The return of Homecoming activities is being welcomed with open arms after being postponed last year. Beginning Friday, Sept. 24, students are invited to enjoy an abundance of activities planned up until the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 2. Themed ““The Roaring ’20s,”” a lineup of events, including physical activities to countless dinners with distinguished alumni, UTEP has planned much to make up for lost time. 

The Student Government Association has continued to work tirelessly to exceed expectations from previous years. After finally returning to campus, the urge to create an outstanding production has never been higher, beginning with the UTEP Homecoming Pageant. 

“The Student Government Association has long awaited the moment to finally be able to execute a large-scale in-person event.” said Senator-at-Large Joseline Avila, who is a director of the pageant. “For that reason, UTEP students can expect a well-executed and exciting Homecoming Pageant filled with entertainment and participants that are equally as enthusiastic to be back on campus.” 

With high hopes, SGA aims to bring Miner pride back into the Magoffin Auditorium, where the pageant will take place 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24. 

“We are sure that the presence alone of students will fill the Magoffin Auditorium with vibrancy,” Avila said. “We simply expect students to show up to cheer on their fellow Miners and enjoy this memorable college experience.”’ 

For fellow SGA Senator-at-Large and a director of pageant Iberty Trevino, the pageant is not the only scheduled event she plans to attend. 

At events such as the Miner Mixer, scheduled from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, Trevino invites all students to mingle with others to network and get to know fellow Miners. 

“UTEP has a number of events lined up in celebration of our annual homecoming week. I encourage students, especially if you’re new to campus, to attend many as possible, I know I will,” said Trevino. “I am excited to go to the Miner Mixer planned.” 

Adding to the lineup, the traditional Homecoming game is set to take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, against Old Dominion at the Sun bowl stadium. 

“After the pageant, I am ecstatic to attend the homecoming game against Old Dominion,” said Trevino. “This will also be a great opportunity to hang out with friends as well as meet our fellow classmates. Most importantly, [to] show our UTEP spirit and support for our team.” 

Returning to sports events has come in full swing; the Homecoming game always brings people from across the Miner community together. For UTEP Junior Kitzia Macias, attending her first Homecoming game is something she has been most excited for. 

“Since starting the semester I’ve wanted to go to a game, so having the Homecoming game be the first one I go to is exciting,” Macias said. “I’m really excited to see the marching band, flags, dance team and cheerleaders hype up the crowd and get everyone going throughout the game,” Macias said.  

Along with eager fans, UTEP Sophomore and dance team member Briana Carranco has long awaited to perform in front of the Homecoming Game crowd. 

“The dance team and I have been working hard to prepare for the game and performance,” said Carranco. “I’m excited for everyone to see what the UTEP Dance Team is all about.” 

With excitement being felt across the board, students are encouraged to take part in all the activities planned during Homecoming week.  

“The [Homecoming] events contribute to the college experience and through these experiences, it allows students to make new friends and get out of their comfort zones because you will never know whom you will meet, let alone the amount of fun they will receive these upcoming days.” said Trevino. 

Itzel Giron may be reached at [email protected] and @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.