Just like a cool breeze and changing leaves, Homecoming at the University of Miami arrived like a change in season belonging entirely to the Hurricanes.
The campus glows in orange and green hues. The Band of the Hour echoes through the palms. Alumni return to campus and reminisce about “the good old days” — back when they were 20, sunburnt and believed in everything.
That same spirit has burned bright dating back decades.
In 1956, Student Union Director Norman A. Whitten sought a unique way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Homecoming at the U. New to campus, the Theta Chi fraternity took up the challenge and started the tradition of boat burning on Lake Osceola.