HOMECOMING FALL 2007
Dam the Beavers!

Campus Activities invites you and your recognized student organization or campus department* to come join in on the homecoming FUN! We will have several creative competitions during the week of homecoming. The organizations with the best overall scores in each competition will receive trophies at the Homecoming Rally:

• Anything Goes: A wacky competition with only one rule: Anything Goes!
• Monday, October 29; 8:00 pm , McCarthy Quad
   
• Tommy's Tribute: A cheer and step competition. Winners are featured in the Homecoming Parade!
• Tuesday, October 30; 12:00 pm , Tommy Trojan
   
• Homecoming Parade: Build a float on a golf cart provided to you and compete in the Homecoming Parade the next day!
• Wednesday, October 31; 12:00 pm ; Tommy Trojan
   
• Lawn/Lobby Display
  • Thursday, November 1; 10:00 am 
     
• Homecoming Rally
  • Thursday, November 1; 7:00 pm; Galen Center
     
• Homecoming Concert

There will be lots of fun, music, food and prizes at each event. Interested in participating? Come to an information session:

• Wednesday, September 12 at 4:00 pm at TSC 201

2007 Homecoming Rules and Information Packet

Entry forms for all competitions are available in TSC 100 and due by Friday, September 21 at 5:00 pm to TSC 100!

THE ORDER OF THE TORCH

One of the highest honors the university can bestow upon its students, the Order of the Torch is composed of 12 individuals who exemplify Trojan excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, commitment to USC, strong public speaking skills, and an ability to communicate the USC experience to others.  Members serve as ambassadors for the university, promoting USC and the Trojan family to current students, prospective Trojans, alumni, the academic community, and the public.  The Order of the Torch was first announced in 1987 but has its roots in Homecoming traditions dating back in to the 1940s.  Arising out of the more traditional roles of Homecoming King and Queen, today’s Mr. and Ms. USC serve as spokespeople for not only the Order itself but the larger university student body.  The selection process is competitive and demanding, with candidates first submitting applications including essays to be considered for interviews.  After the interview stage, applicants have the chance of progressing to the public speech that is the final round for consideration into the Order of the Torch.  Mr. and Ms. USC are then selected from within the Order. 

Being a member of the Order of the Torch is one of the highest accolades a USC student may receive.  It is a life long membership into a premiere group of Trojans. Members are seniors graduating in 2008 who exemplify the Trojan ideals in all their diverse endeavors.  Additionally, members excel in:

• Scholarship
• Leadership
• Service
• Commitment to USC
• Strong public speaking skills
• An ability to communicate the USC experience to others

Mission

The Order of the Torch exists to facilitate the communication between students who share the core Trojan values.  Together these students will emanate the ideals of a Trojan to all students and the USC community through positive programming and activities.

Expectations

The Order is expected to complete several tasks once selected. 

• Participate in the Homecoming Parade
• Participate in CONQUEST!
• Complete one community service project
• Serve as facilitators for the Emerging Leader Program (retreat takes place January 18 -20, 2008)
• Attend one athletic event
• Serve as USC ambassadors when requested for special occasions
• Coordinate a senior class project
• Attend scheduled meeting and events

The members not fulfilling their responsibilities will be removed from the Order.

Important dates (all 2007):

• September 4 Applications available at Topping Student Center
• September 24 Applications due to TSC front desk by 5:00 pm
• October 3 First round finalists announced
• October 10 & 11 First round finalists interviews
• October 12 Semi-Finalists announced - required meeting
• October 25 Speeches to determine the Order
• October 31 Homecoming Parade
• November 1 The 2007-2008 Order of the Torch Announced at Homecoming Rally
• November 29 The Order and Mr. & Miss USC announced at CONQUEST!