After 77 years of being open, Elgin Community College will be hosting a homecoming for the very first time.
When asked what the purpose of doing this is, Bonita Goist, the Manager of Alumni and Affinity Relations, said, “I wanted an event that really brought the whole ECC community together, both past and present, and Homecoming does that!”
While it’s not common for a community college to hold a Homecoming, Goist thought it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate ECC and the people who make it what it is. “When I meet with [Alumni], they talk about the amazing experiences they had at ECC, the faculty who inspired them, the lifelong friendships that they made. It just made sense to want to bring everyone back to campus to celebrate.”
As of the publication of this article, three events are set in stone to take place.
On Thursday, May 7, from 6-8pm in the Jobe Lounge, a Homecoming Launch Party will be held. This event will be the official launch for Homecoming, with committee members inviting guests to learn more about how they can help plan the Homecoming events. The purpose of this event is to build excitement about ECC’s Homecoming weekend.
On Saturday, September 19, at 7pm in the Second Look Theater, Shakespeare’s play As You Like It will be performed by Goodly Creatures Theatre Company, which is led by Katrina Syrris of the ECC alumni class of 2013. Ticket prices and more information will be released soon.
On Sunday, September 20th, there will be a 5K Run and Walk hosted on the ECC Campus. This will be a timed event run, and everyone is welcome to participate. More information, as well as timing, will be released soon.
As for Homecoming week, there are plans to have a wine tasting fundraiser, departmental and club reunions, and a Student Spirit Night at an undetermined ECC team sporting event. More information on these events will be revealed as time goes on.
Rory Brennan, a first-year ECC student and arts major, stated that he “thinks it could be fun,” but doesn’t have enough information to build excitement. The Homecoming Launch Party will build awareness of this event to get students excited about Homecoming.
According to Goist, ECC has never had an official Homecoming before. In 1957, a school King and Queen were announced, but the event was never classified as a Homecoming or a Prom. Goist was inspired by the fact that ECC’s 75th Anniversary was two years ago, and that a Homecoming would be the perfect way to celebrate how far ECC and its students have come. All current and former students are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The event’s official tagline is Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan. Goist states that she thinks, “[The tagline] really tells the story of ECC’s Homecoming in one phrase. No matter what your role at ECC, past or present student, faculty member, or staff, once you are part of the ECC community you are always welcome back.”
Goist hopes to make this an annual Spartan Tradition that will last throughout the years to come.
