Capital University's homecoming celebration is returning this year with familiar traditions and new experiences for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Bexley community.
This year’s homecoming celebration will bring back the homecoming parade and bonfire, giving students a chance to celebrate Capital pride outside the traditional classroom setting. Maeve Kelly, assistant director of Student and Community Engagement, said bringing back the parade and bonfire was a way to showcase Capital pride.
“We are always looking for fun ways to increase pride on campus,” Kelly said. “The parade will highlight student organizations and alumni groups. Student organizations can participate by creating their own floats; the best-decorated float wins a $200 prize. The homecoming parade will take place on October 24 at 11 a.m. I’m excited to see it take over Pleasant Ridge Avenue!”
In addition to the parade and bonfire, there will also be a homecoming dance in the Student Union on Oct. 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. Students can dance, enjoy mocktails, and play games while spending time with friends.
The bonfire will give students and alumni a chance to connect and celebrate Capital pride together. The event will include pizza, pretzels, food trucks, tie dye, and the Pep Band, which will play with the Big Band on Friday, Oct. 23, during the pep rally, and again on Saturday at the football game. DORA will also be available during the event for those 21 and older.
While homecoming gives current students a chance to participate in Capital traditions, it also brings alumni back to campus. The Office of Alumni Engagement begins planning homecoming each year in early summer, making it the department's biggest event.
Alumni will take part in this year's homecoming through multiple events, including the Class of 1976 reception and dinner, Retiree Reception, Service of Thanks, Class of 1976 Celebration of Life, 50+ Year Club Luncheon, Back to Class, and the Alumni Awards Dinner.
For alumni, returning to campus has always been a way to reconnect with the University and the people who shaped their Capital experience. For current students, homecoming offers opportunities to meet graduates and learn about experiences beyond college.
Amy Duerr, director of Alumni Engagement, hopes alumni leave this year's homecoming with “a renewed sense of love for their campus and the desire to come back."
One opportunity to connect will be an alumni-student networking mixer on Friday, Oct. 23. Duerr said, “Business students will have a chance to meet with alumni in their fields.” The mixer adds a professional development opportunity to the homecoming celebration.
From campus celebrations to alumni networking, homecoming brings together different parts of the Capital community. Homecoming gives students and alumni a chance to participate in Capital University traditions and learn from one another.
To learn more about homecoming at Capital University, visit https://www.capital.edu/alumni-friends/homecoming/.