Homecoming traditions arrive at Troy

Homecoming has always been a major event for Troy students and community members. With Homecoming 2025 just around the corner, students and alumni alike are reflecting on their favorite Homecoming traditions that they’ve been a part of at Troy. 

“Homecoming is truly one of the most special times at Troy,” said Caleb Smith, a senior risk management and insurance major from Gadsden, Alabama, as well as the Student Government Association president. “It’s a week full of events where students, faculty and alumni come together to celebrate the school we love and have some fun!” 

Some Homecoming traditions at Troy include the dance, quarter wars and Chalk the Quad.  

Another major Homecoming tradition is the Homecoming parade that happens every year on the Saturday of Homecoming week. This year will be the 72nd annual Homecoming parade for Troy.  

Organizations from the university as well as the community come together to create floats and form a parade on the day of the big game.  

“My favorite Homecoming tradition is the Homecoming parade because it brings the entire Troy community together in one place to celebrate school spirit,” said Sarah Morgan, a senior cybersecurity major from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and a Homecoming director. “I love seeing the creativity of each float and how every organization showcases their Trojan pride.” 

Markcus Cooper, a junior global business major from Bainbridge, Georgia, and a Homecoming director, also enjoys the parade. “We are able to showcase all the work that has went into the week, celebrate the student body and alumni, and also encourage community involvement in a town that most of us have not previously called home,” Cooper said.  

Smith followed up with a similar statement. 

“It's an engaging event that brings together both students and Troy community members for a time of celebration,” Smith said. “It’s always a lot of fun!” 

However, it is not just current Troy students that participate in the Homecoming festivities. Alumni also enjoy Homecoming traditions, both then and now. 

“We did all the [traditions] you guys have now,” said Troy alumnus Gus McKenzie, senior director of enrollment services, as well as former SGA president in 2018. “You’ve got dance, the parade and Homecoming Queen was really special for me as SGA president. 

“Seeing all the alums come to town is cool, and now being an alum, it’s my friends coming back, and it’s really special.”  

McKenzie’s favorite tradition was the dance.  

“I was a goofy ATO, and I did all the dances all four years,” McKenzie said. “I remember all those nights at the fraternity house practicing.  

“There’s still lots of fun inside jokes from those nights.” 

One thing McKenzie pointed out is that Homecoming King is a fairly new tradition at Troy. In fact, Homecoming Kings only started to be crowned in 2021 with Braxton Daniels of Greenville, Alabama. 

  “I think it’s really cool now that they have a Homecoming King,” McKenzie said. “There were only females awarded back when I was in school.  

“Now, I think it’s cool for the men to have an opportunity to be recognized as well. I’ve seen the joy that it brings the male students that are seeking it out and having that experience.” 

According to Smith, Homecoming is special because it brings Trojans back home. 

 “Our traditions build a sense of camaraderie amongst the student body, and it allows Trojans one and all to reconnect and come back to the place that means so much to all of us,” Smith said. 

Those interested in staying updated about Homecoming events for this year can follow @troyuhomecoming on Instagram.