Part Two of Reflections on “What Makes Grove City College Home?”
By Julia Sikora ’26 · Contributing Writer
GCC
Flying candy in the parade, cheering from the stands at the football game and the sweet taste of caramel apples: these were always my first images of Homecoming Weekend as a student.
Coming back for Homecoming this year — now as an alum — has given me the opportunity to reflect on my favorite parts of the weekend through the lens of reconnecting and returning.
The day begins along the sidewalks of Broad Street, where there is no shortage of entertaining floats to watch. It is a chance to see the individuals who continue to pour into campus life and the new faces who have joined familiar groups — people who have dedicated themselves to Grove City in one way or another.
I am reminded of the spirit of campus life and how it shaped me. I grew through the friendships I formed with the people around me, and now I can witness that same growth in so many others.
Later in the afternoon, everyone gathers at Thorn Field for one thing: the Wolverines! It is such a blessing to see the team, the cheerleaders, the band and the spectators come together to support and celebrate Grove City. Events such as the football game on Homecoming Weekend provide an opportunity to see how easily we can share in the Grove City community.
As students, we showed our support through the time, effort and energy we poured into Grove City. As alumni, we can return and give back. No matter what year we graduate, we can still cheer for the same team. We can cheer for the school’s future, just as we cheered for it in the past.
Finally, we top off the day with caramel apples. For me, caramel apples are a staple of Homecoming Weekend, one that I remember vividly. As a member of SGA, it was always a scramble to order the apples, prepare the caramel and staff the booth before handing out the traditional treats.
It was a tradition that started long before my time and one we sought to continue. I would not trade that time for anything.
From the caramel apples came shared memories. Through the headaches and hardships, Grovers were there. They were there during the late nights dipping caramel apples. They were there receiving a classic fall treat. Grovers come back. Traditions continue. While the caramel may now be served in cups rather than coating a full apple on a stick, the heart of the tradition is still there.
We take the heart of Grove City with us, long after we leave the caramel apple stand and Grove City itself. Our experiences at Grove City College, both good and bad, connect us with an entire network of people —and that is what is truly sweet about Homecoming.
This weekend, I am reminded of a place that I once called “home.” I can look at the buildings, MAP, SAC and HAL, but they do not mean much on their own. They became something more when I was learning, eating weekly meals and staying up studying in those places.
They were filled with memories — shared memories with others. When we return to those places together, the memories become real again. I am so blessed that Grove City becomes home again when it is filled with the people who made it so special. I am excited to reconnect and return to the community that shaped me.
Though I have new routines and new faces that I see every day, I can still pour into others from afar, pray for them and, as Paul wrote to the Colossians, seek the things that are above together.
As alumni return to their alma mater, we remember that while we may be far removed from the towers and campus, the spirit of Grove City College life continues to dwell within us.
