Rowan University’s 2017 PROFhistoric Homecoming week took off without a hitch, despite the morning’s gloomy weather due to Hurricane Nate.

While the weather had cleared before the banner competition had started, the event was relocated from outside on the back patio of the Student Center to the inside of the Student Center.

“We had moved the event inside earlier because of rain,” said Melissa Ulmer, assistant director at the Chamberlain Student Center and Campus Activities. “Twenty-five teams gathered on the second and first floor of the Student Center, sprawling out with their paints and brushes displaying their ‘Prof Pride.'”

some painting down, some painting to go. pic.twitter.com/a5sGbxJOkl

— Sarah Jane Massaud (@sjanemassaud) October 10, 2017

The theme of this year’s homecoming is ‘PROFhistoric,’ which pays tribute to the university’s own Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park. It was almost one year ago that Jean and Ric Edelman announced the generous gift they gave to the university to transform the Fossil Park into a world-class destination for scientific discovery and “citizen science.”

“I like that we now, in our own way, get to honor the people who have already given back to the school so much,” said senior marketing major, Alexis Dobron. Students get a chance to show alumni what their school is becoming as well as show appreciation for alumni paving the roads to success for those coming after them.

Students worked on their banners from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. The banners will be displayed throughout the Student Center all week long. The winners of the competition will be announced during halftime at the Homecoming football game against TCNJ.

Fall flavored snacks were available in the pit halfway through the event. Apple cider donuts, apple cider, apple pie and even apple slices were donated to the event from Gourmet. Free Homecoming T-shirts were distributed to those who attended the event.

Students were also able to donate to Rowan’s SHOP, a pantry for Rowan students to take food when they need it. An empty shopping cart was displayed next to the sign-in booth stating, “Waits to be filled with donations.” Throughout Homecoming, extra spirit points are awarded to those who donate.

For the rest of our PROFhistoric Homecoming 2017 coverage click here.

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