The 2OT: Homecoming week

The Thought.

There’s no place like home and nothing reminds us more of this fact than the great tradition of homecoming. Nobody knows when or where the tradition of homecoming began. It is most often credited the University of Missouri, but has also been said to have originated at Baylor University. Nobody really knows. Homecoming is a long standing tradition in Texas, and Texas Tech proudly upholds that tradition. Students and alumni have gathered all week to celebrate our beloved alma mater with a parade, pep rally and countless other events. If you live in Lubbock, you definitely noticed the influx of cars this week, especially on Thursday night.

With so many events all week, it’s hard to keep up.

The Take.

It is said that the purpose behind homecoming is to encourage students and alumni to give back. For instance, the University of Missouri (where the tradition supposedly started) now holds an annual Homecoming blood drive. They have even broken the Guinness world record for blood donations given in a single day. This year Texas Tech held a book drive in support of The Parenting Cottage’s “1,000 Books before Kindergarten” Program. Student and alumni were encouraged to bring books for children aged 0-4 to the Student Union Building. They have also gathered to honor Texas Tech students, alumni, faculty and staff who have passed away in the last year during Thursday night’s Techsan Memorial.

These are truly beautiful way to give back and honor the school you love so much, but it is also a great opportunity for Texas Tech to show donors where their contributions to the university have gone and to encourage them to give more. Homecoming is more than just parades and pep rally’s. It is a gentle reminder of the times well spent at Texas Tech. Even the band brings back their alumni for a special performance. The homecoming game is a must win. With so many former students in town, the team needs to impress and get everybody pumped up for the game.

Whatever the reason behind homecoming may be, I hope you took some time to enjoy the week’s events.