Homecoming is no doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated weeks in the history of college festivities. With a lineup of concerts, poetry nights, stepshows and comedy shows, parties and after-parties, and, of course, the game-(a staple in PV tradition) indeed, there is an irrefutable buzz of activity on the Hill during Homecoming. However, more than a week of fun-filled events, Homecoming is a celebration of school spirit that visitors, alumni and celebrities come to take part in along with the rest of the school. For alumni, in particular, it has been the university’s way of saying “welcome back.”
For some students, the presence of alumni has been at the core of a different meaning-a Homecoming “myth,” if you will. Simply put, it is an unfortunate view that some male alumni prey on younger PV females during Homecoming.
“It was my freshman year in 2003,” explains LaToya Williams, a chemistry junior. “I went to a fraternity party during homecoming week with my friend. All the ‘old heads’ were there. An older guy stopped us and began to hit on us when another guy was like, he’s grown and what happens here, stays between us at PV. He was like, ‘I’m just in the town for the weekend.’ I told him that I didn’t get down like that. We didn’t have a confrontation, but I did tell him that I felt disrespected, and that he was too old to be messing with these younger females.”
“I believe the male alumni probably do come down for the females and to have a good time,” said Ashley Conley, a junior education major.
“Yeah, I do believe some of them are just looking to get laid,” said political science senior Kelaine Carabello.
Alpha Phi Omega member Terry Cosey said, “Alumni come here for many different reasons. Most come down for the fraternity and to have fun at their old school. A lot of parties are going on. If something happens, something happens. What happens in PV, stays in PV.”
This “myth,” however, is not held by all. Omega Psi Phi member Zach Haynes and K. Harvey, member of Phi Beta Sigma shared their sentiments. “No, I don’t believe they come down here just for sex.Yeah, they want to have a good time, but most come down to meet up with their line brothers, and members of other organizations,” said Haynes.
“No, I’ve never heard of that myth. Most alumni come down for tailgating, the game and for their fraternities,” explained Harvey.
Myth, “schmyth.” Tomato, “tomatoe.” Regardless of what most concur to be true or not, the responsibility undoubtedly lies with the females. College is an arena set for social interaction between men and women; Homecoming does not exclude that likelihood. Realistically, throughout history, older men in particular have always sought after and been attracted to younger women. So what else is new?