Indiana University East has a feeling it’s going to be a good night as the campus celebrates Homecoming 2009 the week of November 9-14.

This year’s theme, “I Gotta Feeling,” is based on the popular song by the Black Eyed Peas.

Homecoming 2009 starts off with Monday Madness from 3-7 p.m. on the quad. IU East will pass out t-shirts to students and provide games, snacks and music.

A blood drive will be held on Tuesday, November 10, in the Springwood Hall gymnasium as part of the IU Blood Donor Challenge. Students, faculty and staff can donate blood from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and be entered for a drawing to win “WolfWear,” IU East apparel.

Later that night, the men’s basketball team will play its opening home game versus Union College. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Richmond High School Tiernan Center.

The IU East Alumni Association is sponsoring the first Nearly Naked Mile on Wednesday, November 11. There’s no fee for the mile run/walk through campus, but students can donate the clothes off their back. Donations of new or gently used coats, hats or gloves will be given to local charities.

That night, IU Soul Revue will perform at 7 p.m. in Vivian Auditorium. The event is open to the community. Admission at the door is $5 or reservation can be made in advance by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at (765) 973-8221.

Students, faculty and staff will show off their talents at the Media Club’s Talent Show at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, in Vivian Auditorium.

The second annual Homecoming Bonfire will light up the night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 12. The bonfire for students will be held behind Hayes Hall and features a DJ, food, fun, and the announcement of the Homecoming Court.

Friday brings the IU/PU Challenge. The inaugural basketball event will feature IU East, IU Southeast, Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central. The first two games will be held on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Alumni and friends are invited for a pre-game party on Saturday, November 14. The IU East Alumni Association will provide free food from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Tiernan Center for the first 150 people. The IU/PU Challenge concludes with games at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Homecoming Royalty will be crowned at halftime of the second game, when IU East will take on Purdue Calument. 

Following the game, IU East students are invited to campus for the Homecoming Dance. The Graf Center will turn into a dance club from 9 p.m. to midnight.

For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at (765) 973-8240 or the Office of Alumni Relations at (765) 973-8221.