Spirit : Spirit Events

Professors are honored at Favorite Professor Night 2006
Favorite Professor Night
Favorite Professor Night occurs annually at an IUPUI basketball game. Each IUPUI student-athlete identifies his or her "favorite IUPUI professor." The faculty members are invited to attend the designated IUPUI basketball game and a pre-game reception with a guest. The professors are recognized at half time of the game and each receives a certificate identifying them as a "Favorite Professor."

Seniors on the Women's Basketball team pose during Senior Night 2006
Senior Night
One of the most popular — and emotional — traditions for Jaguar basketball fans is the annual "Senior Night," our celebration of the careers of our senior men's and women's players. While we know we'll miss the players who have excited and entertained us, it's a great opportunity to say thanks for their countless hours of practice and training, not to mention the academic work required to move toward their college degrees.

Akeem Clark receives an award at the 2005 Senior Brunch.
Athletics Senior Brunch
At the end of each academic year, senior student-athletes and their parents are invited to the "Senior Brunch." Each IUPUI head coach introduces the seniors from his or her team and describes their athletic accomplishments. All senior student-athletes receive a framed action photo and seniors who have been student-athletes at IUPUI for four years receive a senior ring. The male and female Mel Garland Distinguished Student-Athlete Awards, Jaguar Athletic Club Academic Achievement Award, and the Dorothy Cheesman Award are also presented during this event.

Head Basketball Coach Ron Hunter speaks at the 2005 Tip-off Luncheon
Basketball Tip-off Luncheon
The drive to the men's and women's basketball NCAA tournament begins prior to the season at the tip-off luncheon. This annual November event gives campus staff, faculty, and Jaguars supporters a chance to meet the men's and women's basketball teams and hear a preview of the upcoming season from both head coaches.
Athletics Auction
What used to be called an Evening in the Jungle is now simply known as the IUPUI Athletics Auction, but it comes with a twist. The fun-filled auction event kicks off with a two hour party that includes a live and silent auction, the ever-popular Feeding Frenzy bidding spree, and a ten day online auction to boot! The party and online auction atmosphere is always fun and entertaining, but the underlying message is serious — IUPUI's successful athletics program continuously needs support from loyal fans and alumni. Auction proceeds help support men's and women's athletics scholarships for IUPUI student-athletes.
Newcomer Student-Athlete Picnic
In the fall of 2004, IUPUI started a tradition to help welcome its newest crop of student-athletes to the city and to the campus. Prior to the start of classes, the Athletics Department hosts a picnic inviting the new student-athletes and their families to a formal introduction to IUPUI Athletics. A resounding success since day one, the Newcomer Student-Athlete Picnic has become a core event of the Jaguars Athletics Club.


