Like birthdays, holidays, and the Oscars, Homecoming is a huge celebration that comes around only once a year.
This year, Suffolk University has planned fun-filled events packed into a three-day celebration. Between Oct. 23-26, students, faculty, staff, family, and alumni are all invited to celebrate this second-annual event.
What’s different about this year’s homecoming is that students have been given more initiative to be involved in the planning process.
“This year, PC was asked by Homecoming committee to plan some student organized events as the programming board, which is really exciting,” said Kelsey Johansen, president of Program Council.
Homecoming, will begin with a Brown Bag Career Luncheon. This working lunch will introduce what essential items are needed for a career toolkit and how to use them effectively. For faculty, staff, alumni, and students, this event will take place at noon on the fourth floor faculty dining room in the Sargent Hall building, located on 120 Tremont St.
Following, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Donahue Building Cafe, will be the Welcome Back Hoof Pack event for students, which is also held by Program Council. Students will have the opportunity to indulge in a Rammy Extravaganza, including a chance to photo with Rammy himself, enjoy ram-themed snacks, and even make their own Homecoming-edition Rammy stuffed animal, which will be free.
“We’re happy to do it. As a board, we’re really excited to be apart of the program … giving students a chance to hang out, get some free snacks and something different, it’s exciting,” said Johansen.
At 7 p.m., there will be a Campus Crawl Trivia Night throughout the Residence Halls at 10 Somerset St., 73 Tremont St., and 150 Tremont St.
Some other major events to showcase at this year’s homecoming include, Fall Fest, WGBH’s Innovation Hub LIVE with Kara Miller, and the Journey Cardboard Canoe Regatta.
FallFest, which has been one of Suffolk University’s longest running arts event on campus will return this year, celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The event, which is hosted by the Performing Arts Office, will showcase a variety of acts, including independent acts, feature songs, dances and sketches, and many other own student groups. This show is one of the highlights of Homecoming Weekend, and includes free admission at the C. Walsh Theater on Temple Street. This will take place on Friday, Oct. 24 from 8 to 9:45 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
In addition to other usual lineups, this year the Homecoming committee has planned some new events as well.
On Oct. 22, faculty, staff, family, alumni, and students are invited to attend the WGBH’s Innovation Hub LIVE with Kara Miller, at 7 p.m. in the Modern Theatre. This broadcast with Kara Miller will focus on individual power in the 21st Century and how technology is empowering highly creative people. Miller is host, executive editor, and creator of Innovation Hub and contributor to several radio programs, including WGBH’s “Morning Edition” and “Greater Boston,” and “The Takeaway,” a national radio program hosted by Journalist John Hockenberry.
“I’m excited for this year’s homecoming,” said Sophomore, Emily Dyer. “It’s about getting involved with the school and meeting new people, both current students and alumni.”
Another new addition to Homecoming this year will be the Journey Cardboard Canoe Regatta, which will be held at the Wang YMCA of Chinatown, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on 8 Oak St. This event is held by the Journey Leadership Program and will have students working together in teams to build canoes made of cardboard with the help of alumni. This event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Also, from 7 to 10 p.m., Suffolk’s Night at the Museum will be held at the Boston Children’s Museum on 308 Congress St. Additionally, there will be a Silent Auction from 7 to 9 p.m.
Last, but not least, Sunday will wrap Homecoming up with three exciting events.
At 9:30 a.m., there will be a Farewell Brunch with President Norman Smith and Rammy on the first floor of 150 Tremont St.
Then, at 11 a.m., there will be an Admission Open House at the Welcome Center on 73 Tremont St.
When asked about the importance of Homecoming, Johansen and other students gave their opinions on how homecoming is more than just a football game.
“The big thing they wanted to do this year was to get more of the community involved,” said Johansen. “It’s about coming together as a university.”
Junior Victor Waiyaki shared her thoughts, too.
“For me, homecoming is an opportunity to show parents around the school. It’s like they get to see why you enjoy the school so much, maybe show them how you are involved.”
To register and see full calendar details of this year’s Homecoming events, visit Suffolk University’s website. Homecoming will also have their own page on the website, as well as Facebook page.
