“I was actually preparing for somebody else’s name.”

Senior Andrew Gordan, majoring in biochemistry, nervously anticipated the announcement of the 2021 Homecoming King, until he heard his own name called.

“It was such an honor,” Gordan said.

The early-October annual tradition at Waynesburg University brought together many familiar faces and lifelong friends on Oct. 2 for Homecoming.

Senior Alexandra Morar, political science and history major and the 2021 Homecoming Queen, was also shocked at the announcement of her name at John F. Wiley stadium.

According to Morar, however, one of the things that she remembers most is the announcement of achievements for each of the candidates.

“It’s really cool to see the differences that we’ve all made,” Morar said. 

Both Morar and Gordan live in campus houses, and through the encouragement of friends and housemates, they both took the initiative to run for the Homecoming Court, which panned out well for the seniors.

“I got to hear a lot from other students and see those students come and say ‘hey, I want to vote for you because I think you’ve had a great impact on my life or in our relationships,’” Gordan said. “My friends supporting me through the process is what I think got me through and got me excited about it the most.”

With events happening throughout homecoming week at the university, this Waynesburg tradition has the most participation annually from Yellow Jacket alumni according coordinator Dave Floyd. 

“We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of folks coming back here year after year, which has been great,” Floyd said. “I think they enjoy getting back together with their classmates from when they were here.”

Virtual homecoming events were a component this year, but most of all, Floyd expressed his gratitude for being back in person. 

In terms of plans for next year’s homecoming, nothing has been set in stone. 

There is, however, the consideration of possibly scaling back on virtual events and spreading them out in order to facilitate more participation. 

“Before you know it, it will be time to start planning for the next one and go from there,” Floyd said.