This week Ohio University Southern has been celebrating Homecoming Week, in conjunction with Homecoming Week on the main campus in Athens.

This is the first year for the celebration on the OU Southern campus.

“We decided to have our own version of homecoming week,” said Robert Pleasant, coordinator of Diversity and Multiculturalism and acting director of Student Services. “And the students really have received it well. We hope that it grows each year. It will be an annual event.”

Several inflatables are set up on campus, one is jousting and one is a Velcro wall.

On Thursday, besides the games, student government elections and a party were part of the celebration.

“We’re also having a tailgate party with a cookout,” said Nina Queen, coordinator of Student Activities and Outreach Services.

With several people graduating, some vacancies in Student Government offices needed to be filled.

“The turnout was pretty good today,” said Tim Adkins, president of Student Government. “We are voting today and doing election in Proctorville next week. After that we’ll be tallying them all up and notify the winners. The payoff has been great because people have been coming out — it’s awesome.”

The events culminate on Saturday with the OUSC Academic Team hosting its intercollegiate academic tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Right now we are second in the league,” Adkins said. “It is a very exciting week.”

Also, students, faculty, staff and alumni can go to Buffalo Wild Wings in Ironton to watch the OU football game at noon on Saturday.

“One of the biggest events was last night. The campus held a Hispanic heritage program,” Pleasant said. “The classes and organizations prepared cultural food and Dr. David Lucas gave a presentation on the Hispanic culture. He did a great job.”