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It is Homecoming week at Saint Xavier University (SXU), which makes it the perfect time to bring out your school spirit. The Xavierite Editorial Board recently got together to discuss their thoughts on the annual week-long celebration and its festivities. We discussed the value of these events and why more students should consider attending them.
The editorial board discussed some of their favorite SXU homecoming festivities and their fondest memories from past years celebrations.
One member told the board that they always look forward to the smaller events held during the week, an example being the “Champio’s Kingdom Quest” scavenger hunt held on Monday, Oct. 14.
The event had students searching for “mystery boxes” hidden around campus for a chance to earn a prize. The editorial board member mentioned that these sorts of events are always fun, especially when working with others to find a prize.
Another member mentioned the annual bonfire that is held towards the end of homecoming week. They stated, “I have great memories walking the parade last year before the bonfire as well as sharing a big blanket with my friends eating snacks by the fire.”
They added that these events are great bonding opportunities for students, stating, “I think it fosters a better community among students. It’s an excuse to come together and have fun without worrying about schoolwork.”
This perfectly encapsulates the purpose of the homecoming week festivities and why they have become an annual tradition.
When discussing how homecoming promotes school spirit, a member of the board stated, “I think it helps promote school spirit by providing opportunities to help everyone get to know what the school is about and really bond with their fellow peers. There’s always a lot of fun things to do and it’s one of the best ways everyone can come together and feel united.”
Another member stated, “I think it’s important to attend events to build a better sense of community on our campus. I think a lot of people miss out on different opportunities to make lifelong friends by choosing to avoid events like these.”
Homecoming week is an opportunity to show your school spirit, not only for current students, but for alumni as well.
One of the most important festivities that SXU holds is the annual “Alumni Tailgate” event. This event takes place at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field before the annual Homecoming football game. This year, the tailgate will start at 11 a.m, prior to the Cougars vs. University of St. Francis game, which kicks off at noon.
Apart from this event, SXU Student Media is also holding its annual “Alumni Takeover” of WXAV 88.3, which offers some of its former radio show hosts the opportunity to go on-air once more. This year, the event spans from Sunday, Oct. 13, to Saturday Oct. 19.
When we asked Natalie Chibe, Music Director for WXAV, her thoughts on the importance of bringing back alumni every year, she stated,
“I think it’s important that WXAV continues the alumni takeover because it gives the alumni an opportunity to remain involved with the campus. It also allows them to revisit their college days and reminisce about their time at SXU on air. I can imagine how nostalgic, yet rewarding and happy it makes them feel.”
“Overall, I think it is a great way to keep alumni involved, not just with SXU, but with WXAV as well. It allows them to reconnect with the station and see how far it’s come!” she added.
When discussing the importance of welcoming back alumni students for homecoming week overall, a member of the board stated, “I think it’s a great way for students to have opportunities to connect with alumni and see potential pathways for themselves in them. you get to see what kind of life someone leads after graduating from SXU.”
Homecoming week allows students across generations to show their SXU school spirit. For current students, it’s a chance to meet new people or strengthen the bond with their friends. While for alumni, it’s a chance to return to the place where they formed lifelong memories and connections.