IUP’s Media Representative Michelle Fryling reported a generally calmer Homecoming weekend than previous years at Sunday’s I-ACT media conference.
Fryling said the success of the year’s Homecoming celebrations was a community-driven effort:
“Overall the weekend events were well planned, the plans were well executed, and the success of the weekend really does show that working together as a community, with good plans in place and great people leading that effort, what a community can do to really bring a fun and festive event to the community.”
While police expectedly dealt with a handful of drug or alcohol related incidents, Fryling stated that Borough police reported nothing out of the ordinary:
“For Indiana Borough Police – no major incidents or concerns, and a much calmer atmosphere than previously experienced during previous Homecomings.”
Over 250 students attended IUP’s Homecoming Carnival Event at the KCAC on Saturday, and over 500 Greek community members helped with cleanup throughout the weekend, especially after Saturday’s parade, which was also described as successful.
Fryling said that Grace United Methodist Church served coffee, hot chocolate, and hot dogs to about 750 revelers throughout the weekend as well.
IUP Campus Police reported the following: 12 routine service, 7 traffic stops, 5 non-student possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a vehicle violation, 1 non-student cited after a vehicle accident, 1 non-student cited for underage drinking and public drunkenness, one student charged for possessing a controlled substance, 2 students not criminally charged were referred to the IUP judicial system for drug violations, and 5 fire alarms were reported in residence halls, though no actual fires occurred.
Borough police reported: 70 calls in 24 hours resulting in 16 arrests, six of which involving IUP students. Incidents include: 1 possession of marijuana, marijuana and retail theft, retail theft and underage drinking, one incident involving trespass, resisting, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct, one underage drinking and public drunkenness, one incident involving terroristic threats, harassment, underage, disorderly, and public drunkenness, 2 disorderly conducts, 2 disorderly gatherings, 2 DUIs, and 2 traffic citations. 15 noise and crowd control incidents resolved without arrest, 3 mental health commitments, 2 domestic disturbances, 6 medical emergencies, 4 disorderly gatherings and 5 parking complaints.
State police reported: one arrest for DUI and drug possession, one for DUI, one for drug possession, 2 disturbances resolved without arrest, one public drunk arrest, and a reported shot fired in White Township at 1 AM Sunday, though troopers investigated and couldn’t find criminal activity.
