Centennial Hoopla VS. Backyard BBQ

[mujersey]

Just had it confirmed by MU Ticket Office that there's no MU Backyard BBQ this year, and that the Centennial Hoopla is the event replacing it (at least for this year).  Big-time-bummer....although the Hoopla event seems pretty cool, it's not cool at $125 per person when taking the family.  My children really love attending the family-friendly BBQ event which allows them to not only interact with the men's BB team, but all athletic teams.  They've been to three of them, and they'll be saddened to hear there's no MU BBQ this year.

[The Lens]

This is only half as bad as MU killing reunion weekend and folding it into Homecoming in the fall.

[GGGG]

Eh only have so many people to plan events.  It happens.

[GooooMarquette]

I always thought the BBQ was awesome.  Hopefully it's just a one-year hiatus

[Lennys Tap]

I really liked the "Centennial Hoopla" idea, but not at the expense of the barbecue. Events providing access for all fans (especially the kids) should take precedence over those limited to the well heeled.

[wildbillsb]

I always thought the BBQ was awesome.  Hopefully it's just a one-year hiatus

Ditto.

[barfolomew]

Blue & Gold Fund‏ @MUBlueGoldFund  2h2 hours ago

 FAQ: The 100th #mubb Hoopla Celebration will substitute annual @muathletics BBQ, which will return in summer 2018. http://Go.mu.edu/Hoopla

0 replies 1 retweet 0 likes

[tower912]

One time event because it is, wait for it, the Centennial celebration of MU hoops.  If they did nothing to mark the anniversary, people would complain about that too.

[GooooMarquette]

One time event because it is, wait for it, the Centennial celebration of MU hoops.  If they did nothing to mark the anniversary, people would complain about that too.

I don't think anyone is complaining about the Centennial celebration.  We are just sad about the loss of the BBQ.  Fortunately, we now know it's a one-year hiatus.

[hdog1017]

I really enjoy BBQ.  Especially brisket. 

[Billy Hoyle]

This is only half as bad as MU killing reunion weekend and folding it into Homecoming in the fall.

is that a one-time thing? I was planning to attend next year and hopefully stay in McCormick for one last time with the wife, also a former McCormick resident.

[The Lens]

is that a one-time thing? I was planning to attend next year and hopefully stay in McCormick for one last time with the wife, also a former McCormick resident.

They're not sure.  They really want to build up the block party.  IMO it's a bad move, Oct for older alums (those with kids) is a lot harder to get away than late July and let's face it, MKE in the summer is fantastic, MKE in October could be great could be brutal. 

[warriorchick]

They're not sure.  They really want to build up the block party.  IMO it's a bad move, Oct for older alums (those with kids) is a lot harder to get away than late July and let's face it, MKE in the summer is fantastic, MKE in October could be great could be brutal.

As of now, the summer reunion is no more. I won't get into the details, but I was at a meeting where we were told that the decision to put on a Fall Homecoming was literally conceived and greenlighted in a single afternoon.  My understanding is that they killed Renunion Weekend because they couldn't afford to do both.

I think it is stupid, and I made my feelings known to Advancement.   Call Advancement if you agree with me, because that is the only way they are going to know how the alumni feel about it.

Billy, if it makes you feel any better, there was no way you were going to stay in McCormick, anyway.  To my knowledge that has never been a place to put alums (it's normally Straz and Mashuda), and it is currently being used to house students who are staying over to take summer classes.

[The Lens]

As of now, the summer reunion is no more. I won't get into the details, but I was at a meeting where we were told that the decision to put on a Fall Homecoming was literally conceived and greenlighted in a single afternoon.  My understanding is that they killed Renunion Weekend because they couldn't afford to do both.

I think it is stupid, and I made my feelings known to Advancement.   Call Advancement if you agree with me, because that is the only way they are going to know how the alumni feel about it.

Thanks Chick.  Glad to know I'm not the only one.  This is my 20 year and I just cannot believe it's in October.   I have talked with advancement about it, I'm on my class reunion committee and try to remind them every time that this is a mistake.

[jsglow]

Ironic that the Reunion topic pops up today.  I've served on the '83 Reunion Committee for 10 years and actually participated in an official telephonic meeting today. 

It is accurate to say that Reunion is now a Fall event in conjunction with Homecoming week.  More details will be forthcoming shortly.  Expect the Fall scenario to be permanent.  One of the stated benefits will be the ability to enhance networking between on campus students and alumni, something not possible in the summer.  The university does recognize that not everyone will be able to travel in the Fall and is prepared to be willing to accept that in the hopes that the 'combo week' represents an overall enhancement.  But no one should view this as a 'one time' event analogous to the Hoopla vs. BBQ situation.  I probably shouldn't say more until the various announcements are made.

[Billy Hoyle]

As of now, the summer reunion is no more. I won't get into the details, but I was at a meeting where we were told that the decision to put on a Fall Homecoming was literally conceived and greenlighted in a single afternoon.  My understanding is that they killed Renunion Weekend because they couldn't afford to do both.

I think it is stupid, and I made my feelings known to Advancement.   Call Advancement if you agree with me, because that is the only way they are going to know how the alumni feel about it.

Billy, if it makes you feel any better, there was no way you were going to stay in McCormick, anyway.  To my knowledge that has never been a place to put alums (it's normally Straz and Mashuda), and it is currently being used to house students who are staying over to take summer classes.

Thanks for the response. Disappointing to read. October is one of my toughest tines to get away and Milwaukee isn't a preferred destination from my home in October.

As for McCormick, I was hoping they'd rent it out for Reunion to us Round Town alumni for one last trip down memory lane since it will soon be no more.

[Billy Hoyle]

when is McCormick slated to close, by the way?

[warriorchick]

when is McCormick slated to close, by the way?

Next school year is its last.

If Marquette was serious about raising some money, it would hold a big McCormick demolition watching party and auction off the right to push the plunger.

[GGGG]

I was at the Reunion weekend twice the past few years and the attendance was rather dismal IMO.

That being said, it's not going to be better in October.  This is an issue facing a lot of schools by the way.  Alumni aren't participating in events like they used to. 

[Billy Hoyle]

Next school year is its last.

If Marquette was serious about raising some money, it would hold a big McCormick demolition watching party and auction off the right to push the plunger.

I've felt the same way about Lalumiere. 4 semesters of Spanish....

[barfolomew]

Next school year is its last.

If Marquette was serious about raising some money, it would hold a big McCormick demolition watching party and auction off the right to push the plunger.

Only if it comes with a t-shirt that has a picture of McCormick that says "I crushed the beer can".

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

As of now, the summer reunion is no more. I won't get into the details, but I was at a meeting where we were told that the decision to put on a Fall Homecoming was literally conceived and greenlighted in a single afternoon.  My understanding is that they killed Renunion Weekend because they couldn't afford to do both.

I think it is stupid, and I made my feelings known to Advancement.   Call Advancement if you agree with me, because that is the only way they are going to know how the alumni feel about it.

Billy, if it makes you feel any better, there was no way you were going to stay in McCormick, anyway.  To my knowledge that has never been a place to put alums (it's normally Straz and Mashuda), and it is currently being used to house students who are staying over to take summer classes.

Thanks Chick.  Will do.
I saw the ad on the back of the latest Marquette Mag and uttered a "WTF?  I hope this is a one time deal." 
If it stays in October, I'll most likely never go again.  My wife is a teacher and October is a non-starter and travel is out of the question.  My older daughter will be in college and younger daughter a graduating HS Senior by my next one, but I would never have gone in October when they were younger.  I would not have pulled them out of school and since I drove out from Connecticut for the last two and incorporated into a family vacation, driving would not be an option in October.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Ironic that the Reunion topic pops up today.  I've served on the '83 Reunion Committee for 10 years and actually participated in an official telephonic meeting today. 

It is accurate to say that Reunion is now a Fall event in conjunction with Homecoming week.  More details will be forthcoming shortly.  Expect the Fall scenario to be permanent.  One of the stated benefits will be the ability to enhance networking between on campus students and alumni, something not possible in the summer.  The university does recognize that not everyone will be able to travel in the Fall and is prepared to be willing to accept that in the hopes that the 'combo week' represents an overall enhancement.  But no one should view this as a 'one time' event analogous to the Hoopla vs. BBQ situation.  I probably shouldn't say more until the various announcements are made.

Another note on the reunion subject, last year and in also 2011 about 4 fellow alumni only came to reunion weekend because I was there.  3 of the 4 live in Greater Milwaukee area.  The quote I heard was that if I can make they have no excuse NOT to come, so they came.
I get the impression a lot of Milwaukee area alums are in and around campus for various reasons throughout the year already and don't eel the need of attending reunion events.

[jsglow]

Thanks Chick.  Will do.
I saw the ad on the back of the latest Marquette Mag and uttered a "WTF?  I hope this is a one time deal." 
If it stays in October, I'll most likely never go again.  My wife is a teacher and October is a non-starter and travel is out of the question.  My older daughter will be in college and younger daughter a graduating HS Senior by my next one, but I would never have gone in October when they were younger.  I would not have pulled them out of school and since I drove out from Connecticut for the last two and incorporated into a family vacation, driving would not be an option in October.

That's been the argument.  Truth be told, I understand that this was originally VanDerhoef's brainchild but that Mike totally jumped onboard.  The rest of the troops then fell in line to protect their phony baloney jobs.  Even though I am very close to numerous high level Advancement type folks, no one is willing to walk off the reservation even privately.  When it crashes and burns in 2-3 years we'll see what's next.  But do understand that it's permanent until then.

[warriorchick]

And it gets worse in the homecoming vs. reunion situation. I just received a copy of the schedule for Homecoming Weekend this year, and all of the class-specific parties (class of 87,class of 82, etc.) are on Friday night. While Marquette Madness is going on in the Al.

[real chili 83]

And it gets worse in the homecoming vs. reunion situation. I just received a copy of the schedule for Homecoming Weekend this year, and all of the class-specific parties (class of 87,class of 82, etc.) are on Friday night. While Marquette Madness is going on in the Al.

You gotta be kidding.

[warriorchick]

You gotta be kidding.

I wish I was, my friend.  I can't find any place online that shows both events on the same page, but the brochure I was given shows they are both on the evening of October 6.  Madness starts at 7, and the class reunion events are typically starting around 7:30.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Any chance going to madness is part of the party?  That seems like a huge miscommunication or a terrible idea.

[real chili 83]

I wish I was, my friend.  I can't find any place online that shows both events on the same page, but the brochure I was given shows they are both on the evening of October 7.  Madness starts at 7, and the class reunion events are typically starting around 7:30.

Well, they have a year to get it right.

[warriorchick]

Any chance going to madness is part of the party?  That seems like a huge miscommunication or a terrible idea.

The parties are at various places across Milwaukee, so no.

[brewcity77]

I wish I was, my friend.  I can't find any place online that shows both events on the same page, but the brochure I was given shows they are both on the evening of October 7.  Madness starts at 7, and the class reunion events are typically starting around 7:30.

[cheebs09]

I don't see the big deal. Madness is usually pretty full with students. There's room for some alumni and families, but I wouldn't say enough to have it a part of alumni weekend. Is the outdoor block party before Madness on the schedule of events?

I think the amount of alumni that think it's a big deal is pretty small outside of this board.

[warriorchick]

I don't see the big deal. Madness is usually pretty full with students. There's room for some alumni and families, but I wouldn't say enough to have it a part of alumni weekend. Is the outdoor block party before Madness on the schedule of events?

I think the amount of alumni that think it's a big deal is pretty small outside of this board.

Why should alums have to choose? Even if it was on the same weekend, wouldn't it be better to give them the chance to attend both, and as a result, get more of them excited for the basketball season?

[real chili 83]

I don't see the big deal. Madness is usually pretty full with students. There's room for some alumni and families, but I wouldn't say enough to have it a part of alumni weekend. Is the outdoor block party before Madness on the schedule of events?

I think the amount of alumni that think it's a big deal is pretty small outside of this board.

All of the important alum are on this board

[Dr. Blackheart]

I don't see the big deal. Madness is usually pretty full with students. There's room for some alumni and families, but I wouldn't say enough to have it a part of alumni weekend. Is the outdoor block party before Madness on the schedule of events?

I think the amount of alumni that think it's a big deal is pretty small outside of this board.

If this is the case then MU should have kept Alumni Weekend in July.

[warriorchick]

All of the important alum are on this board

[rocket surgeon]

I've felt the same way about Lalumiere. 4 semesters of Spanish....

big dittos to this

what about autioning off the room number plates from Mc -i'll take room # 910-big $$ right here-lotts of memories/chit happened behind that door

[MUEng92]

big dittos to this

what about autioning off the room number plates from Mc -i'll take room # 910-big $$ right here-lotts of memories/chit happened behind that door

I'll take 1012 if they are giving it away.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Why should alums have to choose? Even if it was on the same weekend, wouldn't it be better to give them the chance to attend both, and as a result, get more of them excited for the basketball season?

Yes. 

If this doesn't change I'll never make a reunion ever again. 
Despite it being Columbus Day weekend, I won't be able to come with kids or wife who teaches.  There after no vacation days during the school year.

[Jay Bee]

And it gets worse in the homecoming vs. reunion situation. I just received a copy of the schedule for Homecoming Weekend this year, and all of the class-specific parties (class of 87,class of 82, etc.) are on Friday night. While Marquette Madness is going on in the Al.

Not sure how long Madness will go, but... most of the parties are from 7:30 - 11:30pm... Madness starts at 7... could hit Madness, then still have plenty of time to hit the bar if desired...

[GGGG]

Not sure how long Madness will go, but... most of the parties are from 7:30 - 11:30pm... Madness starts at 7... could hit Madness, then still have plenty of time to hit the bar if desired...

Yeah I think people are getting a little picky here.  So Marquette shouldn't have scheduled anything else during Madness?  Even though there is limited seating available?

And while I do understand what MU Fan in CT is saying, I understand why Marquette went to the fall schedule.  The summer reunions were nice, but there was nothing really happening on campus.  No students.  No sporting events.  At least in the fall there is some life.  I mean, they should try it and if it doesn't work, feel free to switch back.

That said, I do wonder about having an outdoor concert on October 8.  That seems risky.

[cheebs09]

Why should alums have to choose? Even if it was on the same weekend, wouldn't it be better to give them the chance to attend both, and as a result, get more of them excited for the basketball season?

I just assume Madness is a student event, especially in the administration's mind. I could see them not wanting to risk turning away students.

I also think 85% of alumni won't know it's going on or care.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I just assume Madness is a student event, especially in the administration's mind. I could see them not wanting to risk turning away students.

I also think 85% of alumni won't know it's going on or care.

Except the Block Party goes till 7PM across from The Al that is built around Madness.  Students, parents and alums all in one weekend. Worth a try.

Alumni Summer Weekend seemed to decline in recent years as Marquette's effort waned.

[real chili 83]

Class of '83 always shows up.

[jsglow]

Class of '83 always shows up.

Your Official Reunion Committee has sumpin' in the works bro. 

[real chili 83]

Your Official Reunion Committee has sumpin' in the works bro. 

If it's you and Copper, we are in good hands.  Let me know if you could use another helper. 

[CKCS]

That's been the argument.  Truth be told, I understand that this was originally VanDerhoef's brainchild but that Mike totally jumped onboard.  The rest of the troops then fell in line to protect their phony baloney jobs.  Even though I am very close to numerous high level Advancement type folks, no one is willing to walk off the reservation even privately.  When it crashes and burns in 2-3 years we'll see what's next.  But do understand that it's permanent until then.

Homecoming was not VanDerhoef's brainchild...it was someone else's idea.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Homecoming was not VanDerhoef's brainchild...it was someone else's idea.

Hearing he got Lovelled, ai-na?

[warriorchick]

Homecoming was not VanDerhoef's brainchild...it was someone else's idea.

Since you apparently created an account just to post this, how about telling us why you would know this information?  Just asking.

[wadesworld]

Just like the complaining about losing the free Backyard BBQ event turned out to be a waste of time, my guess is so too will the complaining about the change of homecoming weekend.  Before we complain, maybe we should wait it out to see if there's something worth complaining about.

[jsglow]

So I trust you guys saw that they booked Fitz and the Tantrums for HC.  I had heard that something big was in the works but I gotta give 'em props on this.

[MUDPT]

Just like the complaining about losing the free Backyard BBQ event turned out to be a waste of time, my guess is so too will the complaining about the change of homecoming weekend.  Before we complain, maybe we should wait it out to see if there's something worth complaining about.

Backyard BBQ was not free...

[real chili 83]

So I trust you guys saw that they booked Fitz and the Tantrums for HC.  I had heard that something big was in the works but I gotta give 'em props on this.

We need YIPES! for next year.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Just like the complaining about losing the free Backyard BBQ event turned out to be a waste of time, my guess is so too will the complaining about the change of homecoming weekend.  Before we complain, maybe we should wait it out to see if there's something worth complaining about.

If you were a student, would you be looking forward to attending the Homecoming concert with your parents and some drunk rando alumni like JayBee? Can you say Casey and the Sunshine Band, ai-na?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Honestly, I love the Marquette is trying to start a homecoming event. Didn't know what I had missed until I went to grad schools and got to experience it. I was at a pretty unknown D2 school and even there it was a blast. With Marquette's resources, they should be able to make it a solid tradition. I question the timing of madness and the reunion parties, but details can be worked out.

Even though homecoming is technically about the alumni "coming home" it should really be about the current students. I think moving it from the summer to the fall makes a lot of sense.

[wadesworld]

If you were a student, would you be looking forward to attending the Homecoming concert with your parents and some drunk rando alumni like JayBee? Can you say Casey and the Sunshine Band, ai-na?

That's kind of the point of a homecoming event...

[Dr. Blackheart]

That's kind of the point of a homecoming event...

So, your parents went with you to your high school homecoming dance?

[Jay Bee]

If you were a student, would you be looking forward to attending the Homecoming concert with your parents and some drunk rando alumni like JayBee?

Yes

[wadesworld]

So, your parents went with you to your high school homecoming dance?

A high school homecoming dance is not what a college homecoming weekend is.

[warriorchick]

If you were a student, would you be looking forward to attending the Homecoming concert with your parents and some drunk rando alumni like JayBee? Can you say Casey and the Sunshine Band, ai-na?

If you are a student, drunk alums are the best!  They tend to buy a lot of rounds, which is a big deal if you are a poor college student.

If glow jr. were still on campus, I would totally tell him to sidle up to Jay Bee at Caff's (but not his sister).

[wadesworld]

If you are a student, drunk alums are the best!  They tend to buy a lot of rounds, which is a big deal if you are a poor college student.

If glow jr. were still on campus, I would totally tell him to sidle up to Jay Bee at Caff's (but not his sister).

Yup.  Parents weekend was certainly not something to dread.

[GGGG]

If you are a student, drunk alums are the best!  They tend to buy a lot of rounds, which is a big deal if you are a poor college student.

Oh yeah.  The amount I dropped at my son's roommate's wedding was pretty darn impressive. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

Just like the complaining about losing the free Backyard BBQ event turned out to be a waste of time, my guess is so too will the complaining about the change of homecoming weekend.  Before we complain, maybe we should wait it out to see if there's something worth complaining about.

.

The BBQ was never free

[Dr. Blackheart]

If you are a student, drunk alums are the best!  They tend to buy a lot of rounds, which is a big deal if you are a poor college student.

If glow jr. were still on campus, I would totally tell him to sidle up to Jay Bee at Caff's (but not his sister).

This is not your Caff's Alumni weekend.  Three fourths of the  students are underage. Throw in their helicopter parents, some very drunk alums, some in their 70s and that is an interesting concert dynamic.  Ought to be a great concert with Bobby Dukiet on the ivories.
 

[Dr. Blackheart]

A high school homecoming dance is not what a college homecoming weekend is.

So your mom was your high school homecoming date? 

[mu-rara]

Just heard from a mutual friend that VanDerhoef has been gone from MU since June.  Anybody know the scoop.  Seems that Development leader at MU has a short shelf life.  Maybe its true for anyone who reaches that level of development hierarchy.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Just heard from a mutual friend that VanDerhoef has been gone from MU since June.  Anybody know the scoop.  Seems that Development leader at MU has a short shelf life.  Maybe its true for anyone who reaches that level of development hierarchy.

Last Pilarz holdover...hearing athletics fundraising will split back off again.  Scholl leading this search and has shown he can open checkbooks.