A year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many Homecoming events to be canceled or scaled back, Morningside students turned in overwhelming numbers to celebrate the first-ever Morningside University Homecoming Week.

This was clear during the annual bingo event. Unlike previous years, this year it had to be held in the Yockey Room in the Olson Student Center as Eppley Auditorium was occupied. Unfortunately, this also coincided with the largest ever turnout for bingo, with over 310 students showing up to win prizes.

“Yockey, unfortunately, was not meant to hold much more than that 200 number, causing some frustration from MAC and the attendees as well,” Emma Hannasch said in regards to the event. “MAC has formally apologized to those in attendance and hopes to see everybody at future events!“

All of the Homecoming events were sponsored and planned by the Morningside Activities Council (MAC), the student-led group in charge of providing “quality entertainment as well as educational opportunities to the students of Morningside College,” according to their Constitution.

Hannasch, the President of MAC, said Homecoming Week “went really well.” In regards to the turnout, she said, “It was exciting to see the large attendance numbers and it was an amazing feeling honoring President Reynders and Robin throughout the week.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morningside wasn’t able to fully celebrate the 2020 Homecoming as much as most students would have liked to have seen. This year things were able to return to normal.

The first event of Homecoming week was held on Monday. During this event, students were able to create their own custom street signs. An annual Homecoming event, students went to Yockey Room in the Olson Student Center and customized the design and words on these signs. 

“I’ve gone to this event every year so far, and it’s one of my favorites,” said Alex Freeman, a junior political science and business major. “I have one from each year hanging in my room still.”

This event, as well, was flooded with students. People were forced to wait for over an hour to get their sign due to the high demand.

“I didn’t really mind the wait too much, but it was annoying that I had to stand there for a while,” Freeman commented.

On Saturday night, a live band was brought in to play for students to show off their voices singing karaoke.

“It was great to see another event for students to gather at, relax their mind, and have fun at,” said Sam Petersen, a senior who attended the event. 

The first 75 attendants at the karaoke event were given a free MAC blanket. However, well over 75 students showed up for the event, forcing many to leave without a blanket.

“I’m lucky I got there early enough to get a blanket. They are really nice, and I will definitely use it at home,” Petersen remarked.

However, not all of the events were overwhelmed with a high number of students. 

Tuesday brought the annual Homecoming Coronation followed by the first-ever lip sync battle contest.

Students voted for who they thought should be on the Homecoming Court, and the top five men and women were chosen from the senior class to be on the Court.

The men on the Court consisted of Braxton Hinders, James Spicer, Tyler Carney, Carter Anderson, Tyler Anderson, and Drew Binning. The women on the Court consisted of Marissa Hernandez, Sophia Peppers, Hannah Capps, Lindi Pojar, Rachel Barkema, and Betsy Ridout. 

In the end, Hinders was chosen to be the first every Morningside University Homecoming King and Hernandez as the first-ever Queen.

“It was such an honor to elected King,” said Hinders. “I never really thought it would happen, to be honest.”

After hundreds of pictures were taken and hugs were given, it was time for the lip sync battle.  

Five groups participated in the contest, which was judged by President John Reynders, his wife Robin, Dr. David Elder, Wendy Wilde, and Shari Benson. 

The winning group was comprised of Ridge Hoffman, James Evans, Brian Nathaniel, Bess Telfer, Kirstin Verplanke, and Zach Craig. The group sang “Summer Nights” from Grease. 

“I think everything had a fun time dancing and acting. I know I did,” Hoffman said, who was responsible for getting the group together.

On Friday night, magician/mentalist West Mathison entertained students with his tricks in Eppley Auditorium.

“I really like going to watch magicians, and Mathison didn’t disappoint,” said Freeman.

After the conclusion of a long and busy week, Hannasch had some thoughts about how MAC was able to grow. 

“The biggest things learned for MAC during homecoming week this year was to just roll with the punches. We aren’t going to know everything in advance and that’s okay. Our focus needs to not only be on the students having a good time but the MAC team as well.”