This past Saturday the annual Homecoming festivities concluded with the women’s soccer game. This event followed a week of festivities that centered around the theme “Grow Your Roots”.
College of Arts and Sciences senior and event coordinator for Homecoming Sarah Kort said that the theme was chosen to make connections to Creighton’s Jesuit values that students, parents and alumni could connect to the university’s mission.
“Creighton is going to be a very fundamental piece of your development,” she said. “Creighton is a huge part of who you are even after you leave.”
Kort said that Homecoming is a time for students to show off their school spirit. Some of the various student events held during this year’s Homecoming week included Patio Square Painting, where the theme “Grow Your Roots” was interpreted by various campus organizations, CU’s Got Talent, hypnotist Jim Wand and Movie Night.
“It’s an excuse to really bond with the community,” said Kort.
Another highlight of Homecoming is the crowning of Homecoming king and queen. Voting for this event took
place throughout the week with the results announced at the women’s soccer game on Saturday. The winners this year were College of Arts and Sciences seniors Jason Brown and Nina Noronha.
“There are just so many phenomenal people on this campus,” said Noronha. “To be one of the 12 people chosen to be on court is really an honor.”
Homecoming also aims to incorporate alumni of the university, bringing the Creighton community of the past and present together.
“’Grow Your Roots’ was the theme we ended up picking this year because that was actually something that was presented to students as ‘Grow Your Roots’; alumni, ‘Return to Your Roots’; family, ‘Support Their Roots,’” said Kort.
College of Arts and Sciences senior Liz Ernst, who was nominated to Homecoming court, said she appreciates that the Homecoming events can be celebrated with family.
“It’s also something that we get to experience with our families,” said Ernst. “So all of sudden these worlds collide and you’re walking down the mall and you get to meet your best friend’s family at the same time, which is really cool.”
Kort emphasized the role that legacy plays within Homecoming week as alumni are encouraged to come back and be a Bluejay for a week.
“I think the traditional aspects of Homecoming really allow students to go ahead and remember those who came before them,” said Kort. “The traditional aspects, in general, allow students to remember they’re standing on the shoulders of giants.”