K-State Homecoming has become one of the university’s most popular traditions, gathering students and alumni together to celebrate everything Kansas State purple.
From synchronized dances judged by alumni to painting windows in Aggieville, the people of Manhattan take their purple pride seriously. Throughout the city are various house decorations and yard art showcasing K-State homecoming and everything that comes with it.
Many alumni view this week as an opportunity to return and reminisce on their college days, but some relive those experiences every day.
“Being able to walk the same streets that I did as a college student but now with my kids has me reflecting on my days as a Wildcat,” alumna Madison Porter said.
This year’s theme, “Then. Now. Forever.,” honors the previous, current and future students of K-State, bringing the community together no matter where they’re at in life.
“This year’s theme is very unique,” Ashlynn Henry, homecoming head for Alpha Xi Delta, said. “Plus with the Alumni Association having just celebrated 150 years, I think it is cool to look back on the history of K-State and see how different things are today.”
While many things change, some constants — like a home in Manhattan — can remain in alumni’s lives.
“I feel like this year’s theme is very applicable to the world today,” Porter said. “What is old is new again, and as an alum, my life is directly correlated to that. I went to K-State, met my husband in Aggieville, traveled the world and now I am back in Manhattan raising my children here.”
Alumni help keep the K-State legacy alive through homecoming traditions. Some serve as panel judges for events relating to Greek life, others will return for the Sunflower Showdown this weekend. Their role, along with Greek life, is just one part of the celebration that brings K-Staters from all generations together.
“Homecoming is a great way to get the community together, and it is one of the only events throughout the whole year we are all working on one activity,” Anna Desmartau, senior in Chi Omega, said. “Getting to work with different houses has been a lot of fun, getting to know different students at the university. Being able to bring my talents to the table and contributing as much as I can has been so rewarding.”
Students affiliated with Greek life worked for weeks to prepare for this historic event between float designing, practicing for Wildcat Request Live and reciting their lines for Pant the Chant.
“Homecoming means community and bringing the community together to celebrate our college and university,” Henry said. “It is a great opportunity to bring students together to celebrate one theme and purpose.”
