COMMERCE — As Texas A&M University-Commerce students, faculty, staff and alumni prepare to fulfill this year’s Homecoming theme “Go For Gold” by participating in a variety of events that promote school spirit, the university will feature Lions who have actually competed for Olympic Gold.

“Go For Gold has allowed us to feature our own Olympians, Dennis Dyce and John Carlos,” Rachel Evans, alumni communications and events coordinator, said. “Dyce competed in track with the Jamaican team in the 1972 Munich Olympics, while Carlos ran in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics on the American team.”

The theme was selected by students, who voted between five potential homecoming themes at the beginning of August.

“The Olympics are so much more than a competition, and that’s exactly what we hope to convey throughout the week,” Evans said. “The “Opening Ceremonies”, our kickoff event, will display our diversity as our students parade across campus with the flag that represents their country or organization. Even though we may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, we are all Lions.”

Homecoming week will begin Oct. 21 with a room rally from 8 to 10 p.m. in the residence halls. Opening ceremonies begin Monday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the ampitheater at the old east circle. Homecoming T-shirts will be available, as well as activities and free food.

“We are thrilled about the 2012 Homecoming events and have been working for months to ensure that our alumni, students and friends are accommodated during the week of activities,” Alumni Relations Director Derryle Peace said. “Homecoming is one our oldest traditions and we are excited about the large number of groups that will be returning to reconnect with each other and see the many changes that have occurred on campus. We encourage everyone to check the website for the schedule of events and look forward to seeing you here. You are in for a treat.”

Tuesday, student organizations will have a chance to design a custom board incorporating their organization and this year’s homecoming theme from to 2 to 5 p.m. on the walking mall. Then the board with the most donations for the philanthropy will win this challenge.

The Homecoming movie “Brave” will be shown at 6:30 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Club in the Rayburn Student Center. Fify-cent drinks and free popcorn will be available for students.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, is the Hot Dog Spirit Rally. Students are encouraged to dress in blue and gold, a free hot dogs and a potato bar will be provided and the Homecoming Court candidates will be announced.

The Fall Talent Show will take place in the conference rooms at the RSC from 7:30 to 9. The event, sponsored by CAB, will be hosted by NBC’s Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Cristela Alonzo as A&M-Commerce students compete for a $300 prize. Club Kamikazee will begin at 10 p.m. in the Club.

On Thursday at 6:30 p.m. the  National Pan-Hellenic Council’s stroll-off will begin in the amphitheatre. Admission is free.

Friday, Homecoming really begins to pick up steam. The Homecoming Golf Tournament will take place at Webb Hill in Wolfe City. The Pro Am (four person team) tournament will begin  with a shotgun start at 12 p.m. An individual entry fee is $75, which includes green fee, golf cart, range balls, sack lunch and drink. Anyone interested in competing in the tournament must register by Oct. 19. The form is available online at the university’s homecoming webpage or patrons can register by calling 903-468-3085.

At noon, students dressed in blue and gold are invited to the football field to take part in an ariel photograph of students, facutly and alumni spelling out Lions.

The Powder Puff Football tournament is schedled from 1 to 4 p.m. Female football teams will compete against each other as men cheer them on.

At 5 p.m., the volleyball game against Cameron will begin in the Field House.

The bonfire celebration will take placefrom 8 to 10 p.m. The event will feature live music, food and fireworks.

On Saturday, the Homecoming Parade will start at the Alumni Center at 10:30 a.m. A parade map is available on the A&M-Commerce website. The parade will conclude at noon.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. students, staff and alumni will take place in the Homecoming Tailgate in preparation for the Lions football game against Abilene Christian University. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, and the spirit competition winners as well as the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced.

Another women’s volleyball game is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Field House against Midwestern State University.

The NPHC Step Show and After Party will begin at 7:30 p.m. The step show will take palce at the Ferguson Auditorium and the after party at the Field House. Tickets for the show and after party are $15 a piece, and combined tickets for both events are $20.