If you stop by the David Student Union at any time this week (and let’s face it, you will) you will immediately be surrounded by far more tables in the breezeway than normal … why is this? IT’S HOMECOMING TIME! Christopher Newport University takes the week of homecoming very seriously. The 10 homecoming king and queen candidates have been announced and the campaigns are well on their way! From handing out buttons to generously giving away cookies, the competition is fierce, to say the least. The Homecoming Court consists of the most active students on campus who are members of a plethora of groups and organizations as well as maintaining the Captain spirit we all know and love.
Talking to sophomore Holly Maglin, a sister of Gamma Phi Beta, one realizes how much effort is put into this week: “I really am involved with the behind-the-scenes process of campaigning for our candidate. Besides making the buttons and handing them out, I am crafting the decorations for the golf cart for the Homecoming parade. I also directed the candidate’s video (broadcasted across campus).” Clearly there’s far more than meets the eye and it’s revealing to see just how many people are involved with the process. But why? Why is Homecoming such a big deal at CNU? The answer differs for everyone, but from what I can see it is relatively simple: community.
Considering we are a relatively young school, CNU is still in the process of establishing traditions to carry on for years to come; Homecoming is one of these traditions. From the parade to the tailgate, current students and alumni alike show their school spirit by proudly wearing their blue and silver. Greek Life, athletics and clubs all host their own tailgate, where former students reconnect with old friends and professors. Rather than just being the parade, tailgate and a football game on Saturday, CNU hosts a week of activities ranging from the revealing of the candidates and their videos to Midnight Madness (the biggest pep rally CNU hosts all year) to “Yell Like Hell” (a “chant-off” where any organization competes to win Homecoming points). This week certainly is special, it shows the strength of the CNU community and the excitement to show our school pride. Go Captains!
