I'm a graduate student now, but I did my undergrad here too, so I've seen this campus through seven years of my life. And what you experienced—that spontaneous burst of community—is the throughline of everything Alcorn does.
Let me paint you a fuller picture:
The energy peaks during Homecoming. Last year's "College Hill: Brave Edition" had everything—Comedy Show, Spirit Jam, Step Show, Battle of the DJs, the Inauguration of Dr. Cook, and a Food Truck Festival with over 15 vendors . The campus was electric for a full week. Alumni came back from everywhere. Current students ran on pure adrenaline.
The traditions run deep. The Coronation of Mister and Miss Alcorn is elegant and emotional—watching Jhada Wade dance with her father after being crowned by the president himself? I sobbed . And "Brave Beginnings" orientation sets the tone, welcoming new students like they're already family .
The daily life is warm. The dorms aren't fancy, but the communities inside them are real. Residence Life hosts activities that actually make you want to show up . The Student Engagement office works one-on-one to match you with organizations that fit your passions . My professor in Plant and Soil Sciences, Dr. Panicker, still remembers my name years after I took his class .
The challenges are real too—it's rural, you need a car, the nearest Walmart is 45 minutes away, and campus can feel empty on weekends . But that's also when the real connections happen. Small groups finding each other. Peaceful walks. Deep conversations.
Your drum circle wasn't an accident. It was Alcorn doing what Alcorn does best: turning ordinary moments into belonging. Welcome home.
