Viking Days committee releases 2011 theme

Even before this academic year draws to a close, the Viking Days Committee is busy planning for Homecoming 2011.

The theme this year, "An Augustana State of Mind" is based on everything New York.

"You don't have to have traveled to New York City to relate to it as a theme," Viking Days Committee Co-Chair sophomore Kristina Johnson said. "It influences our music, it's in our movies and every generation can recognize iconic New York symbols."

The Committee is currently finding performers, programming events and figuring out the budget.

"I love being a part of Viking Days because, as with any event planning group, it is really fulfilling to have an event you've been working on come together," Johnson said. "Having the behind the scenes perspective has taught me a lot about how much goes into planning events for the Augustana community to enjoy."

In the hopes that everyone, including students, alumni, faculty and staff, will be able to get into the spirit of homecoming, the committee aims to integrate the many different areas and traditions of the Big Apple into the themes and events.

"The theme is going to be so fun," Campus Events Co-Chair junior Emma Werling said. "New York is a city with so much going on, so there are so many possibilities for activities and decorations."

The theme will focus on NYC areas such as Broadway, Times Square and Little Italy.

"New York City affects a large part of our culture so it's really easy to apply it to homecoming," Johnson said. "You'll see the theme in the entertainment, decorations and even food!"

Johnson and co-chair sophomore Sanna Horsely selected the theme alongside administration. The collaboration between administration and committee members ensures that the theme fully develops.

"There are some really creative people on campus so it's fun to brainstorm together to bring awesome ideas to Viking Days," Johnson said.

Including advisor Jeff Venekemp, the Central Committee has 27 members. The team recently attended the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) conference in the Twin Cities to get ideas for who to book for entertainment the week of homecoming.

"Basically we are working on ways to best implement the theme in every aspect of Viking Days and make it an enjoyable event for students, faculty, alumni, and community members," Horsely said.

In short, the Homecoming 2011 theme aims to encompass the spirit of Augustana, a place where dreams are made of.

"Homecoming is a unique event that celebrates Augie and its traditions," Werling said. "Everyone comes ‘home' to remember the memories they made here."