Ahhh, homecoming weekend!

As alumni pulled up to park, aromas of fresh barbeque began to flow down Cortland Street as grills began blazing early Saturday afternoon.

Once the football game came to a conclusion, a mob of Yellow Jackets from alumni to freshmen swarmed to the tailgate lot. Reunions and introductions resonated once everyone began to settle in.

I originally started at AIC in 2012, as a super senior this year it was awesome seeing so many familiar faces from when I started college intermingling with all of my new friends now. Each year, there is always the question of, “who will come back to visit for homecoming weekend?” Group text, Facebook messenger, and Instagram DMs will have tons of plans forming the ultimate reunion weekend.

Students and alumni alike agree that there is nothing quite like Homecoming Weekend, and the tailgating parties are an essential part of it.

“It’s really a time of year, we all look forward too. I was ready since move in during August,” said sophomore Jordyn Dewinkeleer.

With tents propped up and cars lined up and barricading in good vibes only, the parties were soon in full swing. Without a doubt homecoming weekend has left me more speechless than ever before. Between all of the athletic teams cooking and playing music, to the Greek life stomping the yard and throwing down on the grills.

Seeing the community of AIC come together laughing and reminiscing, while still creating memories was unbelievable. It was almost as if the whole weekend were scripted and we were just the extras filling in having a good time, to complete the scene.

Jessieniya Climes-Rivera, a junior, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology said the day was perfect.

“There was a tremendous amount of people and great food, which created an amazing atmosphere to be in,” Climes-Rivera said.

From the reactions and post on social media, the student body and alumni couldn’t agree more. With midterms approaching quickly, the breath of fresh air was defiantly needed.

As the morning began, the skies were grey and showers kept passing in and out. Which worried some students, especially freshman because homecoming weekend is known as one the biggest event filled times during the fall semester. Yet luckily enough for all of us Yellow Jackets, showers stopped shortly after the game began.

Although a little rain has never stopped us from coming together before, Mother Nature cleared up almost instantaneously. As if she were just waiting for everyone to find a park, prepare for their tailgate spot and sit on the bleachers.

It was a complete 360 in climate, and you could tell by those in attendance there also was a huge transition in everyone’s aura.

“I had so much fun at tailgate! I dint get to go last year, so it was exciting to be able to meet different people who were there to have a good time and just hang out with each other,” said sophomore Eliana Stevens.

Upon entering the lot, Student Life folks greeted everyone and encouraged them to stop by their tent. They gave students the option to spin the wheel and win a variety of prizes. Available were a portable AIC stadium seat, to AIC Blankets, and much more, ultimately sending some in the direction to take on the day as a winner.

Navigating throughout the lot, what really stood out this year was the presence of the Greek Life.

Seeing the different sororities and fraternities show out, sparked a big flame because as a high school student visiting colleges during tours these organizations really were known to bring the life to campus. With the tremendous amounts of service being exude to the AIC community from them, it was nice to see them in another element of theirs taking on the yard.

Overall it is safe to say AIC Tailgate 2018 was one for the books, and definitely has set the bar for homecomings in the future.

I am really excited to see what is in store for homecoming weekend next year as an official alumni of AIC.