The events for the 2021 Homecoming began with a pandemic adapted celebration.

The Student Development Programs planned virtual and in-person events that began today in celebration of the university’s 2021 Homecoming.

Students met in Lot F and drove by Screaming Eagles Arena and cheered on the homecoming team and court during The Reverse Homecoming Parade today. 

Jason Honesto, a senior individual studies major, is on the 2021 Homecoming Committee. Honesto is responsible for the event’s marketing and public relations. 

“The most exciting thing for me throughout this process is the sense of normalcy that I’m getting and that I feel we’re able to provide students with],” Honesto said. “I think with everything going on it’s extremely difficult for us to grasp what life used to be like and all the experiences that we were able to have prior to the pandemic.” 

Honesto said the idea for the Reverse Parade came from drive-by parades that celebrated birthdays and special occasions in 2020. 

“It’s so nice to have something to celebrate, something to be excited for. I’m most excited about the joy that it’s going to bring,” Honesto said. 

Among the bingo event that took place today and the karaoke event that will be on Wednesday, Honesto said the Sweet Spot Bakery is giving out hot chocolate to those who mention their advertisement.

“There are a few things going on actually,” Honesto said. “Everything is leading up to coronation on Friday and the basketball game this weekend.” 

Diego Castillo Koussa, a senior mechanical engineering major, said he is thankful for the opportunity to be on the 2021 Homecoming Court.

“It’s been a great experience so far,” Castillo Koussa said. “Honestly when I arrived to USI, I think I didn’t expect to be on homecoming court, and it’s such an honor to be on it.”

Castillo Koussa said the people on the court are representatives of the university, Evansville and Indiana. They are people that show great pride for their university, he said. 

The freedom of activities this year is restricted, compared to the freedom the homecoming events of past years had according to Castillo Koussa.

“The homecoming court administration and the whole university, has made it possible for us to do, for example, the parade,” Castillo Koussa said. “So even though there’s been some adjustments, we’ll still have a good time.” 

A committee of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors began planning Homecoming in Sept. 2020. The committee had to account for the pandemic, budget, weather and fluctuating capacity limits.

The remaining 2021 Homecoming events will include

• MCC Songs by Association, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.
• Karaoke, Feb 9 at 6 p.m.
• Homecoming Campfire, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.
• Coronation, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.
• Basketball Games Watch Party, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m and 3:15 p.m.