The parade, Air Jam and the entire football game-day experience are integral parts of Homecoming Week at Ball State University. Unfortunately it's also midterms, but let's not ponder ill-structured, multiple-choice tests today. Students, faculty and alumni look forward to this week each year because of the excitement and school spirit it creates. However, for each individual this week represents something different, and that is what ultimately defines Ball State's Homecoming.
First and foremost, the Homecoming Steering Committee deserves a round of applause. This small group of students works almost year-round to plan and execute events. Everything from obtaining funds to carefully organizing events to entertaining alumni can all be traced back to the efficient committee. Without the students who put enormous amounts of time and effort into Homecoming, the events would be mediocre at best. Kudos on a job well done.
For some students and faculty, Homecoming is defined by the coronation. Congratulations to Mitch Isaacs and Hannah Miller, the faculty and staff king and queen. More than 7,500 students voted, which illustrates how teachers make a difference in students' lives. Although my votes for Mike Bauer and Pam Hartman didn't go very far, they'll always be the real winners in my heart. Obviously, this event is one of many defining moments during Homecoming that encourages school spirit and student participation.
Homecoming is also characterized by the numerous fun-friendly activities throughout the week. More than 500 students attended the Homecoming Bonfire, which featured music from the local band Midwest Hype. Additionally, 800 students attended the Talent Search that featured some of Ball State's most gifted students. Air Jam was exciting, while the Bed Races were once again memorable and competitive. Though Muncie got its first hint of fall, students persevered through the weather and attended the events.
For alumni, Homecoming is a time to visit and reminisce about the days when it was acceptable to go to the Chug on a Tuesday night. Many of those unfortunate souls are bound to an uneventful nine-to-five job until retirement, stuck in a cubical, reading memos. Each year alumni reiterate how "Students don't realize how good they've got it until their first real job." Homecoming gives alumni a chance to remember the great experiences they had as a student at Ball State. The university can show alumni how the campus and prestige of its academic programs have grown. Ultimately, Homecoming gives alumni an opportunity to support the Cardinals by attending the game, tailgate and fraternize with enthusiastic students.
For some students, Homecoming is an excuse to consume incredible amounts of liquid bread. These are the students who use events as excuses to have drinking competitions. Though admirable in some ways and truly sad in others, the students who go out Monday through Saturday obviously have their personal priorities straight. They should be recognized for their exuberance of school spirit and absolute disregard of responsibility concerning classes. At the end of the day, Homecoming for them means supporting the Cardinals through a snakebite and Budweiser, painting their bodies red and white and acting obnoxiously toward the opposing team. Congratulations for being "those guys."
Finally, Homecoming for most people means attending the parade, going tailgating and supporting the football team at the newly renovated Scheumann Stadium. Watching the organizations that contributed to Homecoming, both financially and in spirit, is naturally entertaining for children and adults who are young at heart. Also, grilling burgers next to students throwing a football (that comes dangerously close to knocking over a table full of food) creates a sense of camaraderie. Furthermore, Homecoming is also about watching the game and cheering the Cardinals to victory. In the end, the week is culminated in an envisioned victory and celebration after a hard-earned battle on the gridiron.
Whichever category you fall into, make Homecoming 2007 memorable and fun. Although Homecoming is embodied in various forms, it is ultimately and simply about being a part of Ball State.
Write to Travis at mailto:tjoneill@bsu.edu
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