If there’s one thing that students collectively look forward to every year, it’s homecoming week. This year, members of the United Students Government plan on making this homecoming the best yet, incorporating not only new events, but changing the flow of them as well.

Director of Student Life, Sarah Young, has been working alongside other members of USG to bring forth new events for both alumni and current students to get involved with.

“The pep rally on Thursday is always a big event where USG hands out t-shirts along with the athletes and we have a chicken barbeque,” Young said.

This year, the parade will be on Friday afternoon.

“We’re still doing the parade, but the parade has changed because it’s moved from Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the past several years, right before the game,” Young said. “It was a little too early for student participants so we’re moving it to see if that helps numbers.”

Some other events that will be taking place include a “Food Truck Rodeo” on Coyer Field on Saturday where local food truck vendors will be serving food before and after the game. Later that day at 7:00 p.m., there is “A Night of Comedy,” which features local comedians in the Student Union.

Marcel Baker, junior and USG administrative vice president for campus affairs and government relations, hopes that the “Many Bengals, One Roar” theme helps to make students excited for the fresh new theme of SUNY Buffalo State’s homecoming.

“I hope to see that everybody feels connected and are looking forward to the events,” Baker said. “The football games, the carnival, and students love having the t-shirts thrown at them. Last year it was raining, but now we’re looking for a better feel of everything and the carnival being really great for everyone else.”

USG President Terron Grant is also excited for this year’s upcoming events.

“I am really excited for our carnival this year. We have big rides, we give out free pizza, popcorn, so that’s really our time to shine,” Grant said. “I think we’re going to have a really great turnout. I definitely feel like this year is going to be brand new, a lot of changes, so it’s going to be a fun homecoming.”

Some returning events this year is the window painting and banner competition, the homecoming food drive to support the Buffalo State Milligan’s food pantry, and the king and queen competition and showcase.

This year’s new fresh approach to Buffalo State’s homecoming is sure to bring together alumni and current students alike with a week full of new and returning activities.

For more information on all of the events, dates and times, you can go to homecoming.buffalostate.edu/homecoming-events.

More information can also be found in Buffalo State’s newsletter. The Student Life office is offering a new way for students to stay in the loop with what’s going on around campus and in the Buffalo community. The newsletter, called “This Week at Buffalo State,” is sent to all students through their Buffalo State email, giving information on campus and local events.

“The newsletter was created to make sure that students know what is going on campus and aware of all of the activities that are available to them,” Young said.

The starting issue was released on the first day of classes this semester and will continue to go out to all students weekly each Monday via campus email. Additionally, students can stay up to date with Student Life’s “This Week at Buffalo State” Tumblr page: bscstudentlife.tumblr.com.

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