By Raeanne Raccagno
Staff Writer
Special events during homecoming week raised roars across campus leading up to the Lions football game against Kean University and family day on Oct. 19.
With the change of seasons, it can be shocking to students how much time has passed since the beginning of the school year. While some are still wondering where September went, others have been planning for this time of year since the summer.
Student Government hosted its 36th annual Spirit Week, a week full of affairs to unite students on being a part of the Lions Den. The week of festivities kicked off with Roaring Nights on Oct. 15, where students dressed up and danced the blue and gold evening away.
“I really loved seeing all the students come together and get dressed up for the night in their fancy attire,” said Julia Fonti, a junior communication major who attended the Homecoming dance. “I thought the event was cute and well put together…the music and overall atmosphere was a good vibe, and I’d consider going to another event like this again.”
Kate Zydor, a sophomore psychology major and SG’s vice president for student services, started planning Homecoming week with Sean Stallings, the College’s vice president for student affairs, in July. The two worked together to create events that could encourage students to embrace their school pride.
“Initially planning, I was trying to think — what do students like to do, what do they find fun?” Zydor said. “I feel the events that students enjoy are the ones that bring them back to their childhood.”
This is where the idea of hosting the College’s first-ever Homecoming dance came from.
Dance attendees began their night by taking advantage of various appetizers, pasta entrees, desserts and fall-themed mocktails.
After plates were cleared, attendees moved to the dance floor where the College’s sports teams pumped up the crowd by sharing their records and throwing t-shirts into the masses. The DJ then got the audience on the dance floor as music and euphoria filled the room.
“There was a lot of anticipation surrounding whether it would be successful or not and I am really glad to say that it exceeded our expectations,” Zydor said. “Our hope is that moving forward, this can become a legacy event for TCNJ.”
Students then engaged in Blue and Gold Vision Boards on Oct. 17 where arts and crafts lovers could create a collage of their dreams or current aspirations.
Bliss was soon met with competitiveness as tensions arose the same night with Recreate Your Night Blue and Gold Bingo, a collaboration between SG and Recreation and Wellness. Rivalry was in the air as students filled seats in the Recreation Center with the ambition to take home the big prizes from the Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Determination stayed strong the following day with Stuff-a-Plush, where students could get a Roscoe Lion plushie to build and dress in a Homecoming t-shirt. The 300 lion soft toys that were up for grabs when the event started ran out in 25 minutes.
“I feel people talk about how our school spirit could be better and I feel like this week just goes to show that students genuinely care,” said Esmeralda Regalado, SG’s mental health chair and sophomore majoring in political science and philosophy.
The Homecoming festivities dwindled to the true meaning of Homecoming with Parent and Family Day on Oct. 19. Students, relatives and Lions of the past came together for a day full of activities until the kickoff against the Kean Cougars.
Lions fans filled the stands to cheer on the football team, while the College’s cheer and dance teams kept the pep alive with their performances. By halftime, the Lions were in the lead.
The halftime ceremony recognized the students who had been participating in a month-long competition for Lions royalty.
Jared Williams, representing SG, and Alec Ferguson, representing Kappa Delta Rho, were crowned Lions Royalty by President Michael Bernstein and Stallings.
The football team kept the same energy in the second half, continuing to conquer the Cougars. The alumni tent, filled with Lions football alums in the home end zone, stayed rowdy with their red solo cups. Reliving their college days, the forever Lions fans jumped with excitement and gave players a line of high fives as they celebrated each accomplishment on the field.
Greg Bellotti ‘92, alumni and a football hall of fame star from Jersey City, reconnected with the bonds he made at the College that have lasted for over 30 years.
“I love seeing all of the alumni, understanding what they're doing and how their families are doing, and then seeing the kids who will be alums and watching them compete,” Bellotti said.
The Lions secured a 48-7 win against Kean, ending Homecoming week on a ride of high pride as people left the stadium in good spirits.
Editor’s note: Kate Zydor, one of The Signal’s news editors, is Student Government’s Vice President for Student Services. She also contributed to the planning of this year’s Homecoming events. She does not assist with writing or editing stories about Student Government.
