By student writer Haley Grigsby
Like many universities around the country, Ohio Northern University has an age-old tradition in Homecoming.
For a few days in the fall, alumni, students, faculty and staff come together to bond over a shared affection for ONU. Fall 2016 marks a new chapter for this tradition, a chapter in which old traditions and new additions can continue to bring Polar Bears together.
This year, Homecoming will be a celebration for everyone, especially for current students. The Office of Residence Life has joined with other departments around ONU to create the “Spirit Week Challenge,” a full week of Homecoming activities. From service projects in the community to showing school spirit, there is something for every student on campus – with an added competitive edge.
Similar activities have been part of past Homecoming events, but this year’s endeavor adds a focused approach.
“We were looking for a way to better involve current students in Homecoming,” said Hailey Holke, a graduate assistant in Residence Life, who has coordinated this endeavor.
“More than just a long weekend, as in past years, the Spirit Week Challenge is a weeklong sequence of events. This is the first time we have tried something this extensive.
We want to develop traditions that capture the spirit of ONU, offer opportunities for campus engagement and provide community-service projects. We also want to offer students the ability to become involved in a way that fits their busy schedules.”
The challenge will take place from Oct. 17 through Oct. 22 and involves teams of ONU students, faculty and staff members. “We wanted to involve all segments of the University, and we have a variety of activities that should appeal to a range of individuals,” Holke said.
Each event is worth points that will be contributed to the team’s leaderboard score, and overall winners will be announced on Oct. 22 during halftime of the Homecoming football game. Just a taste of the events includes flag football, a window-painting competition, a cornhole tournament and a bonfire.
With the added events, students can be immersed in the spirit of Homecoming and make some great college memories.
Individuals looking to get involved can pick up a packet of information, which includes competition rules, guidelines and itineraries, at the Office of Residence Life.
This year is the dawn of a new Homecoming at Ohio Northern University, steeped in tradition, but given a breath of new life that will set the ONU campus abuzz in spirit for years to come.
