Martha G. Barker(gentrme@mail.auburn.edu)

SGA, UPC TEAM-UP TO REVIVE HEY DAY AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN -- A group of students at Auburn University is trying to revive a longtime campus tradition known simply as "Hey Day."

In the 1950s and 60s Hey Day was a lively one-day event celebrated the friendly atmosphere on campus. Students wore name tags during the day and made a special effort to get to know each other.

But in the late 1960s the excitement of celebrating Hey Day began to fade, and by the 1970s it had died.

"Hey Day is a day Auburn prides itself on being a friendly place and celebrates friendliness in the community," said Robin Adams, Student Government Association administrative vice president. "It is just a way for everyone to get to know each others ' names."

The SGA is taking another step to improve the cherished tradition by joining forces with the University Programs Council to make the 1996 Hey Day on Thursday, Oct. 24, the best one yet.

"We are really striving to get as many groups involved as possible," said Adams. "Plus the SGA and UPC will be working together instead of separately."

The traditionally daytime event has been expanded into the evening hours to include night students,

Why is it called Hey Day? No one seems to know, but Adams suggested the name reflects Southerners casual way of greeting people.

Students will start the day by picking up names tags at tables around campus. There will be two tables at the Eagles Cage, two on the concourse, one at the business building, one at Foy Patio and one at Greene Hall veterinary building.

Events will begin at 10 a.m. with free food and entertainment for all. Entertainers include The AU Cheerleaders, Tiger Pause Dance Team, Aubie, AU Singers and AU football coach Terry Bowden.

"The entertainment will take place between classes, so that everyone is out there when it is going on," said Angela Simonetta, director of Hey Day. "We will have an Auburn Walk of Food. Milos, Guthries, Taco Bell, Arby's, Traditions, Papa John's, D ominos, Mama G's, Barbeque House, Breezeway, Chick Fil-a and Cookout will be participating. There will be a lot of food."

Daytime events will wrap up at 2 p.m with evening events beginning at 7 p.m., said Simonetta.

CONTACT: UPC, 844-5292; SGA, 844-4240.