme is cool because there have been a lot of movies that came out this year and there has been a lot of hype,” said Corina Salas, sophomore pre-business major. “I really like Super Woman so I think this is really great. I also think a lot of people might dress up because they are planning on dressing up as heroes for Halloween so they can just use their costumes here too.”

Homecoming festivities began on Oct. 14 with a commitment to fitness walk and run at 8 a.m. and the Student Government Association’s homecoming pageant at 6 p.m. at the Magoffin Auditorium.

A lip sync competition between student organizations is scheduled on Oct. 17 and the homecoming parade and pep rally will take place Oct. 19 at noon. The homecoming football game against Tulane University will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20. Registered student organizations that signed up to participate during homecoming will be encouraged to dress up in superhero costumes for these events.

“The last three years have been so different because we make each applying group or RSO select a sub theme out of a hat,” Sosa-Rodriguez said. “For example, this year’s theme is superheroes, but one group will be Superman, while another will be Batman, and so on.  This has made each homecoming so different within itself, and each team stands out apart from each other. This year their lip sync skits and their parade floats will have to portray their super hero.”

Different organizations are trying to come up with ways to link their assigned heroes to their own purposes and beliefs as a group.

“My organization, Bilingual Education Student Organization’s superhero is Captain America,” said Rene Balandran, sophomore pre-education major. “We’re taking the concept of being super teachers, and we’ll be taking apples and placing them in the middle of Captain America’s shield instead of the star. This concept is great for us because in our own ways we’re super heroes to kids. They look up to us and see us doing it all.”

Some students plan on taking the theme and making it their own in unique ways.

“Super heroes are awesome. I’ll wear a cape made of a garbage bag that says ‘Low Budget Girl,’” said Valerie Rocha, freshman art major.

Rebecca Guerrero may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.