(From the Spring 2011 Oregon Stater)
Mark your calendars, Beavers everywhere: Homecoming this year is Oct. 31 through Nov. 5, culminating with the Nov. 5 football game against the Stanford Cardinal.
Homecoming origins at Oregon State date back as far as 1889, when alumni gathered in spring on the lawn of the newly constructed Benton Hall to renew friendships, enjoy a picnic meal and welcome new graduates to the alumni family.
Over the dozen decades since, Homecoming has changed dramatically, including a move to fall and a strong association with football, introduction of “new” traditions such as the bonfire – going back at least to 1907 – the Homecoming parade, pep rally and many other events, some of which have come and gone and come again. Unchanged during all that time, however, is the opportunity Homecoming provides to reconnect with college friends, spend time on campus and witness the enthusiasm and spirit of today’s students.
Recently, students involved with the Student Alumni Association have taken Homecoming by the horns and have pumped great new energy and interest into some of the events.
Not to overlook the original purpose of Homecoming (as well as the source of the word itself), Oregon State’s 45th and 40th reunions are celebrated in the fall during Homecoming Weekend. In 2011, those will be the classes of 1966 and 1971, respectively. If you belong to one of those classes and would like to participate on your reunion committee, please contact the alumni association by visiting www.osualum.com/reunions. Planning for reunion events is underway.
