This week, Oswego State students reflected on their first homecoming in more than 40 years with memories of rainbow snow cones, Hoffman hot dogs and cheering on the Lakers during the Whiteout game.
“I think this year’s homecoming was a great success,” said Greek Council member Alec Tavarez.”For an initial launch it definitely reached my expectations as well as provided insight for improvements in the future.”
The anticipated festivities were planned last spring.
Hundreds attended Friday’s day-long celebration, according Laura Kelley, Director of Alumni relations.
“We really didn’t know what to expect,” Kelley said. “We were really thinking it would be a success if we had a couple hundred people and we blew that out of the water. Everyone seemed thrilled with the events that took place.”
Originally, the events included a bonfire at 9 p.m. but it was cancelled due to high-winds. Greek life cut the mid-week “Warm-up” because of limited funding, according to Tavarez. The event will return during the spring semester.
On Nov. 13, as school spirit spread across the Marano Campus Center Arena, the Oswego State men’s ice hockey team lost to SUNY Plattsburgh, 5-4 in overtime.
Tavarez explained how a pop-up concert would generate excitement in the future for the homecoming activities.
“Next year’s homecoming week should include a large mid-week event,” Tavarez said. “As well as a concert and entertainment venue for Saturday early afternoon prior to the actual homecoming game.”
Promoting the activities included several emails to constituents, an ad in the alumni magazine and social media posts on Facebook and flyers.
“We worked in conjunction with Campus Life and we took charge of a lot of the alumni, faculty and staff promotions,” Kelley said.
For some students, the homecoming advertisements were limited.
“I had no idea about other things that were happening,” freshman Julianna Bick said. “More knowledge of the activities that were around, putting announcements more banners, more posters, just things that people see while walking.”
The GOLD Alumni student-networking reception held at 3 p.m. on Saturday was another part of the weekend’s festivities. It required pre-registration and helped to boost student relations.
Freshman Alex Seubert recalled meeting a few graduates in Johnson Hall.
“It was great, getting all the alumni together to celebrate what this school is all about,” Seubert said. “To meet the alumni was a good experience because it makes me more comfortable knowing that other people survived.”
Justin Brantley, a graduate assistant for Student Involvement, said he heard announcements “all semester” and suggested increased cohesion among the academic departments.
“I think this year’s homecoming was certainly a start…it had all of the necessary pieces,” Brantley said. “Sadly, the buy-in wasn’t as strong as I expected. But, that’s the beauty of sustained events. This year’s freshman class will learn and grow with the new celebration.”
According to Campus Life Director, Earnest Washington, approximately 450 to 500 of the over 4,100 on campus students, attended the homecoming events.
Washington, an emcee of the Oswego State Talent Show, said Homecoming is “exciting” for those who choose to participate.
Next year, Kelley said she hopes events are added to the Homecoming roster and will work to make it a weekend-long celebration.
“We were happy with the success of the program this year,” Kelley said. “We hope as we continue growing and improving, the campus community will embrace it as a tradition and keep coming back.”
