Homecoming Week is a huge University of Idaho tradition during the fall semester where alumni visit their alma mater, memories are made and students compete in a week-long competition that can get extremely competitive – at least in the Greek system it does.
It would be a lie to say that not all Greek houses want to win the homecoming competition, or at least do well in it. So much time is put into every event, from Yell Like Hell to creating the best float for the Homecoming Parade, and it”s only human to crave success.
Winning for a Greek house means recognition throughout the university, bragging rights on Greek Row and a great talking point during recruitment. Everybody wants to win.
The point of homecoming, however, is not to be focused entirely on winning challenges, but enjoying the homecoming experience that UI has to offer. This is something everyone should be mindful of regardless of if they”re Greek or not.
Homecoming can be a time filled with university tradition and fun, but it often is filled with stress instead. It”s up to individuals to decide.
Alexander Milles
Being Greek forges a connection between students and the history on campus and in the Greek system. From the first national fraternity established on campus, Kappa Sigma, to age-old philanthropy events like Turtle Derby, new Greek members become a part of these traditions.
Some of the sacred ritual traditions for a sorority or fraternity stay exclusive to each house, but during Homecoming Week, everyone can participate in iconic traditions and make memories that will last forever.
One of my favorite memories will always be participating in Serpentine. A non-competitive event, the Vandal Marching Band guides students, both Greek and non-Greek, into a “serpentine” from New Greek Row to Wallace and all the way up to the Homecoming Bonfire. It is a homecoming favorite and is something I never want to miss.
During the bonfire we announce the UI Homecoming royalty for the year, celebrate being Vandals and end the night with a fireworks show.
Homecoming and the bonfire is one of the longest running traditions at UI, with the first one taking place all the way back in 1909. Being a part of these homecoming traditions can make someone truly cherish UI”s rich history.
Homecoming is about walking in the same Serpentine as UI alumni did 100 years ago. It”s about learning what is to be a Vandal, singing the Fight Song and it”s about welcoming our alumni home again. It is about every person trying their best to participate, while remembering the importance of enjoying it all. That”s what it means to be a Vandal, and that is what all students should take out of their homecoming experience this year, whether they”re Greek or not.
To Greek students – try not to get so caught up in the competition of homecoming that you forget to appreciate what the week really represents. Homecoming Week is about a lot more than being the best on Greek Row.
Alexander Milles can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AlexanderKCFMil