Reality TV has been a quick ticket to fame for names such as Taylor Hicks of “American Idol” and Sean Yazbeck of “The Apprentice.” The lives of reality television stars are permanently altered by the shows in which they appear. For some, it’s a new job. For others, it’s a new spouse. For two lucky Northern Kentucky University students, the prize is a crown and an honor.
Homecoming 2007, themed “Back to Reality” (with many activities based on reality television), is a chance for NKU students to come together with a little Norse pride and spirit to crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.
Although not everyone gets to be royalty, the week is packed full of events for those who want to loosen their collars.
Homecoming events kick off Jan. 19 with Relay for Life, a fund raising event for cancer research that will start at 8 p.m. in the Albright Health Center.
“We always want to give back to the community,” said Student Life student chairman Gabe Cronon. “There are lots of students, parents, and faculty members that have been diagnosed with cancer. To include Relay for Life in Homecoming was a very emotional choice. It was one way that we could show pride in the university and still give back to the community.”
Don’t miss the chance to see students showing off their sweet moves Jan. 22 at the Real World, Real Talent Show. Despite the fact that try-outs have already taken place, Josh Gruenke, the Activities Programming Board advisor, thinks it will be a blast for everyone. “I am really looking forward to the talent show,” he said. “There are people performing everything from vocals and dance to comedic acts.” The show is at 7 p.m. in Greaves Concert Hall.
Jet-setting around the world isn’t possible for most college students, but they can get a taste of it at NKU’s Amazing Race Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. on the University Center Plaza.
“It’s going to be a lot like the CBS show,” Cronon said. “There are mental and physical challenges along the course that even I don’t know about. It’s a multiple-leg event where strange and wonderful things will take place.”
After the race, at 7 p.m., there will be a freestyle battle in Regents Hall for those who prefer competition of the musical vein.
Jan. 24 is Black and Gold Spirit Day, so don your NKU gear and show some spirit. At 3 p.m. comic, magician and smart@$$ Michael Kent will be performing.
“He mixes this amazing potion of comedy, magic and sarcasm,” Cronon said. “He’s absolutely hilarious.” If you’re wondering what an adult magic show might be like, here are some examples of Kent’s props: condoms, playing cards and rubber chickens.
Not everyone is crazy about condom comedy, but for people who enjoy a more formal event, the Gold and White Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at The Madison in Covington. Gala events include coronation of the Homecoming Prince and Princess as well as an awards ceremony and desert buffet.
Tickets to the event are $5 each and can be purchased at the Office of Student Life.
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the crowning and coronation of the 2007 Homecoming King and Queen will take place during halftime at the NKU Men’s Basketball game Jan. 28. The game begins at 7:45 p.m.
The homecoming nominations put forward by campus organizations and departments were voted on by the student body at the beginning of the semester, but these votes are only a small part of taking the throne. The nominees whose votes placed them in the top ten also have to submit an essay and undergo extensive interviews by a panel of faculty and student representatives, who then select the King and Queen.