“When all is just a mem’ry, of our by-gone days,” two BGSU alumni voices sang over the crackling cell phone, which connected Atlanta with Bowling Green. “Hear our hymn dear Alma Mater, as thy name we praise.”
Singing alumnae Elizabeth Maxson, 2004, and Angela Meraz, 2002, and others across the country keep BGSU close to their heart after they graduate. But especially in October, when alumni receive Homecoming brochures from the alumni office, past graduates from all corners remember their years and sometimes make the trip to return to campus.
“If there’s ever a weekend to come back, it’s Homecoming,” said Van Wright, assistant to the vice president in external relations.
Alumni have different reasons for returning to their alma mater.
Thom Dawson, 1966 graduate, recognizes the impact his years had on the rest of his life.
“I graduated 39 years ago, and my education made me what I am,” said Thom Dawson, the Chair of the Alumni Association of Directors .
He met his wife at Bowling Green and feels he owes BG for the time spent. In return, he supports the campus with his time and service.
Because of alumni like Dawson who support the University in various ways, the reputation of campus grows stronger. And it’s a continuing circle, because alumni return to campus to see how the campus has grown better and better, Wright said. New attractions like the Student Union, improving academic programs or the football team’s success bring alumni back.
“Alums naturally take pride. They want to be a part of things,” he said.
Maxson said that when she returns it will not be to see how buildings have improved, but to visit people.
“As long as I know people there, then I’d come – even to see faculty and staff,” she said.
If visiting people is the plan, Homecoming is an opportune time to “rekindle friendships back where you started them,” said Lori Corvino, the Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events, who coordinates all Homecoming events for the Alumni Affairs office.
Events like the Alumni B!G Family barbecue, the Class of 1955 and Pioneer Reunion Brunch, alumni society activities and various alumni dinners provide reuniting and reminiscing time for returning alumni.
Despite the alumni Homecoming events, not every alumnus will return Oct. 1.
Wright said that if alumni were more involved as undergraduates, they would feel more connected to the campus, and they would more likely return.
However, Maxson, who was a past University Ambassador and worked Homecoming events as an undergraduate, said she wouldn’t need to leave Atlanta if she wanted to bond with other alumni.
The BGSU Atlanta alumni chapter gets together regularly. For Homecoming, she said they will probably watch Falcon football at a local bar.
“With modern times, it’s very easy to keep in touch with other alumni, so I don’t have to visit campus,” Maxson said, although she added that she would visit if she hadn’t just relocated to Atlanta.
For students not yet alumni, the alumni office also wants to make Homecoming a tradition that gets them involved and having fun, so they want to want to return for events like Homecoming, Corvino said.
Homecoming is also a great time for undergraduates to see alumni out in action.
Wright said it’s important that students see alumni giving and supporting the institution.
“Our students see that and say, ‘I understand that some day I want to be a supporter of this institution.'”
Whether students or alumni get involved in Homecoming events to support the school or to just have fun, Homecoming is an opportunity for everyone to rejoice in their Falcon Pride.
Because alumni even three states away remember that “years from now you’ll be, even dearer in our hearts, our University.”