As students and faculty continue their daily routine, Oswego State celebrates its first Homecoming in over 40 years.

The week’s activities kicked-off with Oswego’s Got Talent on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Hewitt Union Ballroom. The host, Director of Campus life Earnest Washington, whipped to the latest hip-hop jams as he introduced the guests. Performances included an array of musicians, singers and dancers.

The first place winner Lamonte Sadler, who goes by Monty Kelvin on stage, won $500. First-runner-up, the African Student Organization (ASO), was awarded $200, and second-runner-up, rap artist Tyler Campbell, received a blue certificate of recognition.

Sadler performed a rendition of Michael Jackson’s 1980s hit “Billie Jean.” He moonwalked on stage and glided across the auditorium floor in a red and black jumpsuit.
The pop-icon impersonator plans to use the award to fund an overseas internship.

“I’m thankful,” Sadler said. “I achieved my goal.”

On Monday, Laker Pride spilled into room 132 in the Marano Campus Center for “Dress Like a Laker Day.”

“It felt really good, I felt apart of something,” said Funnell Hall Resident Assistant, Shannon France. “I wore all of my Oswego gear. I wore my green and gold socks and my sweaters.”

Campus Recreation featured the 2015 action film “Furious 7” on Tuesday at 8 p.m. for their splash-in-movie series. Students floated in the water with inner tubes and were served snacks and beverages poolside.

Dozens of students gathered in the Oneida Hall lounge on Wednesday for the annual “Oswego Pride Night.” Oneida Hall showcased a rainbow-colored snowcone costume and served free watermelon, orange soda and cherry filled ice deserts.

Students enjoyed the united community.

“The week that with have the most school pride is on Whiteout weekend,” said Oneida Hall RA Shelby Gallaro. “I know some of the RA’s went to the talent show on Sunday, it’s a really fun week of activities.”

Oneida Hall RA Caitlyn Bailey suggested to increase event advertisement and merge campus life activities.

“I love seeing students get together,” Bailey said. “It would be cool to combine family and friends with Homecoming because of all the events that happen.”

Hart Hall presented Diwali, an Indian religious celebration, to help foster pride between international and local students.

Hart Hall Director, Kevin Speer, explained that the event hopes to connect students with home.

“We have such a high population of international students we thought it was an important thing to do,” Speer said. “In the spirit of collaboration [and] hosting an international festival we felt it symbolized hall pride for Hart.”

The Office of International Education initiated the program and provided traditional foods and drinks for the event. Dozens of students painted pottery, belly danced to Bollywood songs and wore native sari dress.

Freshman Siddharth Sanganeria is from India, over 7,000 miles from Oswego.

Sanganeria felt more connected to the campus community.

“This is one of the best experiences I had in my life,” Sanganeria said. “Seeing the turn-out I’m really impressed. Seeing how many Oswego people and Lakers like Diwali and people taking initiative to know about the festival and customs.”

An ice-skating party followed on Thursday evening.

The annual Whiteout game starts at 7 p.m. on Friday in the Marano Campus Center Arena. This weekend the Alumni Association added a networking reception at 3 p.m. Homecoming tailgate is at 5:30 p.m. Homecoming will conclude with the post-game after party and bonfire at 9 p.m.