By Juliana Schmidt
Homecoming takes place from Oct. 5 to Oct. 8 and is four days of community bonding, dancing, concerts and alumni returning to their alma mater.
Every year, the Houghton community gathers together and celebrates with one another. Alumni look forward to homecoming because it is a chance for reunions and a weekend of different activities. For Houghton students, homecoming week allows the students to participate in Purple and Gold events, which are organized by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Purple and Gold Week is a friendly competition between the students that involves gathering points by attending various events throughout the week and tallying the points up at the end to see which team wins. The students are divided into their respective teams by last names, effectively pitting friends against friends for the week.
“I’m excited for P&G week this year, CAB has done a great job planning events throughout the week. It’s a fun tradition that adds some excitement to an otherwise busy time of year and reminds us to celebrate being at Houghton in little ways like being ‘purple’ or ‘gold.’ We hope to see lots of students come out!” writes Jana Newberry, the Director of Student Engagement.
CAB planned, among many different events, the 80’s Funksplosion homecoming dance on Oct. 6, and SPOT: The 80s on Oct. 7. SPOT takes place in the chapel at 10 p.m. and is a time for the student body to let loose and have a few laughs while enjoying a variety of different comedy acts put on by their fellow peers.
Junior Emma Ryan mentions that she has always liked homecoming, and it is one of her favorite parts of the semester.
“I look forward to homecoming every year,” Ryan comments. “Because it is a good chance to reconnect with my Gold group members every year and to take a break from homework.”
In addition, there are other events taking place on homecoming weekend, including the Collage Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Wesley Chapel on Oct. 6, and the Equestrian Open House on Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the equestrian center.
Homecoming at Houghton is open for all ages, with a bouncy house, a parade that kids can ride their bikes in, and even a professional juggling and variety show at the Homecoming Parade & Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Senior Hannah Seow states that homecoming has always been very special to her and is excited for this year’s activities.
“Homecoming,” Seow says, “will always have a special place in my heart because that is where I met most of my friends. It is such an important community-building event that showcases the spirit of Houghton.” ★
