Mountaineer Homecoming

Monday, October 17, 2016

Mountaineer Students:

I hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing Fall Break! Whether you worked, traveled or relaxed, I hope you are ready for a busy part of the semester.

This week is special on our campus, in that it is Homecoming Week! Homecoming is a week of events and activities that connect our past, with our present and build towards the future. Homecoming has a long history and bring us all together as alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as Mountaineers.

There are many displays during the week that connect us as a community. I was looking at the amazing banners hung in the Student Union earlier today. As I write this, I am preparing to join many others tonight for the 2nd annual “Nearly Naked Mile” with donations of clothing to support the Hospitality House. Later in the week, so many of you will participate in Lip Sync, walk in the parade, or play your kazoo as a part of our annual activities. Likewise, I hope you take time to vote on the Homecoming Court. These nine students have been nominated by a student organization, of which they are a member, and have gone through several interviews and now your vote. One of which will be named “Top of the Rock” as a part of a new tradition. I am consistently honored to get to know so many of you, and see the impact you have on our campus and the community at large. Thank you!

Homecoming celebrations show us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether you are participating in any of these events, going to the game on Saturday, or just trying to get through a project, you are a Mountaineer. Be proud you are connected to a university that was founded in 1899, that has over 119,000 alumni, over 500 clubs and organizations and has the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway as its neighbor. Know you are valued, you matter, and that you are a Mountaineer. Happy Homecoming Week!

Proud to be your Dean of Students,

-JJ