As Homecoming approaches, alumni book out hotels and prepare for the week-long event as they return to their alma mater to celebrate traditions that have been around since they were students. But does Homecoming really make everyone feel like they still belong?
Beth Ropski is four-time alumni of UI, earning their two bachelor’s degrees from the College of Letters, Art and Social Sciences, a master’s degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a Ph.D. from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and works as a case manager and adjunct faculty at UI.
“Many of the events feel like they target the younger college-aged demographic,” Ropski said. “While events like tailgating and the parade feel more accessible to all ages, it felt more awkward as an alumnus to enter the college space around the other events.”
Ropski also said that Homecoming is a different experience as an adult than when they were a student.
“I think that game-day experiences, like tailgating, are fun to share, but then offering events targeted at a variety of audiences would be nice as well,” Ropski said.
Jacob Navarrete, a senior studying political science, said he has never really been involved in Homecoming.
“Even though I am a senior, I have just never felt like Homecoming was something that I had much of an interest in,” Navarrete said. “I already am not too much of a football fan, and I am consistently busy juggling work, school and other activities. I felt like it wasn’t something I had too much stake in.”
Navarrete also said that he feels like Homecoming is more directed at students than alumni.
Lilyan Brizuela is the Homecoming royalty coordinator and a sophomore majoring in criminology and history.
“As of right now, I feel like Homecoming is for the students; however, there are definitely instances that I’ve noticed where it feels like the voices of the alumni outweigh the voices of the students,” Brizuela said. “That being said, the Homecoming committee actively voices the importance of student involvement and works hard to keep the Homecoming committee run by students instead of faculty.”
Brizuela said that she feels like Homecoming is more for students due to the events it features.
“Each event is meant to connect students and celebrate our Vandal pride. During the week of Homecoming, the role of the alumni is typically to judge and observe, leading the new generation to take the lead on the events,” Brizuela said. “One way I could see making the event equal for the students and alumni would hosting events where the alumni participated,” she said. “I think this could be an interesting way to celebrate homecoming that would tie the past to the future.”
Homecoming should be about more than football games and competitions. At its heart, it is about celebrating a community. While current students host the events and participate in them, alumni bring the legacy and financial support that help these traditions continue on. There should be an equal chance for both groups to participate as they wish.
Students deserve a fun week full of traditions that are old and new, but alumni should have a chance to feel like they still belong. A truly successful Homecoming should bridge the gap between generations so everyone feels connected.
As we celebrate Homecoming this week, it’s important to celebrate everyone — those who are experiencing Vandal pride for the first time and those who helped build what being a Vandal means in the first place.
Lexie Yates can be reached at [email protected].