Most freshmen look forward to Homecoming weekend as a chance to become part of a Dartmouth tradition. Many have heard about the weekend from upperclassmen who already have fond memories of Homecomings past.
"I've heard that with the bonfire and all the freshmen running through town together, Homecoming is really a great experience," Katie Uhre '00 said.
Monica Lo '00 said, "I've heard it's the best weekend for freshmen all year."
Others do not know what to expect from Homecoming's traditions, but they too anticipate a memorable weekend.
"I don't really know that much about Dartmouth Night. I think that Homecoming is a time to be with lots of friends and have a lot of fun," Laura Cooper '00 said. "I'm just going to try to do as little work as possible and take things as they come."
"I hope to have a good time the whole weekend," Sarah Harris '00 said.
Some freshmen see Homecoming as a way to take part in the traditions that are a part of Dartmouth's history.
"Traditions are an important part of the College atmosphere and Homecoming is certainly filled with traditions," said Monica Lo '00.
Others believe recent changes in traditions, such as limiting the number of tiers on the bonfire, will detract from the spirit of Homecoming.
"It seems like all traditions have lost things for safety reasons. I would have liked to be a part of the sweep when it was a little more riotous," Hannah Gardener '00 said.
Many upperclassmen remember the novelty and excitement of their first Homecoming weekend.
Scott Warden '99 said the bonfire was his favorite part of Homecoming last year.
"I remember running around the bonfire and screaming like banshees. I thought it was absolutely amazing," he said.
Most upperclassman recall the feeling of class unity that accompanies Homecoming weekend.
Carolyn Wolff '97 remembers the incredible spirit which she saw during her freshman year Homecoming.
"Some of my friends from other schools came up for Homecoming weekend," she said. "They were all amazed at the enthusiasm and how excited everyone here got for all of the activities."
"Homecoming was the first time where all freshmen felt really unified. It was a chance to get all fired up about the class," Scott Warden '99 said.
Wendy Fleske '98 agreed that Homecoming is "a great class experience."
"Besides having a lot of fun, the whole class really bonded," Karen Mangold '99 said.
Mangold said this year's freshmen can expect to gain great memories that will last many years.
"The bonfire and the freshman sweep are things you can always look back on," she said.
In addition to having an enjoyable weekend, many freshmen said they hope to gain class unity from Homecoming weekend.
Todd Abbott '00 said he never had a homecoming at his high school and is excited about the new experience.
"Homecoming seems like another opportunity for the freshmen to bond and get closer together. It's one more thing which helps us to become a part of Dartmouth," he said.
Wolff said she has great memories of building the bonfire with her friends.
"I still have the picture on my wall of my friends and me on top of the bonfire," she said.
Some warned freshmen not to expect to participate in all of the weekend's activities.
"There was so much happening, I don't think I slept the entire weekend," Aimee Cain '98 said.
Although freshmen are not officially allowed to attend fraternity parties, both upperclassmen and freshmen said the parties are an important part of Homecoming weekend.
Cain said she attended fraternity parties as a freshman. "I remember the fraternities were really crowded and it was hard to move. The weekend was a nonstop party for me."
Heather Stewart '99 said, "There's so much going on. There's just not enough time to do everything you want to do."
"Freshmen should take advantage of just being freshmen," Marcie Handler '97 said. "The weekend is really best for freshmen because the spotlight is on them."
Cain said she had to miss the bonfire because she was working but said the sweep was a lot of fun. She agreed that freshmen have the most fun during Homecoming.
"Do all you can freshman year while it's your bonfire and your sweep," she said. "It's really a one time opportunity."
