GUEST COLUMN: Marking tradition at USU
The best week of the school year is finally here. It’s Homecoming Week. The theme for this year’s Homecoming is United by Tradition: Once an Aggie, Always an Aggie. The theme was chosen to remind everyone that Homecoming week isn’t just for the students, it’s for the community and alumni too.
For one week out of the whole year we get to celebrate with Aggies from all different backgrounds. This will includes recent graduates, members of the community, who put up with our constant partying, and the class of 1958 is being invited back to campus to celebrate with us. We are all united by the wonderful Traditions at Utah State whether it be kissing a special someone on the “A”, making a new friend on the Hello-walk or noticing how the light on the Old Main tower lights up when we win a game. We are all Aggies and the memories we have created while attending Utah State will be something we cherish for the rest of our lives.
Now to the current students of Utah State it’s time to get off those comfy couches, record your favorite TV shows, put on some warm clothes and get ready for the best Homecoming Week this school has ever seen. Plus most of the events are free. Seriously guys, you have no excuse not to participate in all the fun events this week.
Monday we are kicking things off with lunch for a buck.
The paint dance is later that night which is a blast. Get ready to throw paint all over your roommates while dancing to sweet beats. Street painting is always a fun way to get to know your club or organization.
Tuesday is free Aggie ice cream and Laura Simms, the mother of Ishmael Beah, is giving a lecture.
Later that night is Moonlight and Music. Mesa Drives and the Shuttles will be playing, definitely a show you don’t want to miss.
Wednesday the Mr. USU competition is back. This year we have 10 handsome, funny and intelligent guys competing for the title. The theme is Just Can’t Wait to be King so if you want to see 10 of the coolest guys wear lion ears and fight for the title of Mr. USU you better come to the Kent Concert Hall.
Thursday is the Service Blitz and free Aggie Treats.
For movie night we are showing “Kung Fu Panda” in the Ballroom.
Friday is the Pep Rally and the Homecoming Dance. I know everyone thinks that a dance in college is probably like a high school dance. Wrong. Come see for yourself. We are having a live jazz band in the Ballroom, an oldies band in the Sunburst, a variety of local bands in the Walnut Room with dessert, and a DJ in the Skyroom. Trust me the dance is a blast and for 12 bucks it’s cheaper than taking a date to a movie. Plus you get to dress up. So no more excuses, get a date.
At midnight on Friday is True Aggie night. So make sure your date to the dance is someone you wouldn’t mind giving a smooch to.
Saturday is the Homecoming 5k, the parade, and the football game. I know you will probably be worn out from all the crazy events, but the last event for Homecoming is the after party. Neon Nights is the theme so dress up in some funky colors. There will be a DJ, blowup toys, rock band competition, a mad game of twister and bands in the Walnut Room.
See, didn’t I tell you this was going to be the best Homecoming Week? Please come out and participate in all the events.
When you look back in 20 years, you will remember this year’s Homecoming and how it rocked your world. Go Aggies.
Crystal Degen is ASUSU’s traditions chair.