In the column, “My problem with Homecoming,” the writer argues against the importance of Homecoming and even claims it is “incredibly wasteful.” I understand that it can be difficult to understand the significance of Homecoming when one lacks school spirit, but Homecoming is much more to this community than pomping and the Greeks building big, extravagant decorations for their front lawns.

I would first like to talk about the origin of Homecoming. When Homecoming was first started, it was meant for football. It was one football game out of the season that was planned for all the alumni football players to come back to reconnect with their former teammates and watch their current team play. Homecoming has come a very long way.

Homecoming was never exclusively for Greeks. It has always been for the alumni. It just began to expand from football alumni to all alumni. Greeks do have big events that they spend a lot of time planning. So I understand how it may look like they are hogging the Homecoming limelight. But this is because they have generations of alumni who are returning to see how their fraternity or sorority is fairing. Of course the Greek community is going all out for Homecoming.

However, that does not mean that other students are excluded from Homecoming. Throughout time, Homecoming has expanded its reaches even further. Now there are events where everyone is involved, students and alumni. Lambda Pi Eta (the honors society of the Department of Communication) and iCOM are two student organizations that helped put on a cookout and open house of Switzler Hall. Anyone could show up for a hot dog and/or tour of Switzler Hall. The School of Journalism also had an open house event, as well as the Animal Sciences Division. There was the Taste of CAFNR Luncheon, Homecoming Carnival, Spirit Rally and Brewer Breakfast, which were open to the public. Homecoming has gone from an exclusive football tradition to not only a campus tradition, but a community tradition.

The last comment that I wanted to talk about from the previously stated column was when the writer called Homecoming “wasteful.” As much money as there was spent on Homecoming, the university and the town of Columbia actually made money. Tickets for the football game were sold out weeks before the game. Hotels were booked solid in Columbia, as well as in surrounding areas. Bars and restaurants made record profits. It seems to me that Homecoming is well worth the money and the time. On top of that, the blood drive and canned food drive proved to be very successful. The university gave back to the community.

So the only question I have is, what more could you ask for? If any students still feel left out of the Homecoming festivities, I urge you to make an effort to get involved next year. Contact the 2012 Homecoming Steering Committee to find out how you can get involved and start planning! Maybe it will revive your school spirit.

—Vince Ursini, senior
vjut33@mail.missouri.edu