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Homecoming: a weekend of nostalgia for alumni

Every year, homecoming weekend draws in alumni from all corners looking to celebrate what it means to be a Spartan

September 28, 2014

For the 2002 graduate and former Spartan Marching Band and drumline member, Idle said homecoming is a way for alumni to honor and recognize MSU’s past, while also building upon the traditions that will inspire future generations.

As a participant in the MSU Alumni Band every year since his graduation, Idle said this experience is special because he is able to connect with alumni that left behind their legacy and have paved the way for MSU students of the future.

“Homecoming isn’t only about coming back and reliving those experiences and spending time with those around you, but it’s about showing support for those who are still here,” Idle said.

Community on parade

The overwhelming sense of support that characterizes the MSU community is highlighted by the crowd that comes out to watch the Homecoming parade every year.

As the anticipation of reuniting with old friends and family hung in the warm afternoon air, local residents and students packed the streets of Grand River Avenue and joined in on the celebration of the university’s diverse student activities.

Advertising senior Catherine Kanka walked in the parade as a member of the MSU Dance Club. She said was surprised to see so many individuals cheering for them.

Kanka said there were around 90 floats from a variety of student organizations that participated in the parade.

“It was a beautiful fall day, there was positive energy, and everyone was so excited to see us,” Kanka said.

As a 1961 graduate, alumnus Dan Dickinson said his favorite part of Homecoming as a student was the parade that took place on the Red Cedar River during his years at MSU. Back then, he said students used boats to create their floats for the parade, which were sent down the river for a unique Homecoming show.

Although the location has been changed since the ’60s, the popular Homecoming parade continues to exemplify the spirit of MSU students and alumni.

Kinesiology student Sona Dagley, who attended the parade Friday, said her favorite aspect of Homecoming is seeing people of all ages enjoy being a Spartan.

“Homecoming reminds me of what being a Spartan really is,” Dagley said. “Even after you leave MSU, you’ll never stop being a part of this community.”

Lifelong traditions

Many alumni take advantage of Homecoming weekend to create some of their own yearly customs.

Since graduating in 1991, alumnus Todd Dunseith has not missed one MSU Homecoming game. Every year just behind South Kedzie, Dunseith, his brother, and his roommate from college set up four tents to create a spacious tailgating experience for themselves and their families.

While reconnecting with old friends is Dunseith’s favorite aspect of the Homecoming experience, he said all of the alumni engage in friendly conversation as if they have known each other for years.

“It’s just fun when campus is alive and packed with people,” Dunseith said.

Bryan Wright, Dunseith’s old college roommate, said Homecoming creates an enduring camaraderie because everyone shares a unifying bond.

“We’re all Spartans. We all have something in common,” Wright said. “I think it’s good to get back to your roots and remember your heritage a little bit. College is a significant part of your life, so it’s good to kind of honor that during Homecoming.”

Not only do these three alumni partake in every Homecoming weekend, but they have attended every home game for the past 20 years. This season will be their fifth year of traveling to all of the MSU away games as well.

This dedication to Spartan football throughout the years is a common trait among alumni. Graduating with the class 1975, alumna Karen Jordan said she has tailgated with friends and family right outside Spartan Stadium for almost every home game over the last 30 years.

Change through the years

Over Homecoming weekend, many alumni find themselves sharing stories about how the university has evolved over the years.

Alumnus Eric Weaver, who graduated in 1993, said he finds it interesting to connect with alumni that graduated 40 or 50 years ago and hear them recount their experiences as students.

“My favorite part of being an (alumnus) is seeing how campus has changed a little bit each year, but also coming back to see the same traditions that have been here for years,” Weaver said.

Weaver said he remembers watching the marching band perform before each game as a student, and this is a tradition that he still enjoys today.

Family history

For many alumni, MSU has been part of their lives long before they even became students at the university. Alumna Joy Visconti is a fourth generation Spartan, who said she has been participating in Spartan Homecoming events since she was a child.

Although she has been coming to MSU games since the age of 6, Visconti said she understands the community aspect of Homecoming a lot more now that she has her own family involved.

Alumna Monica Weaver graduated in 1995 and said Homecoming is exciting because she is able to reflect on what it will be like if her children attend MSU one day.

Weaver said she enjoys being able to bring her son on campus and introduce him to the MSU community by sharing her college experiences with him.

“Homecoming is about getting to come back and share in the spirit of the game, while reminiscing about our great times here,” she said.

Staff reporter Lauren Owings contributed to this report.

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