From Sept. 28 to Oct 2, Virginia Wesleyan hosted its Homecoming Spirit Week. With things looking a little different this year due to COVID-19, Sarah Guzzo, Director of Student Activities, and Off The Hook, VWU’s Student Programming Board, had to get a little creative and think outside the box. The week’s events included My Hero Monday Twin Tuesday Wacky Tacky Tourist Wednesday Throwback Thursday and Marlin Spirit Day Friday. Students were encouraged to take photoS while also adhering to social distancing guidelines and tag the Direct of Student Activities in them via Instagram.
These weren’t the only events happening either. Throughout the week, Off The Hook, hosted a different event to really get into the homecoming spirit. Guzzo remarked that that photo contest was her favorite as she “not only enjoyed the throwback pictures, but also liked seeing people enjoying their new normal.”
On Friday, Oct 2, University Commons was filled with students as they played lawn games, ate food, and hung out together listening to the music during the tailgate party. As Guzzo had mentioned before, coming up with these events “wasn’t hard, we just had to think a little differently. We thought about the essence of a tailgate and tried to recreate that in a way that was both safe and fun.” During the tailgate, the Kickball Homerun Derby took place out by Greer Lawn. Participants had the chance to kick the ball as far as they could for a chance to win a 55 – in TV. The 2020 Homecoming King and Queen were also announced.
Sophomore Hannah Carmona noted that homecoming to her means “bringing the community together in the sense that we are all a part of one school and Marlin Nation. No matter how your day goes, you can get in the school spirit and it makes me feel better.” Senior Yaminah Lewis also chimed in and reflected on her years here. She said, “Sophomore year was fun and the best since I was able to walk as Ms. Wesleyan. I will definitely come back as the annoying alumni to attend more homecomings in the future. I really enjoyed all the events as it brought us all together.”
The fun did not stop there, however. Continuing over the weekend, the Marlin Fringe Festival was in full swing. Highlights included a virtual exhibit showing of the Neil Britton Art Gallery, a virtual gallery tour of the Barclay Sheaks Gallery led by Virginia Wesleyan’s very own Dr. Joyce Howell and numerous concerts.
Faith Macwana
fpmacwana@vwu.edu
