It’s a time to celebrate and honor the brave and the bold. It’s a chance for students and alumni to reunite, reminisce and reach out — it’s time for 2012 University of Idaho Homecoming.It’s supposed to be one of the biggest weekends for Vandal pride, but recently there’s been negativity toward Homecoming and the university as a whole due to the football team’s losing record.
But Homecoming isn’t about the numbers on a scoreboard. It’s about the Vandal values we practice off the field — community outreach, tradition and legacy.
Homecoming is a chance for alumni, friends and current students to come together as a family and embrace the Vandal spirit — a value that extends far beyond the football team.
Vandal tradition began with a photo scavenger hunt and “Yell like Hell” event on Sept. 30, as well as the jingle and living group skit competition Wednesday. It will continue with living group decorations today and the Serpentine, bonfire and fireworks to follow this evening.
Homecoming is a chance to not only honor campus-wide legacies through the royalty competition, but famous Vandals worldwide. Former Green Bay Packer Jerry Kramer and Olympic gold medalist Kristen Armstrong — both UI alumni — will reunite with the rest of the Vandal family this weekend.
UI students, faculty and staff participated in several service events this week including a food drive and blood drive. The 103rd annual community-wide Homecoming parade will also take place at 10 a.m. Saturday.
You only have about four years to be in college. Some just joined the Vandal family, while others will soon be moving on. Regardless of the point you’re at in your college career, time is guaranteed to fly by.
As cliché as it sounds, it’s important to make the most of these years, and in order to do so you should embrace the Vandal spirit and participate in university and community traditions.
Throughout the week, Homecoming events have brought students together regardless of their majors or living groups, creating campus-wide enthusiasm for the biggest tradition of the year.
Maintain the same level of enthusiasm as Homecoming nears its end, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game. Because win or lose, we’ll always be Vandals.
— BK