Homecoming dance made formal again
It’s Homecoming Week, and despite it being an annual tradition, there are a few changes being made to this year’s festivities. In keeping with the school’s 30-year Homecoming heritage, the “Once an Aggie, Always an Aggie” phrase is complimenting the specific theme for this year, “Coming together.”
“We wanted to bring everyone together to ensure the week would offer something for everyone,” said Karilyn Flake, the ASUSU Traditions director. “For the first time, a Homecoming committee was formed over the summer with representatives from Athletics, Alumni, Student Alumni and Student Involvement.”
This committee made the crucial decision to change Friday’s dance back to formal. For the first time in Homecoming history, it was decided last year to change the traditional formal dance into an informal, after-game party. With the summer formation of the Homecoming Committee, ample time was used to come to a concrete decision on question of a formal or informal dance. The final conclusion was heavily influenced by student input.
“During Day on the Quad this year, I had a survey students could fill out to express their preference for either an informal or formal dance. Of those that responded, the clear majority was in favor of a formal dance,” Flake said. Homecoming Committee members where also asked to poll students on their dance opinions. In the spirit of “coming together,” this year’s committee has decided to bring back the after game party for Saturday.
“There are going to be fireworks after the game and then the after-party in the TSC,” said Katie Morrison, one of the many volunteers with Traditions who have worked to make both the dance and after-game party possible. “It has been a lot of work to plan the events, but it is work it to see all of the Aggies out there having fun.”
The Homecoming Dance is on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. in the TSC. There will be different bands and disc jockeys throughout the building for students to choose from. Tickets are on sale for $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Following the dance is one of the two traditional True Aggie nights, where the it is not necessary to kiss someone who is a True Aggie in order to claim the official title. The Homecoming after-party will be held Saturday night in the TSC and is free with a USU ID or $5 without one.