Homecoming is officially upon us, but sometimes students are confused about what the annual tradition actually means.
Homecoming is a time when Bulldogs from near and far travel back home to their beloved Mississippi State University. MSU alumni return to brush shoulders with their fellow graduates and the university offers several departmental parties to aid in this.
Jojo Dodd, senior economics major and president of the Student Association, said he believes Homecoming is a time for students and alumni to mingle and an opportunity to receive insight from people who have already gone through the MSU college experience.
“As a first year student, I recall running into an elderly man standing in the Junction with his cowbell. It seemed quite old, so I asked him about it. The cowbell, he claimed, was a cowbell from his time as a student here over 50 years ago,” Dodd said. “He stood there with his intricately carved maroon cane, and his great-grandson dressed in the gaudiest of maroon outfits. I remarked to myself how special this place must have been for him to care so much and to continue to come home and share it with others. That is a Homecoming moment that I will never forget.”
Sid Salter, head of the Office of Public Affairs and MSU alumni, said he is looking forward to this weekend.
“I’m looking forward to the football game. The Louisiana Tech team is pretty tough this year and winning the game is pivotal to having a good season,” Salter said. “I’m also looking forward to the event honoring Dr. Richard Holmes, MSU’s first African-American student.”
Salter said Homecoming is a wonderful time for alumni and friends of the university to return to campus and see how it has progressed over the years.
“Personally, I enjoy Homecoming because of the opportunity it provides to renew friendships and relationships with MSU friends and classmates,” Salter said. “I enjoy meeting their families. It’s a very special time in the life of the university.”
Homecoming is essentially a time to appreciate MSU’s positive impact throughout the years and connect with fellow Bulldogs. Students can participate in Homecoming events such as the Homecoming parade tonight at 5:30 p.m. taking place through downtown and campus.
