Last weekend, Gustavus celebrated the homecoming of its sesquicentennial year. Instead of the week-long student organization competition that the Campus Activities Board has hosted over homecoming in recent years, this year was a much simpler format.

On Monday, Sept. 26, 2011 homecoming week began with the Medallion Hunt. Each day, clues were posted in the Jackson Campus Center at 8:00 a.m. and the first person to find the medallion was rewarded with a Gustavus to-go cold cup. Clues ranged from song lyrics to the scientific names of trees in the Linnaeus Arboretum.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 student organizations participated in a window painting competition. The winning organization, the improv comedy troupe LineUs, was awarded $500 for their creativity.

On Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 organizations participated in the Homecoming Parade, which ran from Norelius Hall through campus to Hollingsworth Field. The two most creative floats, created by the Cheer Team and the Women’s Rugby Team, were each awarded $250 for their efforts.

Following the parade, a pep fest was held in the Alumni Tent set up between Hollingsworth Field and Lund Center. Music was provided by Hot 96 of Mankato, and the event was catered by Famous Dave’s.

Friday night ended with a bonfire on the intramural softball fields and was supposed to include fireworks, which were cancelled due to gaps in insurance and liability concerns.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, Beck Academic Hall was dedicated at 10:30 a.m. This was followed by the Homecoming Football Game, in which Gustavus fell to Concordia with a final score of 37-20.

Saturday ended with a concert in the Alumni Tent, featuring Tyrone Wells, who came to Gustavus last year for homecoming, opening for Eric Hutchinson. Homecoming week concluded with a worship service in Christ Chapel, Sunday, Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m., featuring an alumni choir of over 150 voices.