Katie Samek-
Homecoming is an incredibly important event at Gustavus, as it is a celebration not just of the alumni who have created the vast community of Gusties that carry our college’s values into the wider world beyond the Hill, but for all of the current students who create such a vibrant and welcoming community here on campus. For this special Homecoming issue of the Weekly, we’re celebrating student experiences and memories of Homecoming and asking the all-important question: “What does Homecoming mean to you?”
For Senior and Campus Activities Board Co-President Emma Ericson, Homecoming is a long-running tradition that holds great personal significance, especially as a long-time member of CAB.
“I have been on the Campus Activities Board since I was a freshman, so every year I have been right at the heart of planning and attending all of the events of the week,” Ericson said. “The past 3 years have all brought something special in their own ways, and I am very grateful for all of the experiences and memories I have from Homecoming here at Gustavus. Last year I had the privilege of serving as CAB’s Traditions co-executive where I got to oversee and help aid in the major pieces of programming for the 10 events CAB puts on during the week. This year I serve as one of the Co-Presidents of CAB, and play a little bit of a different role in ensuring all the moving pieces are flowing smoothly and our executive board is ready for the week ahead.”
On the other hand, Junior and CAB Traditions Co-Executive Adam Nordquist brings to light the student-side experience of attending Homecoming, being a relative newcomer to CAB, and having more first-hand experience with the events of Homecoming as a student.
“For me, Homecoming is all about the events that CAB hosts,” Nordquist stated. “This is my first year on CAB, and it’s also the first year I have attended a lot of the events… I’m also planning to attend the Homecoming football game for the first time… I feel that the weekend events are especially important – you’re tired, you’re having fun, you’re making new friends, and you’re just overall having a good time.”
When asked what Homecoming meant to them, both Ericson and Nordquist emphasized the importance of community on campus, albeit in different ways.
“Homecoming to me is a chance for our Gustavus community, both far and wide, to get together and celebrate what it means to be a Gustie,” Ericson said. “I feel like the biggest part of this is making sure everyone has the space on campus to take a step back and enjoy a fun-filled week – which is why we host such a wide span of events throughout the week! Although Homecoming is a tradition at practically every school, it is truly unique to each one. Gustavus really takes the time to embrace this long-standing tradition for current students, faculty/staff members, and alumni and friends.”
“To me, the whole week of Homecoming is really about getting excited to be a Gustie. Alumni can come back and connect with their friends and former faculty peers, and students both new and returning can really build a sense of community – not just with their student peers, but with alumni, staff, and faculty as well. It’s also a really important event for the wider community of St. Peter – the Hill really feels alive during Homecoming, and in a way, it reminds the folks outside of campus that Gustavus is a thriving part of their community,” Nordquist said.
Homecoming events are crucial to uplifting the environment at Gustavus and allow everyone to come together and both celebrate commonalities and embrace differences. Returning students may note that Homecoming is being hosted earlier than usual this year – and they’d be right.
“This year Homecoming is taking place pretty early,” Ericson said. “This really allows us to start the school year off with a bang, and gives students the opportunity to show off their school spirit in various ways.”
Alumni interactions are no doubt an important part of the Homecoming festivities, as this is the primary event for them to return to campus and reconnect with their peers. However, the impact of Homecoming for alumni spans far beyond the events of Homecoming Week on the Hill.
“When people see stickers or t-shirts or other merch for other colleges, they never ask, ‘Oh, are you from XYZ college?’” Nordquist said. “But when someone out in public sees a Gustavus sticker on my water bottle, I always get asked, ‘Hey, are you a Gustie?’, and they always seem to have a story relating either to themself or someone they know that went there. I think interactions like that speak volumes to the impact that Gustavus has on the world, especially with huge community-wide events like Homecoming.”