"I think on-campus [Homecoming] just helps to bring this stronger connection together,” UAB Student Events Coordinator and junior secondary education major Gabriella Gillespie said. "Especially with bringing in freshmen or new graduate students, because we do so many community-based events, with the parade and the game.”

The Union became "Homecoming Headquarters" Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor. Each year, the Homecoming and alumni committees come up with five to six items to hand out around campus and at the headquarters. This year, they had glow bracelets, pins, fairy lights, Croc Jibbitz, sticker sheets and more. 

"I think the items that the other alumni committees give to us kind of helps get students in that homecoming spirit,” Gillespie said. "It kind of gets people into that spirit, in that mood and kind of really starts to like connect all of the events throughout the week. I think [they’re] just a good symbol.”

Homecoming engages many students through UAB events, the parade and even the homecoming court. Many apply to be on the court, but only 10-12 seniors get chosen each year to represent the university. 

Court member and human development and family studies senior Jessica Arvizu was encouraged by a member of last year’s court to apply. Throughout the week, members had shifts to attend Homecoming Headquarters. On Wednesday, they attended an honoring ceremony at the Cowles House with MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and alumni. On Friday, they attended the Homecoming parade and a parade reception. Then on Saturday, they attended the president’s tailgate and then the football game, where they got recognized on the field. 

"It was a really nice dinner,” Arvizu said. "It was like a reception, and we were called up to share a little bit about ourselves, talk about our guests of honor. We were instructed to bring someone who made a huge impact on our MSU journey. I brought my advisor, so I got to go up there and share a few words about her and how she's impacted my story, and then we also got an award.”

Court members found out they had been selected in the spring of this year and then had an introductory meeting and a photoshoot. 

"Being on the homecoming court already is considered one of the highest honors for MSU students,” Arvizu said. "The thing that we all have in common is that we are all leaders on campus — we all are very involved and do a lot to make our mark and impact on campus."

This year’s 12 will continue to serve on the court for the rest of the year. They will have opportunities to attend other sports games and group events event throughout the spring.

"It's not like after Homecoming week, you're just not on the court anymore," Arvizu said. "It's more of an opportunity for us to still get together, enjoy our time together and still learn from each other, us as a court, and really connect with the MSU community.”

Court members and MSU graduates alike, are not just done after they have served their time. They continue to return and enrich the community even after they have left it. 

"It's just really amazing to see all of the people who do come back to campus,” Gillespie said. "We have so many alumni who show up to all of our events, so many staff that come out to support, and I think it really shows like the broader community and how even once you're a graduated Spartan, you're still always welcome back here as family."

Former Spartans filled the campus this week and traveled back in time to their “good old days.”

"I just love this place,” said Tom Taylor, MSU alumnus, class of 1983. "I had a great education. It's still, in my opinion, the most beautiful campus in the country and I made a lot of good friends. I just retired, so [I’m] feeling a little nostalgic, so I just wanted to come back and see all the changes. I'm going to visit some places that we used to go, like Beggar’s Banquet and El Azteco and enjoy that.”

Even though alumni are welcome back at any time, Homecoming week may be a more meaningful occasion to return and Taylor called it a "unifying event for the campus.”