Formerly known as “Swoop’s Week,” the themed week leading up to Emory’s Homecoming Ball has been switched back to being called “Homecoming Week” in order to prevent confusion among students, according to College senior Rabia Malik, one of two Homecoming Chairs for Emory’s Student Programming Committee (SPC).
Traditionally, this week has been referred to as “Homecoming Week” up until only last year when SPC decided to try out the title “Swoop’s Week.”
According to Malik, the decision to change the name was sparked after a discussion with the Emory Alumni Association (EAA) last spring.
Malik said she, along with her co-chair College sophomore Marisa Hann, felt that many students and alumni did not immediately connect the title “Swoop’s Week” to Emory Homecoming. According to
Malik, the hope is that greater name recognition will foster more support among Emory students for the week’s activities.
Malik added that Homecoming Week this year will be similar to previous years, with activities beginning Monday, Sept. 15 and extending through Saturday, Sept. 20, culminating in a parade and alumni concert.
Specifically, several themed events will take place Monday through Wednesday, and comedian Brent Morin will be coming to Emory on Thursday. EDM trio Cash Cash will perform on McDonough Field Friday at the Homecoming Ball and MisterWives and Sugar Ray will perform on Saturday afternoon after the Homecoming Parade. The theme for this year’s Homecoming Week is “Welcome to Wonderland,” Malik added.
“The week is packed with exciting events and giveaways to promote Emory’s spirit and welcome students and alumni back home,” Malik said.
According to Malik, she and Hann discussed the issue at length with the EAA and believe the restored title is here to stay. SPC Advisor Jill Camper said that while the wording change was ultimately on the part of SPC, as their advisor, she completely supports the group’s decision.
–By Naomi Maisel
The Emory Wheel was founded in 1919 and is currently the only independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University. The Wheel publishes weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, except during University holidays and scheduled publication intermissions.
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