This year’s Homecoming Weekend was a rousing success, bringing together students, families, faculty and staff members and alumni alike. Events such as the annual parade, choral and a cappella concerts and department and club tables at the Homecoming Fair gave the campus community a chance to celebrate its Blue Jay pride.
On Friday, Oct. 17, Homecoming kicked off with a dinner party for students and their families. Some alumni who had arrived on campus for the weekend also attended the event.
The traditional Homecoming parade was the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18. Representatives from ECTV, including some alumni, videorecorded the parade and interviewed attendees. The parade was also livestreamed online for alumni and families who weren’t able to attend. Parade vehicles included floats constructed by each class and convertibles transporting members of the Homecoming court. Other campus groups also participated in the parade.
Continuing the tradition, the 11th Annual Alumni Oktoberfest was offered for former students at the College. This year, classes of 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 were recognized during the event.
During halftime of the men’s soccer game, the Homecoming king and queen of the class of 2015 were crowned: Senior and Etownian Copy Editor Matthew Walters and senior Madeline Magill.
In addition, the annual Homecoming concert on Saturday, Oct. 18 presented groups such as Camerata, Jazz Band, Community Chorus, Dolce, Sine Nomine and Concert Choir. As many of these groups prepare to travel to South Africa in the spring, many pieces featured traditional African themes. Throughout the concert, audience members could donate to a charity benefiting areas in Africa suffering from Ebola.
Saturday evening, the annual Homecoming Candlelight and Jazz dinner buffet dazzled students, family, faculty and staff members and alumni with a wide spread of seasonal entrees, sides, drinks and desserts. During the dinner, live New Orleans-style jazz music was performed while visitors enjoyed their dinners.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, Homecoming and Family Weekend drew to a close with the second annual Blue Jay 5k Run/ Walk.
