Organizers said this year’s Blue and Gold Week, an annual tradition held on campus before the football game against crosstown rival USC, will highlight the different qualities of being a Bruin and will mark the first time Chancellor Gene Block addresses the entire campus.
“(The week is about) showcasing who we are,” said Manaf Mansure, Blue and Gold Week director.
The theme, “Celebrate Being a Bruin,” encompasses five important qualities that define Bruins: spirited, active, social, giving and academic.
The Student Alumni Association’s Blue and Gold Week committee has been working to ensure that the week is full of traditional events that everyone can take part in, Mansure said.
“Blue and Gold Week is for everybody ““ students, faculty, alumni, staff,” he said. “We are really diverse, but the thing that connects us all is (that) we are Bruins,” he said.
The main events of the week ““ the parade, rally and bonfire ““ have been organized to involve the entire campus and will feature parade entries and talent acts from many groups on campus.
The Juggler, Samahang Modern, Awaken A Capella and Bruin Harmony will perform at the rally, and three members of BUICK Improv will host, said Rally Director Aaron Montgomery.
Block will also make his first big address to the campus at the rally.
Because of the fires in Southern California, including one in Malibu, organizers are unsure whether there will be an actual fire this year, Montgomery said. Last year’s bonfire was replaced with confetti due to wind conditions.
Mansure said they have been checking the weather every day, but the committee will not disclose whether the bonfire will take place.
“We will keep people guessing up until that moment,” he said.
The parade will be conducted differently this year, with four structured zones, each with masters of ceremonies and lighting.
Also, students groups can sign up to stand in a certain area, or “rooter section,” along the parade route and will receive free UCLA accessories.
The changes were made so the audience is not just crowded around the judges’ table and the whole parade route has spectators along it, said parade director Jacy LeDuc.
There are 41 entries in the parade, about half of which are marching. The other half are vehicles, including three convertibles with dignitaries. In the past, parade participants were given guidelines about elements to incorporate, but this year was more open-ended, Mansure said.
“Parade participants were given a blank slate and told to show what being a Bruin is to them,” he said.
Along with the events planned by the Student Alumni Association, such as the “Most Spirited Bruin Contest” and “Get the Red Out” T-shirt exchange, other campus groups will put on activities.
The Student Welfare Commission will be holding a “Get the Red Out” blood drive, and the Interfraternity Council will have a car smash on Monday.
The Undergraduate Students Association Council’s president’s office will also be hosting the Bruin Bear Security Force, where students can “guard” the Bruin Bear ““ currently in “hibernation” ““ and participate in activities throughout the night.
Each night, Tuesday through Thursday, organizers will have free hot chocolate and host different activities including the largest game of flip cup in UCLA history (with root beer), a screening of the movie “Old School,” float building and raffle prizes, said Natalie Knight, co-director of the Bruin Bear Security Force.
Knight said she hopes many people come out to guard the bear and participate in Blue and Gold Week activities.
“We are trying to encourage bonding among Bruins,” she said. “Guarding the Bruin is carrying the torch of the UCLA versus USC rivalry.”