With the Student Activities Board (SAB) Hawk Homecoming Week right around the corner, Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, the Rockhurst community can look forward to a week full of school spirit and friendly competition. Under the leadership of SAB President Abby Malone, Vice President McKenna Smith and Homecoming Chair Addie Osdieck, the team has put together a week of exciting activities for students, faculty and alumni alike.

A key aspect of Homecoming Week is competition between the university’s student organizations. While the week is intended to engage the entire community, there are opportunities each day at SAB’s events for groups to earn points. At the end of the week, the highest-scoring team will take home the homecoming trophy and money to use towards their organization.

“Homecoming is a great way for all our organizations to come together to raise money for charity. We all enjoy fun events together with the opportunity to take home a trophy and raffle prizes,” Smith said. “It is a tradition that showcases Rockhurst’s sense of belonging by bringing the whole community together.”

The festivities kick off on Monday with two events that will span the entirety of the week, the banner competition and rock hunt. The competition consists of groups turning in decorated banners with their organization’s name and “Homecoming 2024” by 8 a.m. to Student Life. They will hang on the fence surrounding Burke Field and at the end of the week, judges will award first, second and third place to the best banners for points.

For the rock hunt, SAB will be hiding ten painted rocks outdoors around campus, and every organization can try to find them from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. There is no limit to how many groups can find, and they are worth 5 points each, with added prizes awarded upon discovery. 

In addition to these ongoing activities, SAB will be tabling on the first floor of Massman Hall throughout the week, collecting donations for Uplift Organization Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless community in Kansas City. Students are encouraged to bring clean, gently used clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food to support the cause. For each item donated, students will earn raffle tickets for prizes that will be announced later in the week.

On Tuesday, students can grab a sweet treat during the Nothing Bundt Cakes giveaway at the Massman Hall porch, where 300 mini Bundt cakes will be distributed starting at 12:30 p.m. The day will also feature the Picture with your President challenge, where students post photos with their group’s president on their Instagram story, tagging SAB and their organization to earn points.

“Addie’s idea of ‘Picture with your President’ is new this year,” Smith said. “It’s a great way to show off the presidents of different organizations around campus and have some fun.”

Wednesday night there will be a beach-themed party featuring live music by Brett Wiscons in Student Activity Hall from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

“There will be free food along with free items such as leis, beach inflatables, kiddie pools, decorative glasses, face tattoos and drink umbrellas,” Smith said.

To conclude the week, Thursday will be packed with numerous events starting with the Homecoming BBQ on the Lower Bourke at 5:00 p.m. The winners of the raffles will be announced at 5:30 p.m. followed immediately by the bracket-style play volleyball tournament, where the top teams will earn points toward the homecoming trophy.

“The volleyball tournament is always a really fun time because everyone gets into it,” Smith said. “Plus, there’ll be lots of food and drinks with music and entertainment.”

The Homecoming Week winner is announced after the completion of the tournament.

With events designed to bring together students, faculty and alumni, Hawk Homecoming Week is set be a memorable time for the entire Rockhurst community.

When asked to describe the energy of Homecoming Week in one word, Smith said:

“Competitive. In the best way possible, every organization wants to win the title, and they will make sure they get this through donating, getting involved and sharing their experiences.”