This year’s homecoming theme, Once A Falcon, Always A Falcon, is all about connections.

“We’re all united in this one way … even if we don’t know each other,” said Julia Hage, president of the student homecoming steering committee.

Once A Falcon, Always A Falcon stood out as a theme because it includes alumni.

“[Homecoming is] not just about current students,” Hage said. “It’s truly about the alumni coming back and celebrating their experience.”

The theme also includes others who may have ties to the University.

“It could even apply to transfer students… or [students who] don’t graduate,” said Alexis Adams, sponsorship and finance chair of the student homecoming steering committee.

For these people, the University is still part of their story, Adams said.

Hage echoed this sentiment.

“You’re not just here for the short term,” Hage said. “Once you leave, you’ll always have that as a part of who you are.”

Homecoming court member Taylor Baumle also said the theme is a good one for including faculty, alumni, current students and others.

“I feel like it’s going to make homecoming really connected,” Baumle said.

The theme also reflects that alumni will always be welcome to come back, Baumle said.

Not everyone can return, but they can still be involved wherever they are. People can take spirited photos or selfies and use the hashtag #BGFalconPride, Hage said. The photos will be shown on the big screen during the game.

“That allows people who aren’t going to be at the game to still participate,” Hage said.

The homecoming theme is chosen by a variety of campus groups, including the student homecoming steering committee, the University homecoming steering committee, the athletics department and various colleges. They all submit theme ideas, and representatives from the groups narrow the field to the top three ideas. Each group gets a vote.

There are three important aspects to consider, Adams said. A theme is chosen based on how it appeals to students, how it incorporates both college and alumni life and how it represents Falcons.

The theme is incorporated into events throughout the week leading up to homecoming, Hage said.

The week culminates on Saturday with a pep rally before the football game. Athletic coaches will serve as MCs while students, alumni and others can gather before the game.

“It’s a whole collection of past and current Falcons and we get to experience the game day pride together,” Hage said.