When it comes to homecoming, Virginia Tech knows how to deliver. From spirit rallies hosted by the Student Alumni Association to the election of homecoming king and queen, the whole student body comes together to participate in one of Tech’s proudest traditions. But, how does the university go about bringing together all of Hokie Nation? Public Relations. The website made specifically for homecoming, www.vthomecoming.org.vt.edu, is the central hub for all things homecoming happening on our campus. On the website, you can find schedules, updates, tailgating information, and even information about the homecoming board itself. At a university defined by an overwhelming amount of school spirit, it’s only right that we have a homecoming that lives up to that standard. The challenge presented to the homecoming board is to generate interest and excitement within the student body, essentially getting all 36,000 hokies amped up for the big homecoming game. They did just that through the use of social media outlets, email blasts, marketing throughout campus, and of course, the spirit rally. These tactics are all forms of Public Relations, maintaining a two-way communication between the university and the student body in regards to homecoming festivities. Virginia Tech wants to create engagement between the students and the university, generating attendance at their planned homecoming events. For example, the Juicy J concert hosted by the Virginia Tech Union and the Black Student Alliance used Public Relations to get the word out about the concert. Facebook and Twitter were blowing up with excitement over the concert, creating buzz in the social media realm surrounding Virginia Tech. This was a great example of how the university created and maintained a two-way communication between the student body and themselves. The outcome of course, being students had a blast at the concert and were excited for the remainder of the week’s homecoming activities. Overall, homecoming was deemed a success. From all levels whether administration or students, the university was united by our overwhelming amount of school pride and Hokie spirit. Not to mention, we won our homecoming game! Whether people realized it or not, Public Relations facilitated the week’s events, uniting us hokies through a common theme: our love of Virginia Tech. Until next year’s homecoming! Edited by Katharina Elberti, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2014-2015
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