Truman State University’s annual Homecoming events encourage all students to partake in activities to raise money for this year’s philanthropic efforts.
According to Truman’s Homecoming website, the events will span Oct. 16-21, and the week will be filled with events organized by Fraternity and Sorority Life. All students are encouraged to celebrate by attending events throughout the week.
Homecoming Events Coordinator, Chris Williams, says planning has been a long, deliberate process, and this year FSL will not only work to incorporate Truman students, but the residents of Kirksville as well.
“Homecoming is one of Kirksville’s biggest events with the big tailgate right before the football game,” Williams said. “Sports seems to bring the community together anyway, but things like that and the parade just gives Kirksville residents the chance to enjoy Truman as well.”
The parade and football game will be Oct. 21, which is the same day asBalognafest, which will take place from 3-5 p.m. According to Truman Today newsletter, the Oscar Mayer Frankmobile will be making an appearance in the Homecoming parade. The parade and Balongafest will be another way to bridge gaps between Truman students and Kirksville residents.
One of the most prominent pillars of Homecoming is the philanthropic efforts organized by the Homecoming Committee.
This year, FSL will be working with local Kirksville non-profit organization Northeast Missouri Service Center. According to the website, NEMO Service Center “provides vital services for senior citizens ages 60 and above, as well as persons with disabilities ages 18-59 throughout northeast Missouri.”
Another organization Truman will work to raise money for is the Alzheimer’s Association. The day after Homecoming ends is Kirksville’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Stokes Stadium will be open for the public to walk after registration starts at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 21st . Williams says this is a fantastic way to introduce people in the area to the new Kirksville chapter the Alzheimer’s Association is planning to open.
Delta Zeta sorority member Jessie Philips, says her love for homecoming stems from her and her sorority sisters’ love of volunteer work.
“We just always work to put our best foot forward, and we really work hard for everything we accomplish”, Philips said.
Philips said she is proud that Delta Zeta is known for their philanthropic efforts, and she wishes to have a fun and productive homecoming. She looks forward to events like lip-sync even though she can’t compete this year.
“Yes we’re competitive in our events, but mainly we want to raise a lot of money for the Alzheimers and Assocation and NEMO,” Philips said.
Philips says there are still many events to look out for around campus, specifically the quad. Gra