Before Rowan’s flattening of William Patterson College, with a final score of 45-16, Rowan students and alumni gathered for a time-honored tradition: the homecoming tailgate.
On Oct. 18, hours before the kickoff, students were already gathered in Parking Lot O for food, live music, and various vendors representing Rowan clubs and fields of study. There were carnival games, inflatables, and many other ways for students, parents, and families to occupy their time.
The event featured seven food trucks, for which Rowan students were given ten dollars worth of food vouchers upon arrival, as well as many fraternities, families, and sororities rolling out smokers, grills, and large trays of food.
There were also live performances from the marching band and cheer teams, and even a tent to sample or purchase President Houshmand’s Hot Sauce.
“I’ve been coming to homecoming since I graduated from Rowan in 1990,” said Laila Wilkins, alumna and member of the Delta Sigma Beta sorority. “The tailgating is the best part. It allows us to all come back in order to see each other.”
People who attended were also treated to 37 campus partners setting up tents and tables. There were facades with leafy decorations and a Rowan sign for photo opportunities.
Various trophies and rewards were handed out to fraternities and sororities based on their participation in homecoming events. The University College elephant was out and about as well, taking photos with children and alumni alike.
“We’ve had a great experience, as we always do when we come to homecoming; it’s wonderful,” said Fiscal Operations Coordinator, Mary Hartman.
Attendants were given ample opportunity to deck themselves out in Rowan gear. Free T-shirts, flags, mugs, and almost anything else that could be customized were available in some form or another to be distributed as the tailgating festivities commenced.
The weather was calm, sunny, and even warm for October, allowing for the outdoor space to be used to its full potential.
“I love to see the large groups of people, alumni, and the community of the town come together and have an amazing day today, enjoy the food, enjoy the harmony, enjoy the games, and get to know our college faculty and staff. It’s a beautiful festival, that is what I love about it,” said Rowan University President Dr. Ali A. Houshmand.
The homecoming tailgate was sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, Chamberlain Student Center & Campus Activities, and Rowan Athletics.
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