Homecoming Week: A Graceland Tradition

By: Talina Sepulveda

Homecoming week is one of the most anticipated traditions at Graceland University, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to celebrate school pride and community. This year’s festivities, running from Monday, September 29 through Friday, October 3, promise a full week of games, performances, and traditions designed to engage the entire campus.

Planning an event of this scale requires months of preparation, and much of the responsibility falls on student leaders. Graceland Student Government (GSG) President Kaylee Baker and Campus Organization for Social Activities (COSA) President Kendal Davis emphasize that homecoming is a true team effort.

“Our student government collaborates to plan events, coordinate schedules, and ensure every detail contributes to a meaningful experience,” Baker explained. “Each member brings creativity, energy, and unique ideas. Together, we make decisions, solve challenges, and keep the focus on our shared goals.”

This year’s theme is guided by the GSG motto, “Leading in Love, Leaving a Legacy.” The motto reflects the group’s mission to create events that foster inclusion, connection, and celebration. “Our drive comes from wanting to create meaningful, fun, and memorable experiences for students and alumni,” Baker said. “For me, serving my fellow students is also an expression of faith—following Christ’s example of loving and serving those around me.”

Behind the scenes, the workload is extensive. From scheduling Airband rehearsals to finalizing event judges, Davis and her team juggle logistics to ensure smooth execution. “One of the biggest challenges is communication,” Davis admitted. “On a small campus, it might seem simple, but making sure everyone has clarity on objectives and expectations takes constant focus. Each event is an opportunity to improve that skill.”

The members of GSG posing for a picture after Airband. From left to right: Hannah Waldera (Intramural Director), Audrey Cole (Senate President), Caitlin Grover (Council of House Chaplains President), Emily Feagins (IDEA President), Kaylee Baker (Graceland Student Government President), Joshua Newton (Academic Student Council President), Tanner Zabel (Council of House Presidents President), and Kendall Davis (Campus Organization for Social Activities President). Photo credits to Graceland Marketing.

Students and alumni can look forward to a wide variety of events throughout the week. Classic “Noonish Games” and evening activities include Drunk Goggle Trashket-Pong, IKEA Build-Offs, Egg Drop Challenges, Trivia Darts, Dodgeball, Scavenger Hunts, and the ever-popular Airband performances. Participation remains central, with points awarded “Mario Kart Style,” allowing every house pairing to stay competitive regardless of attendance numbers.

To keep academics a priority, attendance and engagement in classes will also earn points toward house totals. Prize money will be awarded to the top three house pairings: $500 for first place, $400 for second, and $300 for third.

University President Joel Shrock also looks forward to the week. For him, the heart of homecoming is alumni returning to “the Hill” to reconnect with current students and faculty. “Homecoming is a celebration of Graceland, past and present,” Shrock said. His favorite events include Airband, sports, and the President’s Brunch, which he hopes will draw more participants this year.

For both students and alumni, the message is clear: homecoming is about connection. As Baker reflected, “Seeing our ideas come to life as a team, and knowing that we can bring joy and connection to others, motivates me to give my very best every day.”

This year’s homecoming promises not only competition and fun but also the lasting spirit of community that defines Graceland University.