Homecoming Preview | Graphic by Abigail Abbott | The Wright State Guardian
This year’s homecoming is a half week's worth of events from Feb. 14 to Feb. 17 following the theme of “Roaring 20s.” From kick-off to the basketball game, students will find many ways to enjoy themselves during homecoming week.
The glitz and glamor
In a stark change from Homecoming 2023, this year's homecoming will have a theme.
The students choose the sparkling theme of “Roaring 20s” themselves, proposing relevant themes through Instagram. The first round garnered a group of 12 themes, which was then narrowed down to five.
Potential themes included Casino, Masquerade and Candyland. The homecoming marketing committee then brainstormed taglines for each theme. After putting the themes on the ballot, 70 students participated in the voting, and the “Roaring 20s” theme was the top pick.
The homecoming committee consists of a variety of faculty and staff from across WSU, including co-chairs Director Greg Scharer of the Office of Alumni Relations and Director of the Student Union and Interim Dean Eric Corbitt. Other individuals come from alumni relations, athletics, admissions, event services, marketing and campus recreation.
The University Activities Board also contributed to the event, specifically hosting the Homecoming dance.
“I think students should attend Homecoming because it gives you something to do on the weekend,” Davette Spencer, UAB’s director of spirit and tradition, said. “I feel like we could really get stuck in our studies and not realize the fun things to do on campus.”
WSU also provided more funds for Homecoming than in years past, allowing for a wider range of events and marketing.
Senior Gary Neal sees the value in Homecoming as an event.
“I think it’d be great. I think it's a great shift and think there's a lot of potential for student unity and tons of fun and a great experience,” Neal said.
Courtney Laukitis, program manager for student organizations in the Office for Student Involvement and Leadership, personally hopes to see students enjoying the celebration.
“I am looking forward to everyone celebrating, and I think the university is ready for a big celebration like this. I think with the weather kind of being down in the dumps and with the little bit of sunshine recently is getting people more out of their traditional schedule and getting them out of the dorms and getting them out of their offices and just kind of celebrating everything that we're so proud to be as a Raider,” Laukitis said.
Calendar of events
The Homecoming website describes many of the upcoming events, including spirit board decorating, various sports events, Donuts with the Deans, trivia night, free food and even painting. Students should check the website for more details concerning these events, as many have RSVP requirements.
For homecoming royalty, students can vote on the homepage of Engage from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16.
The dance itself will be on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. With such a chaotic start to the 2020s, students can enjoy a change of mood with the roaring 1920s theme.
