In an effort to achieve student inclusion, tradition and spirit, the university will present various events revolving around the “Super” Homecoming next week.
Assistant Director for Student Activities and Special Events Deepti Vanguri said involving the students in the homecoming planning process was important to all who were involved.
“We really wanted the students’ perspective on what the theme would be this year,” she said. “So, this summer what we did was we kind of came up with a list of a few potential themes that could go really well and actually got some students to vote on them.”
According to Vanguri, an assortment of events has been planned for students, faculty and alumni to attend in order to get everyone excited for the big game.
“We are really excited about all of the events,” she said. “Last year was the first time we did Homecoming Kick-off to get people excited. That will be Monday. There will be a fun-filled atmosphere by the BA walking mall area.”
There will be music, food and competitions for students to partake in at the Kick-off. The Hot Dog Spirit Rally will take place Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. outside of the Sam Rayburn Student Center. Food will be provided for students and winners of spirit competitions will be announced in addition to the six homecoming nominees who will comprise the homecoming court, a spot that was harder to achieve this year.
“We have never done an interview portion,” Vanguri said. “This year we interviewed each applicant and those applicants who did exceedingly well became candidates.”
Graduate student and running back for the A&M-Commerce Lions Marcus Graham is one of the candidates for this year’s homecoming court. Although he has experienced many homecomings at A&M-Commerce, this year presents a new perspective for him.
“As a football player, I always look forward to playing another game on Saturday and coming away with a win,” he said. “This year is a little different though since I am running for homecoming king. There is added excitement to the whole week and festivities; however, the game is still first on my mind.”
Graham said he wants the students and alumni to experience the same spirit of homecoming he does as a football player.
“I would hope for alumni and students to get somewhat of the same excitement we get as football players before a game,” he said. “With all of the events going on throughout the week leading up to the game, I would hope that it would be a built up anticipation for the game that will follow with a heavily spirited game and a win.”
According to Graham, the players “feed off of the excitement of the students and the crowd” and want to make them proud.
“With all of the spirit and pride flowing around campus, I would think we would want to add on to the spirit and show everyone that they are cheering for all the right reasons,” he said.
Vanguri also mentioned the importance of school spirit, something that should be harvested during the festivities of homecoming.
“We want to make sure that everyone is pumped up and amped for homecoming and of course the big game Saturday,” she said.
Vanguri said she loves homecoming because of the interaction between students and alumni as they come together to show support and pride for their institution.
“Last year at the tailgate, the Inside Out Band brought students out there and some of our alumni and they were all doing the cupid shuffle together and I was like that’s what it’s about,” she said. “It’s just connecting our current students to our history so they are able to learn what life was like on this campus before they got here.”
A complete schedule of the homecoming events is available here.