The “Calvin Grand Prix” (bed races), soccer, Donut Dash, food, a movie showing of The Incredibles and fireworks — all of these were part of last week’s homecoming events. This year’s homecoming invited the classes of 2008 and 1993 to “Come Home to Calvin,reuniting with old classmates from 10 or 25 years ago and reliving old college glory days by participating in the homecoming events. Current and recently graduated Knights also gathered for the weekend’s festivities.

Paul Bylsma of alumni relations said, “Homecoming is always intended to be a time where students, alumni and friends of the college meet back on campus to reminisce about the past and gather under a common college identity. ‘Come Home to Calvin,’ the 2018 homecoming theme, was intended to do just that by offering a full slate of fun, family-friendly and student-oriented events.”

Class of 2017 Calvin alum Crystal Sanders attended the women’s soccer game Saturday night, which was followed by fireworks.

“Although not many people stayed for the fireworks because of the weather, it was nice of Calvin to do something different this year,” she said.

Sanders also expressed that she “felt like a student again” in the midst of the homecoming activities, adding that she saw many many Knights in their Calvin gear showing support for the women’s soccer team. The female Knights took on the Kalamazoo Hornets and took the win with a score of 2-0.

Nite Life, Game Day and the alumni association focused on improving school spirit across campus.

“We’re trying to increase participation at Calvin sporting events,” said Anna Gernant, current senior and Game Day intern for the event. “There has been a decline in attendance from students at sporting events since my freshman year at Calvin.”

In an effort to increase attendance at sporting events and school spirit, the homecoming team held an “Old Uniform sale,” which was a sale of vintage uniforms worn and seen by Calvin alumni over the years.

“Homecoming weekend was a good way to ignite the flame,” Gernant added.

From the “Calvin Grand Prix” to the Maroon and Gold Gala, past and present Knights “reig-knighted” the flame of new and old traditions by coming to together to reminisce and create new memories this past homecoming weekend.