At Lincoln University, Homecoming is more than a week of events, outfits, parties, and football. It is a time when the campus feels different, when school pride becomes more visible, and when students are reminded that they are part of something bigger than themselves. As a student at the nation’s first degree-granting historically Black college and university, I see Homecoming as an opportunity to celebrate the culture, traditions, and community that make Lincoln special. But beyond the excitement, Homecoming means something different to everyone who experiences it.
For some students, Homecoming is about reconnecting with friends, dressing up, and making memories that will last long after graduation. For others, it is about representing their organizations, showcasing their talents, and contributing to the energy that makes the week memorable. For alumni, it’s a chance to return to the place that helped shape them and see how the university has grown. All these experiences come together to create something that cannot be captured by a schedule of events alone.
Being involved in the Reconstruction Step Team has given me another perspective on what it means to be part of the Lincoln community. Being involved in campus organizations means understanding that the events students enjoy do not happen without people putting in work behind the scenes. From rehearsals to planning and preparation, there is a different kind of pride that comes with representing your organization in front of the campus. Homecoming creates a space for students to show what they have been working toward while celebrating the talent and dedication of the people around them.
One thing I appreciate about Homecoming is the way it brings different parts of campus together. Throughout the semester, students are busy with classes, assignments, practices, meetings, and personal responsibilities. It can be easy to get caught up in our individual routines and forget that we are all contributing to the same university experience. Homecoming gives us a reason to pause, show up for one another, and celebrate the things that make our campus unique.
However, I also think Homecoming is a reminder of how quickly time moves in college. Freshmen are experiencing traditions for the first time, sophomores and juniors are creating new memories, and seniors are realizing that some of these moments are happening for the last time. The same event can mean something completely different depending on where you are in your college journey. What feels like an exciting introduction to campus life for one student might feel like a final chapter for another.
This is especially meaningful at a university with a history as significant as Lincoln’s. Homecoming is not just about the students currently walking across campus. It also belongs to the alumni who came before us, the people who helped establish traditions, and the generations who will carry them forward. When alumni return, they bring their own memories and experiences with them. Their presence connects the past to the present and reminds current students that being a Lincoln Lion does not end when you receive your degree.
Of course, Homecoming is not perfect. There can be stress, disagreements, and expectations that do not always match reality. Sometimes, people become so focused on where they are going, what they are wearing, or what everyone else is doing that they forget to enjoy the moment. But I believe that is part of what makes the experience meaningful. The best memories are not always the ones that go exactly as planned. Sometimes, they come from the unexpected moments, the people you spend time with, and the experiences you did not realize would matter so much until later.
Ultimately, what Homecoming means to me is community, pride, and connection. It is a celebration of who we are as Lincoln students and a reminder of the legacy we have the opportunity to continue. Long after the outfits have been put away, the music has stopped, and the campus has returned to its regular routine, the memories remain.
Homecoming is one week on the calendar, but its meaning extends far beyond those few days. It is about recognizing where we come from, appreciating where we are, and understanding that we are helping shape the story of Lincoln University. And to me, that is what makes Homecoming worth celebrating.
