News
People running like madmen around a 100-foot towering inferno? A sea of painted green faces descending on Memorial Field?
No, it's not the end of the world, it's Homecoming weekend, and for those who have never experienced it, the prospect of a three-day non-stop party elicits a wide range of reactions and responses.
While most freshmen said they plan to attend the major events like the Freshman Sweep and the Bonfire, many said they are unsure what to expect.
Matt Dattwyler '01 said he plans to "go with the flow and to attend as many events as possible."
"You can have a party anytime," Ali Rashid '01 said.
Mike Kelly '01, who began his homecoming activities early by helping to build the bonfire, said that upperclassmen, "knowing what's going to happen, have a reason to get really excited early," as opposed to freshmen who are unsure about the events occurring the upcoming weekend.
Another major theme of homecoming is tradition and the unification of the freshmen class with the upperclassmen.
Rachel Fink '01 said she sees it as "an initiation; a chance to feel more a part of Dartmouth."
Brian Richardson '01 said tradition is "the most played-up aspect of homecoming."
Most upperclassmen said they look back with fondness on their first Homecoming experiences.
Upperclassmen also said Homecoming becomes more of a chance to spend time with friends and less of a class activity after freshman year.
"The traditions at Homecoming were the first to make me realize that we were all Dartmouth students and that we were all in this together.
