Tailgates, football games, kings, queens and dances. These are all things associated with Homecoming for most college students at campuses with rich traditions of these yearly celebrations.
Mention Homecoming to us Marquette students, and we’ll tell you about all those banners hanging along Wisconsin Avenue and around campus.
This week marks the first Marquette University Homecoming since 1993, and the university has planned a number of events – Marquette Madness, bed races down 12th Street, a Blue and Gold Color Run, speed networking with alumni, Rachel Platten and American Authors concert and more. The most excitement for these events, however, seems to be coming from university administration and alumni, not students. We might not have a football game to attend, but perhaps the hype surrounding the events we do have should serve as a reminder to students to take advantage of this opportunity and celebrate our school community while we’re still on campus.
The first announcement about the return of Homecoming came during University President Michael Lovell’s presidential address back in January, and the events lineup was announced in April. A video announcing the two concert acts, featuring students and faculty dancing and singing to Platten’s “Fight Song” and American Author’s “Best Day of My Life,” was released mid-August. Students were encouraged a few weeks ago to register for the various activities and not long after that did the many Homecoming banners adorn every corner of campus.
Marquette’s strong alumni community, invited to “come home and reignite tradition,” is also looking forward to this weeklong celebration of their alma mater. Brian and Jackie Hendricks (class of 2010) said they were excited for Monday’s hot cookie night at Cobeen.
“It’ll be great to be at the place where I met my best friends and wife,” Brian said. “Marquette is such a special place in my life, it’s always great to go back.”
Thanks to the tight bonds formed on campus, Marquette has an incredibly strong alumni base. This year’s Homecoming is important for our supportive alumni because it’s a unique opportunity that fosters alumni and student interaction for the sole purpose of celebrating our school. Other than maybe National Marquette Day in February, there’s really not many university-sponsored events that build as much excitement for all members of the Marquette community like Homecoming will.
Those who have graduated, moved to a new city and begun careers want to “come home” to Marquette and take part in this unique college experience. But as students, we’re feeling underwhelmed by the scheduled events, including what many feel is a boring concert lineup.
We have low expectations because it’s all of our first Homecomings at Marquette, but that only means we have the obligation to participate with some enthusiasm and give Homecoming the chance to deliver.
This week will be a learning experience for the university, and it’s OK not to be excited about each activity. However, showing some interest in the celebration will demonstrate to university administration and alumni our commitment to the Marquette community. Expressing interest and engagement this year will allow us to advocate for new ideas for Homecoming next year and the years to come.
Perhaps the alumni know something we students don’t. Years from now, Marquette Homecoming might be the one time per year we get to enjoy a hot cookie in the dining hall or celebrate Mass at Gesu. One day we’ll be excited to come back and celebrate why we call Marquette our home.
