In 2013, President White shared with us that only 13% of Millikin alumni donate to the school. For students, it’s no mystery why, but if students aren’t interested in finically assisting their alma mater, are interested in returning?

Homecoming week is tradition for just about all schools, all over the country. Millikin hosts several events that seem to truly embody what homecoming is here, including the talent show, the powder puff game, and the homecoming football game. Current seniors may skip some of these events, but how inspired are they to return to Millikin and participate in the future.

“I’m not really planning on coming back. Definitely not in the few years after I graduate unless I’m already around. Maybe in the way off future, but not in like, three years after I graduate.” Olivia Waszczuk, a senior Public Health major, said.

This year was Millikin’s 100^th homecoming, although some students weren’t even aware of the special anniversary.

“I didn’t know it was the 100^th, I don’t think I saw anything that was promoting that.” Taylor Dixon, a senior Nursing major, said, “I’m not really planning on attending homecoming in the future, I didn’t really go to much this year, and it’s my senior year. Homecoming isn’t really the kind of thing I get excited about. Maybe in five or ten years I’ll be more interested in returning, but I doubt I’ll be coming back right away.”

The answers from other seniors were all very similar.

“I think it just depends on where I’m at. If I got to grad school, or get a job right away. It also depends on where I’m living and how much free time I have. I’d like to think I’ll come back in the future for homecoming, but it just depends.” Natalie Wolfe said.

“Probably not, honestly, I’m pretty focused on going to Med. School right now, I don’t see myself coming back for homecoming when I’m going to be spending the next several years studying to become a doctor.” Justin Beck said.

Over all it seems like seniors aren’t very excited about the tradition, regardless of any special anniversary it may also be. Perhaps it’s just that seniors are burnt out, or maybe Millikin does a poor job of engaging them in what should be a fun and special week. Either way, it has become clear that the senior class of Millikin has little desire to return to their alma mater in the upcoming years, even as Millikin prepares to spends millions of dollars on renovations. If senior students aren’t interested in homecoming events while their students, it seems unlikely that they will be interested when they’re Millikin graduates.