Kaitlyn Doolittle – Staff Writer
Homecoming week is finally here and the Campus Activities Board is hosting a list of events for all students to enjoy. Juniors Claire Lind and Emma Ericson share what the campus has to offer.
On Monday, window painting took place in the Caf. Different organizations on campus signed up to paint a window to represent their organization, Homecoming 2022, and this year’s theme, “Our pride cannot be tamed.”
The windows were judged by a panel of faculty members (Darsa Donelan, James Patrick Miller and Doug Thompson) and the top three contenders were given a cash prize. This years winners were Queers & Allies, the Asian Student Union, and Building Bridges.
On Wednesday a dodgeball tournament took place in the Blue Lund Forum. “This will be a new event this year and it looks like there is going to be a great turnout!” Lind said.
Friday night will have a lot of opportunities for students to enjoy themselves. Boom Boom Bingo will have dance parties, DJs, confetti and a wide variety of prizes for students to win from 8:30-10:30 p.m. in the Caf and the Yam Haus concert will run from 10:15-11:45 in Eckman Mall.
“I am most excited for the Yam Haus concert, but of course I’m hyped for all the events! Yam Haus has performed at Gustavus a few times before, but it’s been a few years since they’ve been back. Having live music on campus is a great way to bring people together to let loose and have fun with friends.” Lind said.
There will also be Insomnia Cookies at midnight in Old Main.
On Saturday, there will be a Game Day Giveaway at 12:30 in Hollingsworth Field. Also at the football game, CAB will be announcing the 2022 Homecoming Royalty court. That night, The Rave will be taking place from 9:00 p.m. to midnight in the outdoor tent by the College View apartments.
Also on Saturday, there will be different events to commemorate Gustavus alumni. There will be a baseball alumni barbecue and scrimmage, a fun run in the Arboretum, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the Gustavus Choir 90th anniversary lunch. There will also be the homecoming Gustie Pub with a petting zoo, inflatables, and mini golf.
“We are working through a new company for The Rave dance this year, and we are super excited to bring them to campus. This group also allows for students to send in song requests, which has not been an option in the past. We are excited that students will be able to have more input in the music that is included in the event,” Lind said.
“I’m obviously excited for all the events, but the one that I am most excited for is the Rave. This is such a fun opportunity to cap off an exhilarating, long week! It’s amazing to see everyone come together and dance the night away in true homecoming fashion,” Ericson said.
Due to the amount of events happening on campus, there is plenty of work being done behind the scenes. “Emma and I are the Traditions executives on CAB, which means we oversee all of the events for Homecoming; however, we have endless support from all of the other executives on the board to make this week a reality. Since the process is a joint effort between all members on the board, it is very rewarding to see it all come to life,” Lind said.
“We hope everyone is able to attend and enjoy at least some of the Homecoming events this year. It is an exciting week with so many opportunities to connect with Gusties across campus in a variety of ways. Join us for one of the best weeks of the year,” Lind said.
In addition to CAB, the Alumni Relations Office had a hand in some of the activities planned for this week, though not for the students. Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement Kelsey Backer discussed the Homecoming and Reunion week activities the Alumni Relations office had a hand in. “The Alumni and Parent Engagement Office organizes two signature events every year – Reunion Weekend and Homecoming. Reunion Weekend is a time for alumni to come back to the Hill and relax and have fun. Homecoming is the event we encourage kids to come and experience campus and other learning opportunities. That’s why we are offering opportunities such as a campus scavenger hunt, Arboretum tours, an Arb fun run, hands-on science experiments with the Gustie science clubs, Instrument Show and Tell with current Gustie musicians, as well as a Gustie Story Hour in the library with Gustie authors,” Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement Kelsey Backer said.