Sep 16 2008
Homecoming Events are for Us Too
This is Homecoming “season” on high school and college campuses. It is a great time of year; the weather is terrific, the smell of autumn makes some of us think of hunting; for others, football!
As we age we need to continue to connect with the schools we attended. I think it helps to keep us feeling younger; feeling involved; feeling like we have some influence over what is going on at our alma mater.
At no time of the year will we feel more “appreciated” than during Homecoming. The Alumni Associations and Athletic Departments and University Administrators go ALL OUT to host a memorable experience for returning grads and students alike.
I’ve noted some imaginative events have been added to Homecoming Festivities over the past few years. The Homecoming Parade and the Football Game are old standards, but today I see events for kids too, like sing-alongs with the school mascot, costume contests, and choirs.
There are also 10k running events, University Jazz Bands providing the music for Alumni Dances, Pep Rallies with cheerleaders, mascots, marching bands an
d bon fires, Frat house and Sorority get-togethers, and Professional School open houses with tours, coffees, guest lectures and all kinds of fun things. Well, they are probably not all fun for everyone, but there is something for everyone, I would think.
And as for the “old standards,” this year’s Homecoming Parades will undoubtedly feature all the political candidates who can possibly make their way into the parade route, walking hand in hand, (or hat in hand). And the football game will still be the “Main Event” on most everyone’s dance card.
Have a great time, whether it is your 10th homecoming or 50th! Wow. Time flies.
Souvenir Homecoming Game Program (1937) and Homecoming Parade (1963) photo from the University of Missouri Archives. Homecoming Dance (1958) from Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota.
