Many events happen during Homecoming Weekend at Spring Hill College, including but not limited to Run for the Hill, Badger Day, Midnight Madness, and various sporting events. While Homecoming Weekend is typically geared toward alumni, students also have events they can attend and support Spring Hill spirit.
This year, Spring Hill College held a beam-signing ceremony where students, faculty, and alumni could sign the final beam being installed on the new health and science building. Some signees wrote their names, some wrote a note, and some drew a picture.
For Madison Colvin, a senior at SHC, one event stood out among the festivities. “Midnight Madness has always been my favorite event, but this year was very special. This year I made history. I was crowned Spring Hill’s second Homecoming Queen while also being our first Black Homecoming Queen […] I’m continuing a legacy while also encouraging students who look like me that they too are capable of doing the same and even better!” The weekend offers a diverse array of activities for the entire Spring Hill community, from tailgates and athletic competitions to cultural celebrations and social gatherings.
These events do more than simply entertain. Senior Claudia Billedeaux believes the homecoming activities reflect something deeper about the college. “I think these events are great at celebrating school spirit. That is true Badger pride. But all rooted in a love for Christ, seekers of truth, individuals of character, and God’s servants first.” Colvin added, “I think these events bring the Hill together as a community. These events also remind us of our history. Alumni are a huge factor and a highlight of our culture. They paved the way for us to experience the Hill the way we do.” The celebrations showcase the values and spirit that define the Spring Hill experience throughout the year.
Behind the scenes, many students work tirelessly to make homecoming weekend a success. Sophomore Amelia Weeks was involved in organizing the festivities: “I helped out at Midnight Madness and helped some of my friends involved with Greek life to amp up the Spring Hill spirit. I mostly just helped with the artsy stuff like painting and drawing to make the school look fun and exciting for everyone who came to visit this weekend!“ The student-led efforts ensure that homecoming reflects what matters most to the current student body while honoring the college’s traditions.
Homecoming holds a special place in the calendar of campus events. When asked how it compares to other big weekends at Spring Hill, Colvin noted, “I don’t think it really compares to any other big weekends. In my opinion, I think it’s one of the biggest since it’s not only students. It’s students, parents, alumni, professors, faculty, staff, and affiliates of the above.” The unique blend of alumni reunions, campus-wide activities, and school spirit creates an atmosphere unlike any other time of year.
For students, homecoming weekend means time with friends and making memories that will last long after graduation. Weeks described their typical homecoming experience: We purple up and go to the midnight madness game, we also go support our friends on the rugby team, and have a picnic. Saturday night, we go to the TKE apartment and also the concert organized by SGA at the fairways apartments!”
As another homecoming weekend draws to a close, students return to their studies with renewed appreciation for the Spring Hill community and the traditions that bind generations of Badgers together.
