Throughout the years, certain traditions at N.C. State have been weakened, scaled back or shut down. Luckily, that’s not the case for Homecoming. In my mind, it’s the greatest week at NCSU. It’s not just about free food, a concert and spirit points — it’s much more.
There’s a reason Homecoming brings generations of alumni — no matter where they are or what they do — back to Raleigh. Ostensibly, we have this week to come together and cheer on the football team. But in reality, Homecoming allows all of us to see the NCSU experience is about more than just books, grades and a diploma.
Our committee has worked tirelessly for months to bring you the supreme Homecoming this University has ever seen. Banners have been displayed around campus, handbills have been delivered and door hangers have been hung. Hopefully, you cannot turn a corner without seeing our theme, “Crush the Cavs.”
We kicked off Homecoming Week with our biggest launch to date. We gave away 1,500 T-shirts and 2,000 slices of pizza, and — with the help of The Embers — we kicked it off right.
Student groups did their own renovations to Hillsborough Street as they painted the store fronts. K-mart has been sold out of sheets for weeks as student groups constructed banners. I hope your own supply of red has not been depleted!
Additionally, students have been lining up daily in the Brickyard for free food. Voting is done and Leader of the Pack results are being finalized. Student organizations are competing hard for the title (and bragging rights) for NCSU’s best student group.
Yesterday, we Took Back the Night. Hundreds of students, alumni and guests gathered to show support for survivors of rape and sexual assault. Both on campus and in the community, participants protested against sexual violence affecting both men and women. The night belongs to the Wolfpack Family!
Hundreds of lives have been saved by everyone giving blood and bone marrow. Its hard to believe we are just starting day three.
And we have more.
The rest of this week Wear Red, Get Fed will feature food from: Domino’s Pizza, Wing Zone and finishing up on Friday with Jimmy Johns and Rocky Top Hospitality.
Come out to the Brickyard and help feed the hungry by taking part in a canned food drive today, while on Thursday, buy some cookies to support charity.
On Friday at 6 p.m., bundle up and head to Hillsborough Street for a parade will head down our front yard with Coaches Kay Yow and Tom O’Brien as marshals. Student organizations will get you excited with remarkable floats.
Following the parade, doors open for one the best concerts in Raleigh this year — the Pack Howl Pep Rally and Concert. NCSU’s biggest pep rally will begin with excitement that is sure to flow over into the game. Team captains will be there, so show your support. After the pep rally, enjoy a concert featuring Bret Dennen, Guster and The Avett Brothers for only $5 per student.
Finally, support the team with the enthusiasm we have built up during the week. Burn off that free food you ate as you cheer us to victory.
Coach O’Brien has said a twelfth man can make all the difference in the world. The twelth man is us. So, get pumped, wear your red, get fed, dance to the music, spend time with the people who walked the same bricks as you and cheer the Wolfpack on to a great VICTORY. Crush the CAVS!
