On the Street: Capturing Homecoming Voices

Published: November 13, 2025

Author: Luis Palmer

On the Street: Capturing Homecoming Voices Photo by Loryn O'Neal

The Defining GU Spirit

Orange and black streamers lined College Avenue, marking the route of the annual procession. The sound of the Homecoming parade drumline reverberated down College Avenue, carrying the cheers and laughter across campus.

Homecoming weekend at Greenville University is all about community, spirit, and tradition, as Mattia Monti, a Junior majoring in Business and Marketing, addressed. To capture that energy, we hit the streets to ask students and faculty members what makes this annual event so special, what memories they’re making, and how it defines the GU spirit.

If you ask the GU students for one word to describe the University's spirit, the answer is clear: “That same sense of belonging echoed in other students’ answers. Ben Wilcoxen, a sophomore nursing major, described GU as ‘homey’ and full of kindness.

For him, the closeness is something Monti experiences daily—especially during big weekends like Homecoming. Engineering student Joshua Powell agreed, calling the celebration ‘really big,’ with something happening every evening.”

On the Street: Capturing Homecoming Voices Photo by Wyatt Boyer.

Making Memories and Embracing Traditions

That sense of community took shape through a packed schedule of events.

Many students took the opportunity to attend as many events as possible. Wilcoxen, for instance, attended "as many as I can," clearly enjoying the activities. He happily described Midnight Madness as "a lot of fun," and called kickball "a blast."

While he was disappointed to miss Capture the Flag, he made sure he was ready for the parade. Nico Gibson, a junior business management major, agreed that the weekend offered high points, specifically naming the parade and the alumni games.

Among all the activities offered throughout the weekend, the most mentioned event was the parade. This is a GU tradition that no one wanted to miss.

Both Powell and Professor Jane Bell highlighted its importance. Powell recommended "watching the parade at least once," noting that it's "really something special" and a must-see for first-timers.

The spirit generated by these traditions always culminates in a massive wave of school pride. Ben Hornaday, a junior elementary education major, said his favorite memory of the weekend was the football game, specifically "seeing all the school spirit and energy and cheering on my friends."

That shared enthusiasm is what current Panthers hope future students will continue to build.

On the Street: Capturing Homecoming Voices Photo by Dave Bell.

A Message to the Next Generation

The message from faculty and current students to the next generation of GU attendees is clear: Get involved.

When asked for her advice to future GU students, Professor Bell's response was straightforward: "Participate in everything.” She listed activities like Homecoming, sports, GSGA events, intramurals, and added, "Oh, and go to class."

The experience of Homecoming—whether it was Monti's first in 2023 or a memorable one for Professor Bell, who enjoyed seeing the Frank Lloyd Wright window at the Baugh Museum—confirms that the University's principal value is the connection that turns classmates and colleagues into family.

At Greenville University, the sense of connection is more than a tradition—it’s the heartbeat of Homecoming.