Column by Amy Rogan

Assistant Professor of Media and Communication & Adviser to The Pulse

rogan@findlay.edu

I have to say, as a student at the University of Findlay a few–uh-hem–decades ago, I do not remember Homecoming Weekend as quite the extravaganza it is now.

There was a football game and sometimes an off-campus dance. Then we might hit the local dance spot, Brandy’s, over by what is now the Dairy Queen on West Main Cross Street.

Sure, we were full of Oiler spirit, with our orange and black gear. Full of cheer for the football team lead by legendary coach Dick Strahm. But I do not remember four days packed full of fun activities like it is today.

There was no bonfire on Thursday night to kick off the weekend. This year, students went to DeHaven Soccer Stadium from 7:30 to 10 p.m. for Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun with a DJ and the Revive Worship Band. AND free t-shirts.

Friday night’s Oiler Palooza would have only been a dream back then. A Battle of the Bands on the Lawn of the Center for Student Life and the College of Business (CBSL) Building along with games and inflatables as well as a fireworks finale is such a festive way to recognize the weekend.

The Saturday morning Alumni Awards Breakfast does hold special meaning for me. Eight years after I graduated, I came back for that event to receive the Old Main Award. I was stunned and honored. I’m still honored to be in the company of some highly successful and accomplished recipients. 

I also remember I was able to choose whoever I wanted to present the award to me. I chose my dad. He’s gone now, but it makes me smile to remember that morning with him and my mom, as well as my husband and two small children at the time. 

One of those “small” children grew up to be an Oiler herself. She has three little ones of her own and they will face some hard-core lobbying from Grandma to become Oilers when the time comes. 

The 1995 NAIA National Championship Team will be honored Saturday at the Tailgate Bash starting at noon at Donnell Stadium. 

My husband has special memories of playing football, with the opportunity to learn from Coach Strahm and make life-long friends on the field and in the classroom. Our son-in-law also played football for the Oilers. I remember watching him score on a 95-yard-kick return. He caught the ball with his toes dangerously close to the out-of-bounds line, but he teetered on the line, then “took it to the house” for a memorable TD.

Like many other alumni, my daughter and her husband moved on to the next phase of life after graduation: career, marriage, kids, homeownership, travel, etc. But they will always have that connection–the connection that brings them home to a small town in Northwest Ohio where tradition grows from a game and a dance to a four-day festival of fun. 

Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me. Now go have some fun and…Go Oilers!