Every year on Homecoming and Family Weekend, Colorado State University’s campus fills with an abundance of people who all have one thing in common: their undying love for CSU and the green and gold. Homecoming Weekend is an opportunity to unite all Rams: past, present and future.
Hearing “homecoming” may spark images of the football game, the Festival on The Oval, the bonfire or alumni back on campus. At CSU, that picture is real; but it is also so much more.
Homecoming at CSU is deeply rooted in tradition, Amy Jo Miller said, who serves as director of marketing and communications for the CSU Alumni Association.
“It’s a tried-and-true institution with deep roots and deep tradition,” Miller said. “And it’s really important to us to be able to keep those traditions going for generations of Rams to come. And so that’s really what homecoming is all about. It is this deeply rooted green-gold tradition that we get to bring to life every year. And the mission behind it is to bring those generations of Rams together.”
Back in February 1870, according to CSU History and Traditions, Gov. Edward McCook signed a territorial bill, which was built on the Morrill Act, authorizing the creation of Colorado Agricultural College — what is currently CSU. The Alumni Association was founded in 1884, and the first homecoming, a football game featuring students versus alumni, was played in October 1914.
“(Homecoming Weekend) represents community and bonding. Homecoming football games are a huge tradition that bring people together to have school spirit. … It is fun, and I love meeting all of my friends’ parents and going to a fun sporting event.” –Madeline McEahern, CSU business student
As decades passed, Homecoming evolved into much more than just a game; it has become an active showcase of the university’s identity and history.
“You just come back proud to be a graduate of CSU,” said Kevin Keefe, a CSU alumnus. “I wear CSU stuff everywhere. … I’m always going to be a Ram and represent.”
Many of the traditions and rituals alumni return for were built and adapted over decades. Some of the biggest ones are the lighting of the bonfire during Friday Night Lights; shelling Sonny Lubick field with the Comatose 75 mm gun; chiming CSU’s Old Main Bell; and celebrating the alumni community, most notably with the 50 Year Club gathering.
The Homecoming bonfire is one of the most memorable traditions, with its origins tracing back to early 20th-century student life. Today, the bonfire is one of the most beloved traditions of current students and alumni alike.
From an alumni perspective, Homecoming is a portal into the life they once lived at CSU. This weekend provides the opportunity to return to their alma mater and walk the paths they used to walk, hear old and new stories, and feel the love of the place they once called home.
The Alumni Association pours months of effort into preparing Homecoming Weekend annually, building and keeping traditions that will be remembered for years. Each year in January, the association begins conceptualizing the weekend that draws thousands of Rams back to their old stomping grounds.
For current students, it might be difficult to see just how much of Homecoming is organized for alumni. The association said it hopes to show students that they are in some of the best years of their lives, which are being spent in a place that has brought pride and individuality to decades of Rams.
“(Homecoming Weekend) represents community and bonding,” said Madeline McEahern, a CSU business student. “Homecoming football games are a huge tradition that bring people together to have school spirit. … It is fun, and I love meeting all of my friends’ parents and going to a fun sporting event.”
Homecoming Weekend, and game day specifically, draws green and gold from everywhere across Northern Colorado and the country. Tailgates ring out with laughter, the echo of the cannon settles deep in people’s spirit; and a charging CAM the Ram steals the hearts of thousands across the Canvas Stadium stands. It’s a palpable feeling: every generation coming together for one Ram pride-filled weekend.
As families and alumni drive away Saturday night, the lights trailing them may gradually fade; but inside remains a sense warmth, reconnection and the promise that home will always be in Fort Collins.
Reach Riley Paling at life@collegian.com or on social media @rileypaling.
