Homecoming week rewards Colorado Mesa University (CMU) alumni, faculty, staff and students for all their academic perseverance with gifts and events for the community.
One might question the reason for CMU’s Homecoming since the entire week leads up to sporting events and not a dance. If there was a Homecoming dance, I’m sure the turn out would disappoint and distort the memories of previous high school dances. Instead, CMU puts on a Homecoming parade to gather the community.
“My coworkers and I enjoy the parade most of all. This one event brings students, alumni, staff, faculty and the community together to enjoy an age-old tradition to wrap up the week long celebration of CMU,” Professional Staff Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, JoAnne Reis said.
Here at CMU, students are endlessly busy with their classes and extra curriculars. The time we do have to spare is most often spent with friends relaxing, studying, or hanging out.
“Homecoming is the time of year when school spirit is at it’s peak. It is up to all CMU students to celebrate and participate in spirit week events,” Resident Assistant and second year Psychology Major, Imani Lewis said. “We do not remember days, but we do remember moments. Make it last forever and Mav up.”
CMU’s Programming Activities Council (PAC) is perceptive of students’ fast paced lifestyles, so they made participation in Homecoming events extremely attainable. On the first day of Homecoming week, there was free cake handed out in celebration of Rowdy’s birthday. Students could even take pictures with the live bull mascot. The next day, free shirts, lip balm and bottle openers were handed out to a line of students who were eager for free merchandise and ready to move on to their next commitment.
Giveaways that require no work from the participant are a delight to CMU’s student body. Homecoming giveaways are not technically free though. Student fees allow PAC to plan these events. Since students are basically paying for what goes on during Homecoming week, they should indulge in as many events as possible.
The Game Night, Pub Night, Carnival, Homecoming Parade and football game were also scheduled for Homecoming week. No matter your personal likes and dislikes, Homecoming is meant to strengthen school spirit and buzz throughout campus. This means students should participate in more than just tailgating, and actually cheer on CMU’s football team.
“My favorite homecoming event is the bonfire on Friday because the Cultural Inclusion Council clubs are there and have food. Rowdy is there for pictures and we get to burn down the amazing wasp the art department made for us. Fire is the ultimate school bonding experience in my opinion,” Second year Environmental Science Major and Student Ambassador Alycen Reinhart said.
At the very least, you should participate in Homecoming week for the turkey legs handed out at the carnival. For those of you that aren’t interested in snacking on a one-and-a-half-pound slab of meat, there are fun games, cotton candy and so much more offered at the carnival.
“Homecoming week is fun because it’s right after midterms and there can be stress free activities for you to get involved with,” a Sophomore transfer student and Nursing Major, Maddy Quealey said.
It is also important to be aware of the community benefits that go along with Homecoming week. Businesses in the Grand Valley offer discounts and promotions all October long. A list of these deals can be found here.
If you think there is a lack of participation on campus, then the solution is easy. Participate.
