As is academic tradition, this week Fort Lewis College celebrates homecoming. The bulk of the itinerary lists athletic events, but still includes social events meant to bolster school spirit: Go Skyhawks!

 

Homecoming 2015

 

Friday night’s programing includes a bonfire, free pizza, fireworks, and an ‘80s-themed dance, Ashley Rennhack, assistant director of the Leadership Center, said.

 

Last night, Student Union Productions was responsible for a live music event in the Student Union Plaza that featured Curtis and DJ Chatto, Naomi Bigbee, SUP’s promotions chair, said.

 

Most of the events are athletic, she said. There are six home games this weekend.

 

For homecoming week’s full event calendar, visit the Fort Lewis Homecoming page.

 

At the Leadership Center, students can pick up free FLC Homecoming accessories, including color-changing cups, T-shirts and beads.

 

Changes From Last Year

 

This year homecoming week was coordinated by two professional staff members at the college, Rennhack said. She and Hilary Brenneman, assistant director for conference services, took on the task this year.

 

Rather than students, Leadership Center staff planned homecoming this year, Mercedes Romero, student senator for the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College, said. Last year, each event on the itinerary had its own team of student-planners.

 

”Usually we have a committee of students, but this year no one really committed to being present for the whole thing,” Rennhack said.

 

Last year FLC had an event every day of homecoming week, she said. However, the students in charge of programming and organizing last year either graduated or moved on to other commitments.

 

“This year it’s really bare bones unfortunately, but we’re hoping to get some student involvement for next year,” Rennhack said. Current homecoming leadership wants to revive events and traditions that were missing this year.

 

A lot of the events from FLC Homecoming 2014 were eliminated due to lack of student involvement. Also, the busy schedule of professional staff made it difficult to organize a large number of events, Rennhack said.

 

The majority of the ASFLC wants to keep homecoming, Romero said. The ASFLC wants homecoming to evolve in a way that represents the unique lifestyle of FLC students.

 

”From what I’ve seen at other schools there’s just crazy school spirit and it’s a lot of fun. I wish we had that here,” Rennhack said. “I think it’s possible to get everyone together and get pumped, especially now that our football team is doing really great.”

 

“We have school spirit, we love FLC, but many of us find that football is not what makes FLC the place that we love,” Bigbee said.

 

Participation in FLC Homecoming might look different if it were centered on snow or river sports, she said.

 

The events are not hard to participate in, Rennhack said. Students are invited to hang out, watch sporting events and eat pizza.

 

“It’s really about what the students want to see, and we’ll make it happen,” Rennhack said.

 

Anyone interested in organizing next year’s homecoming is encouraged to contact either Rennhack or Brenneman.