In high school, Homecoming events are simply social gatherings to show how pretty students think each other are and an excuse to break dress code rules with themed outfit days, but Homecoming at the collegiate level is unfairly seen as a popularity contest within Greek Life. Since most students relate the Homecoming experience with their high school, they treat it as something to be looked over or unimportant without a football team. What students need to realize is that Homecoming, college style, is one of the most exciting times during the year.
How does this year differ from the others? We all know, and are potentially embarrassed by, our fluffy mascot named Scrappy. During “Flight Night,” the preview for men’s and women’s basketball, the new and improved, buff Scrappy will be revealed. It is also when the Homecoming court is formally announced to the school. So, essentially, we meet our new mascot and see the faces of those who are deemed “royalty” for their duties within our school.
“Homecoming royalty represent the array of students involved in the life of campus from all academic class standings from first year to senior,” said Dean of Student Success Dr. Michael L. Sanseviro.
“Student Life works closely with the students on the Nestfest committee to establish a comprehensive process that maximizes opportunity for student involvement in selecting the royalty.”
The candidates must go through an interview process as well, so being nice to look at doesn’t quite cut it for the college-level Homecoming court.
The Nestfest activities hosted by the Department of Student Life, Kennesaw Activities Board, Student Government Association and the student planning committee are what most students anticipate. The powder puff football tournament fills football needs required for Homecoming events; there will be a Lady Gaga impersonator to entertain on Oct. 10, a “Yell like Hell” pep rally to liven up students, a T-shirt swap, a Blacklight and Gold rave, a parade and a fashion show to name a few of the events. KSU has planned and constructed a five-day period of non-stop, fun, free and way-cooler-than-high school events sure to please everyone’s interests.
”The Owl Prowl Festival will be held more like a tailgate this year,” Sanseviro said. “There will be activities, games, food, music and giveaways.”
If there is one thing that will make students come to an event, it’s free stuff. The free J. Dash and Ying Yang Twins concert is sure to draw in students. Eight of 10 students said they would simply attend an event if food was being provided. Nine of those students said they would attend if a T-shirt was being given, so KSU planners have done their research and are adhering to the wants and needs of their prospective attendees. They are also reaching students using social media. The hashtag on Twitter #ksuhc is being used for everyone to tweet about their experience and Homecoming in general.
The intriguing thing about Homecoming in college is the fact that it is significantly larger and offers exponentially more opportunities for students, as well as the community, to get involved. The Kanstruction – Unity Can Sculpture, for instance, provides a fun, artistic activity while collecting canned goods for the KSU Health Clinic Food Pantry.
“Nestfest creates competition and spirit specifically geared for KSU students, while other signature events target alumni, faculty/staff, parents and community members,” said Sanseviro.
“In college, you can bring artists who are more cutting edge than high school and sponsor events that speak to an older and more diverse audience.”
People want to know about KSU; they want to get involved and see everything we have to offer, so including them in the events will bring in potential students, athletic event ticket buyers and spectators and build a fan base for KSU’s future. Alumni can also get involved, attend happy hour and brag about KSU becoming a powerhouse school.
Because people are so busy, Sanseviro said they have “restructured the schedule so more events took place in sequence and with more activity on Saturday to encourage more participation from both on and off campus.”
The Homecoming events span a five-day period, so everyone can participate at their convenience.
“To enhance school spirit and bring the entire KSU family and surrounding community together to celebrate everything that makes KSU great” is the ultimate goal for Sanseviro and Homecoming planners in holding the 2012 Homecoming events. Pride in KSU is one of the most important things Homecoming creates. Getting involved and participating in these carefully executed events is one way to show true Owlism. So if you think Homecoming is for the faint, fairy-dusted high schoolers, think again because KSU has the best events of the year packed into five days of fun Homecoming festivities.
