November 07, 2009 — Coral Gables — Thousands of alumni from around the country returned to the “U” to join current students, faculty, and community members to celebrate the University of Miami’s Alumni Weekend and Homecoming 2009 festivities, Friday and Saturday, November 6-7.
Former students had the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and relive old memories on Friday night at the reunion parties on Alumni Avenue, a giant block party featuring class and affinity reunions, as well as school and college gatherings. It also featured cherished UM traditions such as the Homecoming parade, boat burning, and fireworks. The parade was led by Grand Marshal Bennie Blades (former defensive back for the Hurricanes from 1985-1987 and third overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 1988) along with UM President Donna E. Shalala, Sebastian the Ibis, the Band of the Hour, and UM cheerleaders joining 20 colorful floats on the parade route.
The Friday evening festivities were capped off with a concert on the University Green featuring performances by Common and The Wailers.
The weekend was capped off by the annual Homecoming football game, in which the ’Canes took on the Virginia Cavaliers at Land Shark Stadium.
Alumni Avenue was the place for UM graduates to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The giant block party was a highlight of an evening that also included UM traditions such as the Homecoming parade.
The Homecoming Parade was just a prelude to one of UM’s most cherished traditions: the boat burning ceremony and fireworks display along the waterfront of Lake Osceola.
.jpg)
An exciting night of Homecoming festivities included a high-energy concert on the University Green featuring Common, with special guests The Wailers.
