Full of tradition and camaraderie, Homecoming is an event that invokes a feeling of nostalgia that can’t be matched. But why do we have Homecoming in the first place?
Traditionally, it’s a time for alumni to come “home” to campus, visit with old friends and share stories of school days. It began in the early 20th century when universities began to invite their alumni to return for a football game. The activities planned before and after the game were created with the aim of not only building school spirit but also strengthening the homecoming tradition among students and alumni for years to come.
Last year, The University of Akron celebrated its 99th Homecoming with a week of events leading up to the football game against Bowling Green State University.
“Homecoming is an annual tradition that is deeply rooted in the fabric of the collegiate experience,” said Willy Kollman, assistant vice president, Alumni Relations, and executive director, The UA Alumni Association. “It is when campus comes alive with the excitement of fall and football. Where the campus trees are decorated with blue and gold ribbons and the sounds of Ohio’s Pride echo throughout campus.”
Kollman added, “Most importantly, it is a time for our alumni family to come home and reconnect with their alma mater, relive their favorite memories and reunite with old friends.”
Discussing the pairing with Family Weekend, Kollman credits Alison Doehring, director of ZipAssist, for overseeing those efforts the past two years: “Ali has brought a new face, more programming, and has continually grown it each and every year under her leadership.”
Doehring noted, “Family Weekend is an opportunity for student supporters to visit campus, see the city and learn about all of the wonderful things UA has to offer. Connecting with families is an important part of the Zip culture.”
Anna Ball, associate director of ZipAssist, and Parent Board advisor, worked with Doehring in organizing the weekend. “While each program is independently special,” Ball explained, “bringing the two together amplifies the Zips pride on our campus. Having generations of Zips celebrate together while also instilling pride in future Zips is what the weekend is all about.”