Happy Homecoming 2018

Homecoming — A beautiful day that means more than just a day off from class, but rather, a University of Florida holiday filled with so many age-old traditions, it makes you proud to bleed orange and blue. From Soulfest to Gator Growl, UF Homecoming traditions delight in the diverse culture of our university and the Gainesville community, uniting everyone under the same idea: It’s Great to be a Florida Gator.

The week kicked off with Soulfest, a live show that showcases diverse talent and artistic creations at UF and within Gainesville, along with Multicultural Greek performances, dance teams, musicians and singers, there is no limit on the expressions of creativity and inventiveness, something highly valued in the place that we call home.

The week is filled with so many events, it can be hard to keep count. From the pageant that recognizes outstanding Gators to the Gator Gallop, a two-mile homecoming fun run, to Festival, a family-friendly carnival-style event, there are events for past, present and future Gators.

To finish off homecoming week and hype up the crowd for a game at The Swamp, everyone can attend Gator Growl, the most iconic event of the school year and a tradition that started more than 90 years ago. What began as “Dad’s Day” and “Friday night pep-rally,” Gator Growl’s history is deeply rooted in the beginnings of UF, much like the College of Education.

While the entire Gainesville community partakes in the tradition, the UF College of Education has its own unique traditions. Arguably the best traditions, although we could just be biased.

During the fall semester, the sounds of the UF band practicing on Norman Field echo through the halls of the college. You could say we get a special sneak peek of the shows to come. These include both the largest student-run homecoming parade and the much-anticipated football game on Saturday. Only at the COE, of course.

The COE has a long-standing tradition of going all in for the homecoming parade. From the very beginning of homecoming festivities, EduGators have been known to go big or go home. What college would create a huge wooden Gator controlled by students? The COE, that’s who. Our education-themed floats in the homecoming parades are full of spirit. I guess you could say we get it from our many hours of creating unique, crafty and colorful classroom designs *hair flip*.

Although it doesn’t take place during homecoming, each year the COE welcomes back alumni for the EduGator Tailgate. Now everyone tailgates, but not everyone has an EduGator Tailgate. It’s special. The aroma of catered food among the crisp fall air (to be clear, a Florida fall), engulfs the alumni, faculty and friends that share the same passion for UF and education. From old Gators to new, decorated in orange and blue, EduGators form a small community to talk, laugh, reminisce and cheer the Gators on to victory.

No matter where you are at UF or beyond Gainesville during this year’s homecoming, this week is rooted in a legacy that represents generations of Gators and EduGators that come alive through tradition and spirit.

Oh, also, BEAT MIZZOU!

Happy Homecoming 2018

While the entire Gainesville community partakes in the tradition, the UF College of Education has its own unique traditions. Arguably the best traditions, although we could just be biased.

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