In a society where digital communication is said to be overriding face-to-face interactions, learning to cultivate a sense of community within a college campus can become challenging.
Though Hey Day has long been an Auburn tradition dating back to World War II, it has come to be just as important if not more important than it was back then.
The tradition involves students wearing nametags throughout the day and greeting one another by name with a "hey."
And on Wednesday, Oct. 1, Auburn's SGA brought the 2014 Hey Day to life with free breakfast and lunch throughout the day as well as entertainment such as Tiger Paws, AUCapella and Aubie. Special guests such as Miss Auburn, the Auburn eagles and a baby tiger.
Jessica Price, sophomore in rehabilitation and disability studies and executive director of Hey Day, said this year's Hey Day theme was "Hey Day in Every Way," which she believes genuinely expresses the meaning of the event.
"This day is about everyone on Auburn's campus, no matter what you're favorite way to say hey is," Price said. "Whether that's 'hi,' 'war eagle,' 'how are you,' or 'hello' in a different language, you are an integral part of Hey Day, and therefore an integral part of the Auburn Family.
For students who have been at the university for longer, Hey Day seems more like an established tradition. Dominick Jattuso, senior in media studies, admitted that he doesn't know the real purpose of Hey Day other than to say "hey" to others. "It's almost forced," Jattuso said.
Yet for others newer to campus, Hey Day is an enjoyable interactive experience. Amanda Murphy, freshman in political science, said her first Hey Day experience began positively in the morning with free food and friendly hellos. "It's fun," she commented. "It feels like the whole Auburn Family idea is actually coming to life."
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