Kennesaw State’s selection of Jesse McCartney for the homecoming concert, set for Oct. 4, may have perplexed some students but the exposure KSU will receive because of McCartney will go on to benefit the university.
Aside from starring in a boy band, McCartney has also been featured in multiple TV shows and movies, including “Hannah Montana,” “Horton Hears a Who!” and “The Suite Life on Deck.” His debut song “Beautiful Soul” eventually peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Top 100 charts in 2004.
“I loved Jesse on that episode of ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ 10 years ago, but I haven’t kept up with him since then,” said junior sociology major Marty Owens.
While he may not be as popular as he was in the past, McCartney’s presence can still have an impact on KSU. College students from all over Georgia will come to see him, which will allow people to explore parts of the campus. As a result, some students might become interested in the university and decide to apply.
The homecoming concert, and homecoming week as a whole, is a way to interact with students and get involved with the university activities. The events are meant to get students enthusiastic about the football game and celebrate past and current KSU students. The more people who attend the homecoming concert and game, the more funding the college has to focus on major problems on campus, such as parking and the lack of professors for certain classes.
Students who attend homecoming also have a chance to network with staff and alumni, which can lead to internships or job opportunities. An article from NPR claims that around 70 percent of jobs are no longer published. Instead, a majority of people get jobs by having the right connections. Going to homecoming allows students to create and strengthen relationships that will benefit them in their career.
“I think having Jesse is good for all of the student body so that we can come together for once as a student body and actually try to have fun for homecoming,” said junior media and entertainment major Nakaia Williams.
There is something else to remember — the point of this concert is to have fun!
“I get that he probably wasn’t everyone’s first choice,” said sophomore biochemistry major Mattew O’Niell, “But I can’t say enough good things about his performances. He doesn’t disappoint.”
