Majors: Political science, history
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Most of us think of homecoming as a single, fun-filled week in October. For Chrissy and the other students and staff on the homecoming committee, it's a year-round project.
"Planning for next homecoming starts pretty much right after homecoming week ends," explains Chrissy, who serves as the Homecoming Events Coordinator for Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN) and is wrapping up her second straight year on the homecoming committee.
Chrissy's role is to serve on two separate homecoming committees — the faculty and staff-led homecoming committee and the student-led steering committee — as the mouthpiece for students, making sure their ideas and concerns are heard as well as questions answered.
"Homecoming can be really, really confusing," admits Chrissy, "so I love being able to answer students' questions, help them figure out how to get involved and make the process less intimidating."
Aside from answering questions ("There are no dumb questions," she promises), Chrissy works to make sure that all Husker students across campus feel included in homecoming, bringing feedback to faculty and staff committees while also educating students on ways they can participate in homecoming festivities.
"Homecoming has a reputation that only Greek life gets involved," she says. "There are tons of ways for people to participate, from participating in the cornhole competition and Showtime to getting involved through your residence hall or RSO. We really just want to reach all students and let them know that homecoming is for you and the entire university."
Bringing as many students as possible into the fold of homecoming is what brought Chrissy back for a second year on the planning committee. She sees homecoming week as an opportunity for all of us to step back and appreciate everything our university has to offer.
"For me, homecoming is all about celebrating what makes Nebraska special," she states. "UNL has done so much for me and for people across our state. And, obviously, I love going to school here or else I wouldn't be doing all this."
