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Pocono News Section
Homecoming Weekend Changes at Bloomsburg
Homecoming Weekend Changes at Bloomsburg - Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10:39PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 @ 10:39pm EST
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY- Over the last few years Bloomsburg University has come under the spotlight for drinking parties and even riots. Saturday alumni, students and staff came together for their annual homecoming weekend. There was a big change though as the college community tried to shift the focus from booze to bringing everyone together.
The mood at Bloomsburg University Saturday was on fun and friendship. More than 500 alumni came together on the lawn of the alumni house for the first time in a special celebration of homecoming weekend.
Alumni Association President Chris Beadling said, “For the first time, we have an opportunity to bring all of our alumni onto the alumni house lawn and get them to experience Bloomsburg in a different way."
This is the way people have celebrated on past homecoming and block party weekends. Parties spilling out into the streets with both students and alumni getting out of control.
In 2006 at the Bloomsburg block party there were riots and property while just two months ago 15 people were cited or charged in connection with an off campus fraternity party.
Saturday's event on campus did feature alcohol and the university's new president hopes this changes the tide. Bloomsburg University President David Soltz said, “It;s really showing responsible use of alcohol, the way adults should behave. We think it'll be a good role model for our students as well."
As for the alumni, they say the changes this year mean a safer way to celebrate. Bloomsburg alumni Kathy Anderson said, “It’s pretty controlled. There are people here with their children and it really looks like a fun time."
Despite this year's changes, Bloomsburg police are still keeping a close eye on homecoming activities. Officers say there were only three requests for large parties with more than 150 people this year. That's about half the normal requests.
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