Central Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) is set to celebrate Homecoming, Spud Bowl, and Family Day on Saturday, October 5. The event promises a variety of activities for all members of the Pointer community.

The Homecoming Hotspot will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goerke Park in Stevens Point. Featured activities include alumni reunions, food trucks such as Stevie’s, college showcases, axe throwing for all ages, inflatable games, face painting, a DJ and photobooth, circus performers, UWSP merchandise for sale, and performances by the Pointer Pep Band. Mascots Stevie and Stephanie Pointer will also make appearances.

At 10 a.m., attendees can join Stevie and Stephanie Pointer at the Dreyfus University Center Concourse for "Pointer Pairs," an event celebrating lasting connections formed at UWSP. Participants must register for $10 to receive an exclusive t-shirt. A shuttle bus will transport participants to the Homecoming Hotspot after the event.

The Pointers football team will play against the UW-Stout Blue Devils at 1 p.m. at Goerke Field. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on game day. This year’s Homecoming will also feature potato-themed activities as part of the Spud Bowl festivities.

Additionally, planetarium programs will run hourly between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., excluding noon, at the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium located on the second floor of the Science Building. These shows are free and open to the public.

Schmeeckle Reserve offers free canoeing and kayaking on Lake Joanis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with guided tours available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., alongside free snacks and beverages at the Visitors Center.

UWSP Doctor of Physical Therapy students are hosting a 5K race through Schmeeckle Reserve starting at 10 a.m. Information about registration can be found online.

Throughout Homecoming week, student activities include movie screenings, ice cream socials, Homecoming Olympics games like “Minute to Win It,” canoe “Battleship” in Champions Hall pool, bingo night, trivia contests, and bed races.

Alumni members of the Black Student Union and Black Student Coalition are invited to reunite on October 5 in the Dreyfus University Center Alumni room for refreshments and storytelling sessions where participants can share memories through various forms of expression.

On Sunday, October 6 from 1-3 p.m., current students will lead a community-wide clean-up organized by the UWSP Student Government Association.

The Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 4 in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room honoring Dean Bryan (track and field), Shirley Egner (women’s basketball), Ben Engelland (wrestling), Kelly Haen (cross country/track and field), Fred Hebert (service to Athletics), Kyle Steiner (track and field), and Jill Van Wychen (softball).

For more information about this year’s homecoming events visit https://give.uwsp.edu/page/homecoming-2024.