By: John Hall, Editor-in-Chief
Homecoming weekend 2019 was full of surprises as many different classes of alumni, came together on University Campus Nov. 1-3.
The events spanned the three days, using several different events to act as mixers and opportunities for those to donate to their Alma Mata.
Brews and Bites was one of the main events of Homecoming Weekend 2019, the event allowed alumni to taste a variety of treats and sample local brews.
Amongst the many slated activities were the 30th Anniversary of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the 50th year reunion for the class of 69, the Brews and Bites mixer, The Lions Rally, the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen, and Goat Yoga.
Amanda Laffin, Associate Director for Alumni Engagement and Sustained Giving explained that the events of Homecoming Weekend were planned more than a year away from the date.
“We actually start to plan the next year almost immediately following homecoming weekend.
The office of Alumni Engagement and Sustained Giving plus our cross campus partners discuss what worked, what didn’t work and how we were going to make the following year that much better. From there we really hit the ground with the planning process almost 10 months out,” said Laffin.
Planning an event of this magnitude requires a team of person who are dedicated to the overall success of the event and account for the logistics that comes along with the day.
“Homecoming really is a University Effort”, said Laffin, we (Office of Alumni Engagement and Sustained Giving) work closely with Student Services and Athletics, but then we even reach out across the community for volunteers for events such as Brews and Bites.
A myriad of home games kept the crowd entertained during Homecoming Weekend.
This year we had volunteers from the World Wide community as well as faculty members from all the different Colleges.
Two of the major areas that assist and ensure that the weekend is a success is Plant Operations (Facilities Management) and Saint Leo Dining Services- without them we would not be able to pull off the weekend.”
The effort put forward created an environment that was immersive, inspiring alumni and current students to foster more school spirit.
Collin Moran, Class of ’19 traveled from Connecticut for the Weekend stating that it was good to be back in the environment he had only left four months prior. Moran said,
“It was great being able to see friends and the university since leaving. The feeling and the look hasn’t changed much but what is even more satisfying is to see the growth that has occurred since then,” said Moran
Laffin confirmed that the weekend was received well and yielded positive results.
“A lot of special memories were made over the weekend. The class of 1969 came back for their 50th reunion and celebrated late into Saturday night. Alpha Phi Alpha celebrated 30 years with a scholarship ball with a check presentation over $28,000 for scholarships.
Alumni from all classes sampled different Tampa Bay Breweries while mixing and mingling with faculty and staff. Overall, it was a very successful weekend.
As a staff member in the alumni office, I can only hope that while alumni are sitting with their friends from 50 years ago discussing ‘Do you remember when…?’ that we have created an experience so special that they are also making new memories that will last a life time.
Looking ahead to 2020 Laffin says who knows what will stick to the wall of events that can occur.
“We do know that events such as the Lions Rally are popular and have become a staple of the weekend, so that will always be around. Things like Goat Yoga? Who knows – maybe 2020 will be Puppy Yoga!” said Laffin.
With Homecoming Weekend 2019 presented attendees with a memorable experience and being recorded in the history books of the University, Hoco 2020 is sure to be impressive.
