The Otterbein community will come together to celebrate Homecoming weekend by engaging in festive activities starting Sept. 20, one of which is a new after-party on the lawn for students.
Given that Homecoming marks the reunion of former Cardinals and their families, Otterbein’s student government wanted to interact more with current students by planning an event specifically for them, said Kalyn Kubbs, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement.
"[Student government] thought that Homecoming would be a really great time to do an event for students...especially since there is a lot of stuff for alumni and families," Kubbs said.
Kubbs said that this was an important event for the Center for Student Engagement to include because, "being involved in the community that you’re with helps you foster a sense of belonging."
Homecoming weekend not only promotes student belonging said Kubbs, but it also helps current students establish connections with alumni who can assist them in their future career paths.
Julie Saker, dean of students at Otterbein University, agrees with Kubbs and said that the weekend is to encourage current students in their academic and career journeys as much as it is to commemorate alumni who have gone before them.
“It’s a chance to celebrate being a member of the Otterbein community and it’s all about fun,” said Saker.
There is a new event featuring a concert performance of a band made up of Otterbein alumni, Saker said this points to how the event has grown over the years.
But for students and alumni alike, the Homecoming parade is the central point for celebrating Otterbein pride and sharing it with the surrounding community.
For students like senior Jaya Johnson, a secretary of the Black Student Union (BSU) majoring in allied health, the parade is the best part of the weekend.
BSU walks in the parade every year along with other student groups on campus.
The idea is to spread the fun and “engage the community of Westerville,” Johnson said.
The 2024 Homecoming parade will take a different route this year that begins on W. Main Street instead of at The Point.
