Photo Story: Light the Dome signifies start of Homecoming Week

Matthew Jacobi

October 20, 2023

Jesse Hall dome turned gold Sunday night as students celebrated the start of homecoming with snacks, games and a performance by Paul Russell.

A group of students sitting on the Traditions Plaza steps waiting for the festivities to start. — Students gather in anticipation of the Light the Dome event on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Traditions Plaza in Columbia, Mo. Graduate student Nazeema Khan decided to attend Light the Dome because of the event’s nostalgic nature. “This is my last year as a Mizzou student,” Khan said. “So, this was like a nostalgic community thing that I wanted to do to have a little fun.”

Students in line waiting to get hot chocolate as they are bundled up in the cold weather. — The Division of Student Affairs provides refreshments and snacks — including hot chocolate from Panera Bread and pretzels from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels — to attendees of Light the Dome at Traditions Plaza. Other activities included cornhole, a photo booth and glow sticks.

A group of Homecoming Royalty practice their walk on the stage at Plaza Traditions. — Homecoming Royalty Top 10 candidates (left to right) Reagan Swatosh, Danny Daugherty, Elly Smith, and Christian Hall practice their walk on stage before Light the Dome. Hall said he is most excited to spend Homecoming with his friends and family. “I’ve been fortunate enough to receive numerous opportunities at Mizzou, and my successes would not have been possible without the support of others, especially my mom,” Hall said.

Jesse Hall Dome glowing gold in the dark night sky. — Jesse Hall’s dome-light transitions from white to gold, signifying the official start of Homecoming Week. The university, in partnership with Mizzou Athletics, also lights the dome gold after each football victory.

A crowd of students up against the barrier dancing and waving their phone flashlight in the air. — Students raise their phone flashlights in the air as artist Paul Russell performs on stage. Russell is best known for his hit song “Lil Boo Thang.” Candidate Elly Smith said that her favorite part of Light the Dome was “being able to celebrate the start of homecoming with the other candidates, as we danced and laughed throughout the event.”

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Matthew Jacobi

About the Author

Matthew Jacobi

Matthew Jacobi, Joint-Visuals Director & Digital Production Director

Matthew Jacobi is the Joint-Visuals Director and Digital Production Director for the 2024-2025 Editorial Board of The Maneater. He is a sophomore student enrolled in the University of Missouri School of Journalism and is from St. Louis, Missouri. He was a digital producer and photographer last school year and also works as a Digital Producer at KOMU 8 News.

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