All eyes on Brick City Homecoming weekend

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RIT’s Brick City Homecoming & Family Weekend is traditionally a time to reunite with students, alumni and family and to celebrate the campus’ unique spirit.

“With more than 17,800 people in attendance last year, the 2013 weekend—Oct. 10–13—is expected to draw an even bigger crowd with a little something for everyone,” says Michelle Seger, managing director of Special Events and Conferences in RIT’s Office of Government and Community Relations.

Astronaut Mark Kelly and former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will speak as the Student Government Horton Distinguished Speakers at 2 p.m. Oct. 12 in RIT’s Gordon Field House and Activities Center. The couple’s speech, titled “Endeavor to Succeed,” will explore goals, perseverance and managing difficult situations. Tickets are $10 for RIT students, $15 for RIT faculty/staff/alumni/parents and $25 for general public. Tickets are available at the RIT University Arenas website.

On Jan. 8, 2011, a gunman opened fire at an event in Tucson, Ariz., and Giffords was shot in the head. Giffords survived, returning to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives less than seven months after her injury. In their best-selling memoir, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope, Kelly and Giffords share their story of hope and resilience.

Other highlights of the weekend include:

• The RIT women’s hockey team, playing its second season at the Division I level, will host Vermont at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Ritter Arena. The women’s hockey team will host Vermont again at 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Ritter Arena. Tickets are free for RIT students, $4 for RIT faculty/staff/alumni/parents and $5 for general public. Tickets are available at the RIT University Arenas website.
• The Presidents’ Alumni Ball allows RIT alumni, along with classmates, family and friends, to join RIT President Bill Destler and Alumni Association President Ricardo Venegas ’92 for an evening of celebration. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11, followed by a three-course dinner with wine, dancing, Vegas-style games and live music by The Gap Mangione New Big Band at RIT’s Gordon Field House. Tickets are $100 per person and are available through RIT’s Brick City Homecoming Office.
• The men’s hockey homecoming game versus Michigan will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Blue Cross Arena. This year marks the first time that reserved seating is in effect for the game at Blue Cross Arena.
• The Brick City 5K Fun Walk and Run will take people on a last lap around campus at 10 a.m. Oct. 13, starting and ending at Grace Watson Hall. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and is free for RIT students. Registration will be $10 for all other participants through Sept. 30, $15 Oct. 10–12 and $20 the day of the event.

Tickets for RIT students/faculty/staff/alumni can be purchased in person at the Gordon Field House Box Office with valid RIT ID.