The popular conception of homecoming seems to be that of a bunch of superficial teenagers getting together to show off their gowns, limos and slow dancing skills. However, CU does this event a bit differently, and it is our belief that every student should become fully engaged in homecoming activities.

            The homecoming scene at Cornerstone has always been unique. Events like Mudbowl have helped set our school apart from others. This year though, a whole slew of changes have taken place to make traditional CU homecoming even more memorable.

“There are many added activities [this year]—multiple outdoor concerts by both current and past groups, a symphonic winds concert, food, activities etc,” Peter VanDessel said. “It will be a festive celebration.”

VanDessel is a professor of music at CU and also a member of the homecoming leadership team.

A theme of this year’s homecoming week is “dress the decade.” This requires students to dress in the style of a different decade every day, beginning with the 40’s/50’s and concluding with the 90’s.

“I think that it’ll actually be really fun. I’m really looking forward to dressing up for 70’s day,” CU sophomore, Hillary Poynor said.

There are plenty of other activities scheduled as well, including a movie night, alumni volleyball game, midnight madness and Mudbowl, of course. There is also a special student viewing of the upcoming play “Something’s Afoot” on Friday.

All of these events are designed with idea of bringing three different communities in mind, that of students, faculty, and alumni. This is an extremely important and valued concept here at Cornerstone. However, this unity will not be achieved without our active participation as students.

“[Homecoming] is supposed to build community with alumni, so it’s important to have a bit homecoming so that we can get more alumni to come,” junior Katherine Wisen said.

Some of the CU faculty have shown their support for participation in homecoming as well.

“Students who participate in homecoming this year will nurture a sense of connection with past generations of CU students,” VanDessel said.  “An exciting thing the music department is doing is having 20-30 alumni join in the Symphonic Winds’ concert on Saturday, nearly doubling the size of that group.  I can’t wait to hear the sound.”

So whether it’s dressing for your favorite decade, cheering for the girls’ volleyball team, or just attending one of the many events planned for the coming week, it’s important to participate in homecoming activities so that we can build community and connect with one another, no matter what stage of the game we’re at.